Showrooms expected to open in Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch
Photograph above: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Malabar Gold and Diamonds Far East and Oceania Head Ajith Murali, with (from left Kasim Backer, Manu Lambai, National MP Carlos Cheung, and Premthilag Jayathilagan at the Botany Town Centre Showroom on March 6, 2026 (Photo Supplied)
Venkat Raman
Auckland, March 15, 2026
Malabar Gold and Diamonds, which entered the New Zealand market with the opening of a Showroom in Botany Town Centre, Auckland, last year, is considering expansion plans, the Company’s Regional Head (Far East and Oceania) Ajith Murali said.
Speaking at a reception accorded to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the Showroom on March 6, 2026, he said, “It is heartening that we have had an enthusiastic response to the first Showroom, which opened at the Botany Town Centre on October 5, 2026. The growing demand for our gold and diamond jewellery, we are considering plans to open branches in other cities around New Zealand,” he said.
Gold from the Bullion Market
Mr Murali said that the company sources its gold from the bullion market and hence ensures purity, market stability and uninterrupted supply.
According to sources, the company operates its own cutting-edge refinery in Hyderabad, India, which has a production capacity of 200 kgs per day. This facility refines raw gold into high-purity products, adhering to London Bullion Market Association quality standards.
Mr Murali later told Indian Newslink that Malabar Gold and Diamonds will open its Showrooms in Hamilton and other cities, possibly Wellington and Christchurch.
He was in New Zealand to welcome Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the Auckland Showroom on March 6, 2026.
“The visit of the Prime Minister marks a key moment in the brand’s presence in the country, reflecting its growing connection with New Zealand’s dynamic retail environment,” he said.
Among the other officials who received Mr Luxon were Auckland Showroom Branch Manager Manu Lambai.
Models at the Malabar Gold and Diamonds Botany Town Centre Showroom on March 6, 2026 (INL Photo)
Business-friendly Policies
Mr Luxon said that the inaugural presence of Malabar Gold and Diamonds was a direct result of the New Zealand-UAE Free Trade Agreement signed in Abu Dhabi on January 14, 2025.
“The Agreement has helped create a more open and supportive trade environment for businesses looking to expand and invest in the country. We are happy that Malabar Gold and Diamonds entered the New Zealand market as a symbol of strengthening the bilateral economic ties. Malabar Gold and Diamonds is one of the world’s great brands that I have seen during my visits to various countries around the world. We deeply appreciate its decision to establish operations in New Zealand and see it as a measure of growing confidence in the local market,” he said.
Praising the Company’s commercial discipline, customer focus and strong organisational culture, Mr Luxon said that the ability of Malabar Gold and Diamonds to understand what customers want, respond to their needs and build a cohesive team has been central to its global success.
Gold from the bullion market assures purity and reliability: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Malabar Gold and Diamonds Far East and Oceania Head Ajith Murali with guests and officials at the Botany Town Centre Showroom on March 6, 2026 (Photo Supplied)
The Reputation of Malabar
“I am happy to acknowledge the reputation of Malabar Gold and Diamonds as a responsible corporate citizen. I am also happy to acknowledge its contribution to communities and commitment to ethical business practices, which align with the values that New Zealanders hold in high regard. I encourage the staff here to take pride in being part of a rapidly growing international brand. Malabar Gold and Diamonds’ rise has not been easy, and its achievements reflect the dedication of frontline employees and the wider international team.
Later, in a statement, Malabar Group Chairman M P Ahammed said that he was deeply honoured by Mr Luxon’s visit to the Auckland Showroom.
“New Zealand represents an important market for us, and your encouragement has given us more confidence to invest and expand our presence in New Zealand and contribute to the country in terms of employment, direct and indirect tax, as well as 5% of our profits for uplifting the society,” he said.
The Company’s Managing Director (International Operations), Shamlal Ahamed said that the forward-looking policies of New Zealand have encouraged businesses like the Malabar Group to confidently expand into New Zealand and contribute to the local economy and society.
Artistry Shows at Malabar Gold and Diamonds Showroom at Botany Towns Centre in Auckland depict exquisite jewellery (INL Photo)
Traditional Craftsmanship
As well as meeting the staff of the Malabar Group and examining a wide range of gold, diamond, precious and uncut jewellery, Mr Luxon opened an Artistry Show that displays exquisite jewellery.
Mr Lamba said the displays under Artistry will change constantly.
About Malabar Gold and Diamonds
Established in 1993, Malabar Gold and Diamonds is the world’s fifth-largest jewellery retailer, with more than 425 showrooms in 14 countries.
Mr Lambai said that the brand’s vertically integrated operations span bullion sourcing, jewellery design, manufacturing, wholesale and retail, supported by 15 manufacturing facilities globally.
“Beyond business growth, Malabar Gold & Diamonds places a strong emphasis on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives, allocating 5% of its profits every year in each country of operation towards social welfare activities. The key focus is on the areas of Health, Hunger Free World, Housing, Education, Women Empowerment & Environment,” he said.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon with Malabar Gold and Diamonds Auckland Manager Manu Lambai and staff at the Botany Town Centre Showroom on March 6, 2026 (Photo Supplied)
Mr Lambai said that under the Group’s Hunger Free World initiative, more than 115,000 meals are distributed daily across 119 locations, including three schools in Zambia.
“In India, the Group has established 1531 micro learning centres, enrolling more than 61,000 underprivileged children, many of whom transition into formal schooling. Additionally, the Malabar Group has awarded more than 128,000 scholarships to female students, supporting their academic journey and empowering the next generation of women leaders. The Company’s long-term goal is to ensure its global success benefits local communities,” he said.