A Sikh religious procession in New Zealand was disrupted once again after a group of protesters confronted participants with slogans and a haka performance, raising concerns within the Sikh community about repeated interference in their religious events. Videos circulating on social media showed individuals chanting “This is New Zealand, not India” while performing the traditional Maori haka in a confrontational manner.
The incident took place in Tauranga, where the Nagar Kirtan began around 11 am (local time) from the Gurdwara Sikh Sangat Temple and moved toward Tauranga Boys’ College via Cameron Road. Despite the disruption, Sikh participants continued their march peacefully, with some attempting to engage verbally with the protesters.
Security Heightened After Previous Incident
Local authorities had increased security in anticipation of possible trouble, following a similar protest that disrupted a Sikh procession in Auckland last month. However, despite these arrangements, members of a group associated with Pentecostal preacher Brian Tamaki and his Destiny Church attempted to interrupt the event.
The protesters objected to what they described as the importation of overseas political issues into New Zealand, claiming the procession carried political messaging.
Protesters Claim ‘Peaceful Defiance’
Videos later shared by the protesters online framed the confrontation as a peaceful act. One caption read: “Today in Tauranga, our True Patriots answered the Sikh Parade with a haka… not violence, not silence, but peaceful defiance. Our chant rang out across our streets: ‘Whose streets? OUR streets. Whose streets? KIWI streets.’”
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Sikh Leaders Condemn Disruption
The incident has deeply disappointed the Sikh community, particularly as it marked the second such confrontation in recent weeks. Harjinder Singh Dhami, president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), strongly condemned the disruption.
“Viewing the religious traditions of the Sikh community, which has always made an exemplary contribution to strengthening global brotherhood, with a hateful mindset is completely unacceptable,” Dhami said.
‘A Challenge To Social Harmony’
Dhami stressed that Nagar Kirtan is a sacred Sikh religious tradition and that opposing it amounts to a challenge to social harmony and peaceful coexistence. He noted that Sikhs worldwide have consistently respected local laws and cultures.
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