Protests erupted in New Zealand over the weekend after a group of people linked to a local church confronted a procession of Sikhs performing kirtan (holy songs). Videos circulating online showed the protestors performing a haka, chanting Christian slogans and holding banners reading “This is New Zealand, not India”, as police intervened to separate both sides. The incident happened in Manurewa, South Auckland, and has triggered a debate over religious freedom, immigration and multiculturalism.
According to media reports, about 50 protestors blocked Great South Road in the afternoon, attempting to disrupt the parade organised by the Nanaksar Sikh Temple. They carried placards with "This is New Zealand, not India" slogans and wore t-shirts that read "patriots" and "Kiwi first".
Police officers positioned themselves between the two groups, allowing the procession — involving hundreds of participants — to continue safely. No arrests or injuries were reported.
Footage posted by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki showed protestors chanting “One True God” and “Jesus, Jesus” while the Sikh participants occasionally responded with "Jo bole so nihal" and "Sat sri akal".
Police recognises right to protest
Meanwhile, the police said that they recognised the right to protest but would not tolerate actions that threaten public safety or intimidate those exercising lawful religious rights.
Tamaki frames protest as defence of national identity
In a series of social‑media posts, Tamaki criticised the parade for road closures, accused participants of flying Khalistan flags and described the kirtan as a “mass invasion via mass immigration”. He also questioned the public display of ceremonial swords and daggers by the Sikh community, claiming such symbols were “not the Kiwi way of life.”
Tamaki praised the haka performed by young men linked to his group, calling it a peaceful “stand” for New Zealand’s cultural identity. He reiterated his long‑held position that New Zealand is a Christian nation, warning that his movement would continue resisting “foreign religious influence.”
Sikh community responds with restraint
Leaders from the New Zealand Sikh community expressed disappointment at what they described as a provocative and unnecessary disruption to a legally sanctioned religious event. Participants said they avoided confrontation out of respect for their holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, which was being carried during the procession, local media reported.
According to media report, prominent Sikh bodies — including the Akal Takht and SGPC — condemned the incident, calling it an attack on religious freedom and urging both the Indian and New Zealand governments to ensure safe conditions for minority communities. They emphasised the Sikh community’s long‑standing history in New Zealand and its contributions through service, multicultural engagement and community support
