Christchurch
Canterbury's Desi Community Is Small but Growing Fast
Canterbury's Indian population grew by over 60% since the 2011 rebuild, making it the fastest growing desi community on the South Island.
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Christchurch's Indian community has been growing since the post earthquake rebuild attracted workers from across the world, including a significant number from South Asia. University of Canterbury and Lincoln University attract Indian students, and the IT and agricultural tech sectors retain them. The community is small but genuine, the kind of place where the Diwali event is organized by people who actually know your name.
The format from New York: real dates happen on stage, the audience votes, and a mixer wraps the night. Christchurch's post earthquake rebuild brought thousands of South Asian professionals to Canterbury, and the community that stayed deserves more than one Diwali event a year in Hagley Park.
The South Island doesn't get the cultural programming that Auckland does. For South Asian singles in Christchurch, the options are basically the apps, the university social scene, or hoping to meet someone at the Indian grocery store in Riccarton. This show creates the event that doesn't currently exist.
Christchurch has rebuilt itself as a creative, resilient city. The arts scene, the pop up culture, and the willingness to try new things make it receptive to a format like this. People here are open to showing up for something different.
Waitlist is open. Christchurch would be part of a New Zealand tour. or apply to be a contestant.
The rebuild brought Canterbury's desi community and no social layer
Christchurch's Indian community expanded through the post-earthquake rebuild, engineers, construction professionals and health workers, layered onto University of Canterbury's student base. The city rebuilt everything except a social scene for them: community events are family occasions, the nightlife is generalist and the nearest desi event of any kind is a flight to Auckland.
The South Island's first desi singles night is a genuine landmark, and landmark nights in isolated markets produce the most loyal scenes we have.
What a Garam Masala night in Christchurch looks like
A UC engineering postgrad and a Christchurch Hospital doctor who have never met, on stage, going on a first date while the South Island's entire desi scene shares one room with alpine air outside. Comedian hosts, live votes and a mixer in the rebuilt centre that the city can be proud of twice over.
to bring the show south, or apply to be a contestant and make South Island history.
No Christchurch dates are live yet. The show tours nationally and sells out every stop. Watch full episodes while we make our way to you!
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Questions About Christchurch Shows
When is Garam Masala Dating coming to Christchurch?
Christchurch would be part of a New Zealand tour with Auckland and Wellington. to get notified.
Is the community large enough for a full show?
Absolutely. Canterbury's South Asian community has grown significantly since the rebuild. Smaller rooms actually produce better energy and more genuine connections.
Can I apply to be a contestant on stage?
Yes. Use the apply link on this page to submit your application. Christchurch is part of our New Zealand tour and we are actively building a cast from Canterbury's South Asian community.
Is there Indian speed dating in Christchurch?
Canterbury's desi community grew through the rebuild and the universities, and its social calendar never grew with it. The South Island has never had a desi singles event. Firsts are our specialty.
Where do South Asian singles in Christchurch actually meet?
University of Canterbury circles, the hospital, the rebuild-era construction and engineering employers and Riccarton's community pockets. Small scene, big island, no events.
Would Dunedin and the South Island come up?
For the island's first desi night, the drive from Dunedin is five hours and people will make it. Otago's students have even fewer options and remarkable commitment.
From the Journal
Also coming to: Wellington , Auckland , Melbourne , Sydney , Fiji