The contributions of the Fiji's senior citizens were lauded in Auckland this week as Fiji Day and International Day for Elder People was celebrated.

The community came together for Fiji Day (October 10) throughout the country this week, coinciding with celebrations for the senior citizens.

In Auckland, Fiji's Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, was key guest at a function that celebrated Fiji Day and also the International Day for Elder People.

Vosarogo acknowledged the contributions of all that made Fiji's independence possible, including senior citizens and the Girmitiya forefathers that came from India as indentured labourers.

"Always in our minds we remember the toil, the hard work, the perseverance of those that have marched on together to get our independence so that we could become an independent country in the Pacific," Vosarogo told the senior citizens  at the Maungakiekie Golf Club in Mt Roskill.

"I am grateful to be among you today, you are also the seeds of the big tree that we all are part of back at home," he told the senior citizens present.

"And I thank you for your contribution to our home country," said Vosarogo, who was born in Savusavu, but grew up in Labasa.

"Today we celerate the international day for the older people, and I know that the coalition government back home emphasises the fact that we must not only remember them and celebrate them, but also listen to them because of the reservoir of wisdom that they have and would be able to guide us into the future."

Vosarogo stressed the importance of the various communities and their traditions and cultures that contributed towards a multiracial Fiji.

"We all know the tapestry of our Fijian community and our nation; it is rich, rich with different cultures, rich with different traditions, and definitely rich with different languages.

"Thank you very much to the organisers for inviting me here today."

The event, organised by the Auckland Fiji Indian Seniors Association, was held under the asupices of the Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand.

Foundation national president Krish Naidu emphasised the importance of the community working together to look after the welfare of the senior citizens.

"A lot of our seniors are facing hardship and health issues, we need to make sure these issues are not swept under the carpet, we will find ways to deal with it," Naidu said.

"It is through partnership and collective unity that we can propel our community forward."

He paid tribute to the contributions of the senior citizens, and thanked them with presentations of recognition medals and gift packs.

Naidu thanked Vosarogo, and the coalition Fijian government for allowing more visits to New Zealand to engage with the community.

Vosarogo was treated to entertainment by Jagdish Punja and Sapna, and also senior citizens who joined, followed by a delicious lunch.

The minister flew out to Wellington later in the day for more celebrations in the capital where High Commissioner, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, is based.