Source: The New Zealand Herald

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3605888&msg=emaillink

On November 1, 2004 The New Zealand Herald reported, "Thousands of people from many cultures helped Auckland's Indian community celebrate Diwali yesterday in the Town Hall and outside on Queen St. A constant stream of people moved from the Town Hall, where music, dance, art and a fashion show provided most of the entertainment, to Queen St where a stage was set up for a Bollywood dance competition. Outside there were numerous food stalls. But revellers did not stay long in one place. The path into the Town Hall was just as busy. The celebration, also know as the Festival of Lights signifying a renewal of life, was put on through a partnership between the Auckland City Council and the Asia 2000 Foundation. Organisers said more than 40,000 people attended last year's event and hoped for 60,000 by the end of the celebrations last night."