The New Zealand Police have assured full cooperation to Sikh community leaders and the Indian High Commission following two recent incidents in which Sikh religious processions were confronted by a local group in the island country, the Centre told Parliament on Friday.
Replying to a question asked by Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita said the police held meetings with nagar kirtan organisers, local Sikh leaders and officials of the Indian High Commission after both incidents to address security concerns.
The first incident occurred in Tauranga, where a Nagar Kirtan organised by Gurdwara Sikh Sangat to mark the Parkash Purb of Guru Gobind Singh was allegedly disrupted by a group calling itself “The True Patriots of New Zealand”.
The group is described as socially conservative and is said to be linked to Destiny Church, a Christian organisation in New Zealand.
The minister further told the House that the procession had received prior approval from the Tauranga City Council, with advance intimation to local law enforcement authorities.
The police were present on the spot and ensured that the religious procession continued without confrontation.
A similar incident was reported earlier on December 20, 2025, in Manurewa, South Auckland, where a nagar kirtan organised by the Sikh community from Gurdwara Nanaksar was confronted by the same group. Around 50 protesters reportedly staged a haka before being escorted out of the area by the police, allowing the procession to proceed safely.
‘In close contact’
Margherita said India had taken up the matter with the New Zealand government. The Indian High Commission in Wellington remains in close contact with local authorities and community leaders to ensure the safety and well-being of the Sikh community