Sikh Nagar Kirtan in New Zealand Disrupted Again by Haka Protest, ‘This Is Not India’ Slogans Raised

For the second time in less than three weeks, a Sikh religious procession in New Zealand was confronted by right-wing protesters, triggering concern among Sikh organisations and community leaders.

The incident occurred on Sunday in Tauranga, where members of the Sikh community were carrying out a Nagar Kirtan, a sacred religious procession, to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh. The procession began from the Gurdwara Sikh Sangat temple and moved through Cameron Road towards Tauranga Boys’ College.

Haka protest and slogans

Despite heightened security arrangements by local police, a group associated with Pentecostal leader Brian Tamaki and his Destiny Church attempted to disrupt the event.

The protesters performed a traditional Māori haka dance in front of the procession and displayed banners reading, “This is New Zealand, not India.” Videos of the protest were later shared online by Tamaki, accompanied by captions such as “Whose streets? Kiwi streets.”

Authorities said the procession concluded peacefully due to coordination between police and Sikh volunteers, and no major untoward incident was reported.

Repeat of Auckland incident

The disruption follows a similar confrontation nearly three weeks ago in Auckland, where another Nagar Kirtan was opposed during an event commemorating the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh. That episode had sparked strong reactions from Sikh bodies and political leaders in India. 

SGPC condemns incident

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) expressed deep concern over the repeated targeting of Sikh religious events. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami strongly condemned the opposition, calling it an attack on religious freedom and social harmony.

“Nagar Kirtan is a sacred Sikh tradition carried out peacefully across the world. Viewing it with hostility reflects intolerance and challenges the spirit of coexistence,” Dhami said. He urged both the New Zealand and Indian governments to take serious note and ensure accountability.

Community concern

Sikh leaders reiterated that Sikh communities worldwide have consistently respected local laws and cultures and have coexisted peacefully with host societies. They warned that repeated disruptions of religious practices risk straining social harmony in multicultural democracies.