NEW DELHI, Dec 22: A Sikh religious procession “Nagar Kirtan,” was briefly halted in South Auckland on Saturday after members of a far-right group blocked its route, prompting concerns over religious freedom and public order in New Zealand.
Despite the provocation, Sikh participants, including Nihangs, remained calm and did not respond to the aggression, the reports said. The incident occurred in Manurewa during an event organized by the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara.
Videos circulating online show members of a group calling itself the True Patriots of New Zealand, linked to Pentecostal leader Brian Tamaki and Destiny Church, standing along Great South Road and performing a traditional Māori Haka directly in front of the procession, preventing it from moving forward.
The Haka is a Māori cultural dance symbolizing pride, identity and unity, and has historically been used to demonstrate strength, intimidate opponents and boost morale before battle. The war dance drew global attention in November 2024 when two lawmakers performed it inside Parliament to protest a bill.
Footage shared on social media showed protesters holding banners reading “This is New Zealand, not India” and wearing shirts with slogans such as “Kiwis First” and “Keep New Zealand New Zealand.” Members of the group were also heard chanting religious phrases including “One True God” and “Jesus, Jesus.” Police were present throughout the standoff and positioned themselves between the two groups to prevent any escalation.
Organizers of the “nagar kirtan” said on social media that the procession had received official permission from local authorities and described the disruption as unexpected and deeply concerning.
Akal Takht’s Acting Jathedar, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, said in a video message, “The incident is unfortunate and concerning, especially given that Sikhs have been residing in New Zealand legally for many years. They have paid their taxes, adhered to the system, and contributed significantly to the country’s progress. The government of New Zealand should ensure their safety and take measures to prevent such incidents from occurring…”
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami also appealed to both the New Zealand and Indian governments to ensure a safe environment for Sikhs to practice their faith peacefully.
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal condemned the incident in a post on Kala’ and ‘Sarbat Da Bhala’.”
The incident also triggered racist commentary on social media. Kirk Lubimov, president at Testbed I Strategy and Capital Advisory, wrote from his verified
Racism and anti-immigrant sentiment have reportedly been rising in New Zealand, with this incident being the third such episode this year. In June, during a protest led by Brian Tamaki, demonstrators desecrated flags representing non-Christian religions, including Hindu, Islamic, Palestinian and Buddhist symbols. The flags were torn and stomped on, followed by Haka performances after each act. Tamaki has previously targeted immigrant communities, claiming that Sikhs “no longer employ Kiwis” and calling for a policy of “no immigration without assimilation.”
(Rohit Kumar)
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