This Isn’t India: New Zealand Far-Right Group Performs Haka Against Sikh Procession

Members of a far-right group halted a Sikh religious procession, known as a nagar kirtan, in South Auckland on Saturday, bringing the event to a standstill. Despite the openly hostile act, members of the Sikh community, including Nihangs, remained calm and chose not to react to the provocation.

The incident has triggered renewed debate in New Zealand over public order, religious freedom, and the safety of minority communities.

The disruption took place during a religious event organised by the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara in Manurewa, a suburb of Auckland.

Videos circulating on social media show members of the group True Patriots of New Zealand—which has links to Pentecostal pastor Brian Tamaki and Destiny Church—standing along Great South Road and obstructing the procession by performing a traditional Māori Haka.

The Haka, a Māori cultural dance, traditionally represents unity, pride, and collective identity. Historically, it was performed by warriors to display strength, intimidate opponents, and boost morale before battle. The Māori war dance drew global attention in November 2024 when two lawmakers performed it inside Parliament to protest a proposed bill.

According to photos and videos shared online, members of the right-wing group wore clothing bearing slogans such as “Kiwis First” and “Keep New Zealand New Zealand.” They also displayed banners reading “This is New Zealand, not India” while protesting against the Sikh nagar kirtan.

Social media footage further shows demonstrators shouting religious slogans, including “One True God” and repeated chants of “Jesus, Jesus.”

Police were deployed at the scene and remained positioned between the two groups throughout the standoff to prevent the situation from escalating.

Organisers of the nagar kirtan stated on social media that the procession had received official approval from local authorities and that the disruption was both unexpected and deeply concerning.

In a video statement, Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, described the incident as “unfortunate and concerning,” particularly given that Sikhs have lived legally in New Zealand for many years. He stated that the community has followed the law, paid taxes, and made significant contributions to the country’s development, adding that the New Zealand government should ensure their protection and take steps to prevent such incidents.

Harjinder Singh Dhami, president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), also urged the governments of both New Zealand and India to ensure a safe and supportive environment where Sikhs can freely practice their faith and live peacefully.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal strongly condemned the incident in a post on X. He wrote that Nagar Kirtan is a sacred Sikh tradition involving the singing of hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, promoting devotion, unity, and the sharing of blessings with all humanity. Referring to Sikh values of “Chardi Kala” and “Sarbat Da Bhala,” he noted that the community responded to provocation with remarkable restraint and peace.

However, the incident was accompanied by several racial remarks online. Kirk Lubimov, president of Testbed I Strategy and Capital Advisory, wrote from his verified X account: “Why are these Khalistani parasites everywhere? Like cockroaches, they are proliferating everywhere. Patriots in New Zealand stopped a parade of foreigners from taking over their streets and didn’t back down. It was lovely to watch.”

This incident marks the third such episode this year, as concerns grow over rising racism and anti-immigrant sentiment in New Zealand.

Earlier in June, protesters defaced flags representing non-Christian religions during a demonstration organised by hardline religious leader Brian Tamaki. Haka performances followed each act. Flags bearing Buddhist, Islamic, Hindu, and Palestinian symbols were torn and trampled.

During the same campaign, Tamaki targeted immigrant communities, claiming that Sikhs “no longer employ Kiwis” and calling for a policy of “no Immigration without assimilation.”