Sikh Religious Procession Confronted by Haka Protest, Says ‘This Is Not India’, Watch

For the second time in just three weeks, a Sikh Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) in New Zealand was disrupted by a local right-wing religious group. The procession, held to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, took place on Sunday, January 11, in Tauranga, around 225 kilometres from Auckland.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from Sikh organisations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in Amritsar, which has expressed serious concern over the repeated targeting of peaceful Sikh gatherings in the country.

Protest in Tauranga Despite Police Security

According to reports, the Nagar Kirtan began at around 11 a.m. from the Gurdwara Sikh Sangat Temple and proceeded towards Tauranga Boys' College via Cameron Road. Local authorities had already increased security in anticipation of possible trouble after a similar protest disrupted another Sikh event in Auckland last month.

However, despite these arrangements, members of a group associated with Pentecostal preacher Brian Tamaki and his Destiny Church attempted to disrupt the event. The protesters performed a traditional Maori haka dance as a form of demonstration and carried banners reading, "This is New Zealand, not India."

While the group attempted to block the route, the situation remained under control, thanks to quick coordination between the New Zealand Police and Sikh volunteers. The procession was eventually completed peacefully, avoiding any major confrontation.
A video of the protest later surfaced online, shared by Brian Tamaki himself. In the caption, he referred to the protesters as "true patriots" and claimed they were showing "peaceful defiance" against what he described as an Indian influence.

Sikh Leaders Call It an Attack on Harmony

The incident has deeply upset members of the Sikh community in New Zealand and abroad. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami strongly condemned the repeated opposition to Sikh religious events, saying such actions threaten social harmony and mutual respect among communities.

Dhami stated, "The Nagar Kirtan is a sacred tradition of Sikhism and represents peace, unity, and spiritual reflection. Opposing it is not only an attack on our faith's humanitarian values but also a challenge to the principles of coexistence."

He also pointed out that the Sikh community has always respected local laws and cultures wherever they live, contributing positively to society. "It is unfortunate that despite this, efforts are being made to stop Sikhs from practising their religion freely," Dhami said.

This was the second such incident in three weeks - the earlier one occurred in Auckland when right-wing protesters confronted a Sikh parade commemorating the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's sons (Sahibzadas). That event had also drawn sharp criticism from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Akal Takht Jathedar, and several Sikh organisations.

A Growing Concern for Multicultural Harmony

The back-to-back incidents have raised concerns about religious intolerance in New Zealand, a country often praised for its multicultural inclusiveness. Sikh groups have urged the New Zealand government to ensure the safety of minorities and to prevent such disruptions in the future.

While the Tauranga event ended without violence, Sikh leaders warn that allowing repeated acts of disruption could embolden extremist elements and damage the spirit of peaceful coexistence that defines New Zealand's diverse society.