ANZ New Zealand CEO Antonia Watson presented Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon with ANZ's "Two Homes" cricket shirts at the Kia Ora Modi community event in Auckland on Saturday, as thousands gathered to welcome Mr Modi during his historic visit to New Zealand.
The shirts were presented as a symbol of the close connections many members of New Zealand's Indian community share with both countries.
The number 100 on the back of the shirts recognises the India-New Zealand "100 Years of Unity through Sport" programme, which celebrates a century of sporting connections between the two countries.
The milestone dates back to 1926, when an Indian hockey team toured New Zealand for the first time, beginning a sporting relationship that has since grown through cricket, hockey, rugby and many other exchanges between athletes, teams and communities.
Antonia Watson said the visit was a significant moment in the relationship between India and New Zealand.
"India and New Zealand are building a relationship that is stronger, deeper and more ambitious than ever before. It was a privilege to meet Prime Minister Modi and acknowledge that momentum.
"Many Kiwi Indians talk about having two homes - a deep love for India and a deep commitment to New Zealand. That's exactly what this shirt represents, and why it felt like such an appropriate gift during this historic visit.
"The Indian community has helped shape modern New Zealand and makes an enormous contribution to our economy, our culture and our communities.
"Cricket has a unique ability to bring people together. Presenting Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Luxon with the shirts was a chance to celebrate the friendships, shared values and connections that exist between our two countries.
"At ANZ, we're proud to support customers, businesses and communities that help strengthen the ties between India and New Zealand, and we're excited about the opportunities ahead."
The "Two Homes" shirt was developed by ANZ to recognise the many New Zealanders who proudly maintain strong connections to both India and New Zealand through family, culture, business and community.
As New Zealand and India continue to deepen their relationship, ANZ remains committed to supporting customers and communities that contribute to stronger people-to-people links and greater economic connection between the two countries.
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