Celebrating Nigeria’s independence across New Zealand: My three city experience

You know that feeling when your heart is in two places at once? That was me, celebrating Nigeria’s Independence all the way in New Zealand.

This year, I had the honour of celebrating Nigeria’s Independence not once, not twice, but three times – in Auckland, Palmerston North, and Hamilton. Each city brought its own energy, story, and reminder that no matter where we are, Nigerians know how to celebrate home.

Auckland: The heartbeat of it all

Auckland was where it all began, and for me, it was more than just showing up, it was being part of the action.

As the social secretary and planning committee lead, I was deeply involved in setup, coordinating activities and games, and making sure everything flowed smoothly. It was fast paced and full of last minute adjustments, but watching the celebration come to life made it all worth it.

Even though I barely had time to film, being behind the scenes gave me a fresh appreciation for how much effort and teamwork go into events like these. Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces made every bit of the work worthwhile.

Palmerston North: Culture, community, and calm

Next stop – Palmerston North – with a more relaxed pace but the same heartbeat of community.

I was again part of the planning committee, helping with setup and coordination, assisting with food prep, and supporting the cultural dance we performed. The vibe was warm, joyful, and beautifully nostalgic – a day filled with laughter, music, and connection.

Because things were a little less hectic, I finally had time to capture some behind-the-scenes clips and record the vlog. From the food to the dance to the shared laughter, it was a beautiful reminder that our culture thrives wherever we gather.

Hamilton: The spontaneous adventure

Hamilton was completely spontaneous and easily one of my favourite parts of the entire experience.

I was in Auckland for the final LCH session when my friend said, “You’re here, it’s Saturday, and Naijakiwi Hamilton is celebrating. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” And that was it – an impromptu road trip was born.

One hour and thirty eight minutes later, we were on the road, music up, spirit high, ready for another celebration. I thought I wouldn’t know many people apart from my friends turned family – Biola, Inem, and a few others – but I was pleasantly surprised. I ran into fellow Naijakiwi content creators like The Loaded Man and Temi, and it felt like one big reunion filled with laughter, pride, and familiar faces.

The Hamilton event had its own vibe – laid back, genuine, and filled with that unmistakable Naija energy that connects us all no matter where we are.

Reflection: One Nation, Many Celebrations

Attending three Nigerian Independence Day celebrations across New Zealand in one year reminded me of something powerful – that home isn’t just where you were born, but where your people are.

From the buzzing intensity of Auckland to the cultural warmth of Palmerston North and the spontaneous joy of Hamilton, each celebration showed me the strength and pride of Nigerians in the diaspora. We bring our colour, our rhythm, and our jollof wherever we go.

I hope that one day we’ll get to a point where this celebration rotates between cities. One year Auckland, the next Hamilton. Wellington and Palmerston North are already trialling the idea, but imagine taking it to a national scale. Each year, the location for the next Independence Day celebration could be announced in advance, just like the FIFA World Cup. It would build anticipation and give people something to look forward to. For many, it could be their only opportunity to travel outside their suburb. Done right, it would be magical. But it will also require a strong sense of communal spirit – a level we are still growing into as a community.

If you enjoyed this story, watch the full vlog on my YouTube channel The Sassy Engineer to see it all come to life – from planning chaos to spontaneous road trips and cultural moments that made my heart full.

And tell me in the comments – which city’s celebration would you have joined first? 💚🇳🇬