Siblings Dinesh and Neha Sharma are the new cooks in town.

The pair, both in their mid 30s, have three year work visas to work at Curry Culture Kitchen and Bar in Alexandra (formerly Ashoka Restaurant). 

They have both left their partners and children behind in India for now; their families plan to join them soon.

Neha has a seven-year-old daughter and Dinesh two children, a son who is five, and an 18-month-old daughter.

“We really miss our family,” Neha said. 

The Central App asked them what the biggest challenge was with the move.

After contending with a second language (English) and the radically different weather, Neha said they are finding the cost of living expensive, especially rent and groceries.

“We are looking hard for a house… for a two bedroom it is around $550-$600 per week.”

They haven’t found a rental yet but would like to rent close to work.

Neha said food prices were high compared to what they were used to. 

She said a single mango here costs $3, and back home in India she would get 12 mangos for that price.

Her mum’s cooking and the huge variety of vegetables available in India were other things she missed. 

Dinesh, who has been here one month, said his English was getting better everyday.

“I love the nature here, and having the mountains.

“People are friendly and talkative… but after 5pm it is very quiet and [there is no] nightlife.” 

The pair are looking to buy a car and said having no public transport is another challenge.

Central Otago REAP ESOL teacher Heather Harries, who tutors the Sharmas, said one thing residents can do to help newcomers is to slow their speech down. 

In the 2018 census there were 239,200 people who identified with the Indian ethnic group in New Zealand.

In Otago the Indian ethnic group made up 1.5 per cent of the population at that time. 

The Central App champions the locals and those that contribute to make Central a vibrant diverse place. 

Do you know an individual or group with a newcomer story to tell? Get in touch: [email protected]