Tue Dec 23 06:16:23 UTC 2025: Summary:

A Sikh religious procession (Nagar Kirtan) in South Auckland, New Zealand was disrupted by members of a far-right group, reportedly followers of Pastor Brian Tamaki. The group performed a Haka, shouted slogans, and claimed the procession was shutting down parts of Manurewa. Tamaki posted a video of the disruption on social media, sparking widespread condemnation from politicians in New Zealand. They criticized the group’s behavior as divisive and hateful, and affirmed their support for the Sikh community. Politicians and religious leaders in India have also condemned the disruption and requested the New Zealand government to ensure the safety and religious freedom of the Sikh community in the country.

News Article:

Sikh Procession Disrupted by Far-Right Group in New Zealand, Sparking Outrage

Auckland, New Zealand – A major controversy has erupted in South Auckland after a Sikh religious procession (Nagar Kirtan) was disrupted by a group of individuals identified as followers of Destiny Church leader, Pastor Brian Tamaki. Videos circulating on social media show the group, clad in blue T-shirts, blocking the procession on Great South Road while performing a Haka, a traditional Maori dance.

According to reports, the group chanted slogans such as “One True God” and “Jesus-Jesus” during the standoff. Tamaki shared a video of the incident on X, formerly Twitter, with the caption “THIS IS OUR LAND. THIS IS OUR STAND. KEEP NZ, NZ.” He also made unsubstantiated claims that the procession, wielding swords, daggers, and flying foreign flags, had shut down parts of Manurewa.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from New Zealand politicians. MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan stated that the behaviour borders on being intimidating and hateful. Oriini Kaipara, another New Zealand MP shared a Facebook post, criticizing the disruption. “Thank you for holding space for us Tangata Whenua who genuinely care about you and our Tangata Moana, and Tangata Tiriti. Thank you for your understanding and compassion for us despite the actions of one man and those who trust and believe in him.”

The disruption has also caused an uproar in India. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal have urged the Indian government to raise the issue with New Zealand and ensure the protection of the Sikh community’s rights.

Sukhbir Singh Badal strongly condemned the disruption of peaceful procession, citing “Such intimidation threatens religious freedom and the spirit of universal brotherhood, he added.”

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami called for the governments of New Zealand and India to address the matter seriously, emphasizing the Sikh community’s commitment to peace, tolerance, and the welfare of all.

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