“This Isn’t India”: Row Erupts After New Zealand Far-Right Group Halts Sikh Procession With Haka
A peaceful Sikh nagar kirtan, a religious procession conveying hymns and community unity, was disrupted in Manurewa, South Auckland when a group of far-right protesters blocked its path and performed the Māori haka, a traditional cultural dance, bringing the parade to a halt. Videos of the confrontation went viral on social media, igniting sharp debate in New Zealand and internationally.
The procession, organized by the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara with all necessary permits from local authorities, was meant to celebrate Sikh faith and community values, including devotion, service, and harmony.
However, protesters linked to the True Patriots of New Zealand, a group associated with the controversial Pentecostal leader Brian Tamaki and Destiny Church, positioned themselves along Great South Road and performed the haka directly in front of the Sikhs, blocking their progress and chanting slogans that drew concerns of racial and religious intolerance.
The Confrontation: Haka, Slogans and “This is New Zealand”
The haka performed by the protesters is a powerful Māori cultural expression, traditionally associated with identity, pride and unity. In this context, critics say its use was provocative — not celebratory.
Protesters were seen holding banners reading “This is New Zealand, not India” and wearing T-shirts with slogans like “Keep NZ, NZ” and “Kiwis First”. They also reportedly chanted Christian slogans such as “One True God” and “Jesus, Jesus” while police officers placed themselves between the procession and protestors to prevent escalation.
In a post shared online, Brian Tamaki claimed:
In a post shared online, Brian Tamaki claimed:
“THIS IS OUR LAND. THIS IS OUR STAND… True Patriots stood their ground… to send a clear message: KEEP NZ, NZ.”
Tamaki also made unsubstantiated allegations against the Sikhs, accusing them of causing local disruption and displaying foreign flags — claims that Sikh community representatives have repeatedly refuted.
Backlash from Politicians and Community Leaders
Politicians across New Zealand condemned the disruption.
Priyanca Radhakrishnan, a Member of Parliament, underscored the nation’s diversity, reminding that New Zealand is home to people from hundreds of languages and cultures, including Sikhs who have lived there since the late 1800s. She warned that marginalizing groups based on religion or background could have dangerous repercussions.
Another lawmaker, Marama Davidson, denounced the incident as an exploitation of Māori culture to spread hate, saying:
Using haka for racism and bigotry… is not reflective of the true spirit of tangata whenua (people of the land).
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Meanwhile, Oriini Kaipara thanked those who stood in support of the Sikh community and condemned the appropriation of cultural traditions for divisive ends.
Sikh Leaders and International Response
Senior Sikh religious and political leaders also spoke out. Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht, described the incident as an attempt to incite hostility, urging both the New Zealand government and Sikh community leaders to protect religious harmony.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami echoed concerns, emphasizing Sikh principles of unity, service, and universal brotherhood — values directly challenged by the disruption.
In India, senior political figures including Sukhbir Singh Badal strongly condemned the interruption, calling it a threat to religious freedom and urging diplomatic engagement between India and New Zealand to safeguard minority rights.
Broader Implications: Multiculturalism vs Intolerance
The incident has sparked a broader dialogue about immigration, multiculturalism, and minority rights in New Zealand — a country that prides itself on diversity but is not immune to tensions around identity and belonging.
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While New Zealand’s Sikh community continues to promote peace and unity, critics fear that such confrontations could fuel xenophobia and undermine the nation’s reputation as an inclusive multicultural society.
Police reports indicate no arrests or injuries, and the procession eventually continued under police escort, but the ripple effects continue in political forums and on social media, as New Zealanders and international observers debate the line between protest and provocation