Kanarese in New Zealand

People Name:	Kanarese
Country:	New Zealand
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	1,600
World Population:	86,600
Primary Language:	Kannada
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	3.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Kanarese is another term for the Kannada language of India's southern state of Karnataka. It is a Dravidian language, meaning that it is one of the older languages from the original inhabitants of the subcontinent. There are traces of ancient versions of this language in southern India dating back 2400 years.

Where Are they Located?

Most South Asians in New Zealand are making a good living in urban centers like Christchurch and Auckland.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Kanarese speakers blend in well with other South Asians who have migrated to New Zealand. With the exception of those who speak Bengali or Gujarati, South Asians tend to come together as one group. However, Kanarese speakers do have their own association founded in 1994. This New Zealand Kannada association is intended to preserve the language, culture and religion of Karnataka for those who have migrated to New Zealand.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of the migrants from Karnataka state adhere to Hinduism. A few of them embrace Islam or Christianity.

What Are Their Needs?

The South Asians in New Zealand need a spiritual hunger that will give them incentive to find the abundant life only Jesus Christ offers.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual hunger to come to the Kanerese and other South Asian Hindu people groups in New Zealand.
Pray for believers to lovingly reach out to the Kanerese in New Zealand.
Pray for a Disciple-Making movement to flourish among them.