The latest incident occurred on January 11 during a Nagar Kirtan in Tauranga, where members of New Zealand’s Destiny Church, led by Brian Tamaki, reportedly confronted Sikh participants. Tamaki claimed that Sikhs were carrying axes during the procession, a charge rejected by the Sikh community. His supporters allegedly blocked the path of the marchers and performed a Maori haka, leading to clashes.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami termed the incident “deeply disturbing,” saying that targeting Sikh religious traditions with hatred was unacceptable. He urged both the New Zealand and Indian governments to take strict action against those responsible.
Expressing anguish over the repeated incidents, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal said the disruptions of peaceful Sikh Nagar Kirtans in New Zealand were “deeply concerning.” In a post on X, Badal appealed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to take up the issue diplomatically with the New Zealand government to ensure the safety of Sikh religious expression abroad.
“Nagar Kirtans are sacred religious processions that promote peace, unity and community service. The Sikh community, which always prays for ‘Sarbat Da Bhala’ (welfare of all), has shown exemplary restraint,” Badal said, adding that religious expression must be safe for all.
Referring to a similar disruption last month in south Auckland, Badal said such acts of intimidation threaten religious freedom and the spirit of universal brotherhood.
Dhami reiterated that Sikhism is founded on the principles of Sarbat da Bhala, brotherhood and service to humanity. He said Nagar Kirtan conveys a message of harmony, love and unity, and opposing such events amounts to an attack on the universal teachings of the Sikh Gurus.
He also noted that Sikhs worldwide have consistently lived in harmony with local communities, respecting local laws and cultures, and through practices like langar and selfless service, strengthen social cohesion.
Following the earlier Auckland incident, the SGPC had appealed to the governments of New Zealand and India to ensure a safe and supportive environment for the Sikh community to observe their religious events in line with their rights