Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Sikh Procession Disrupted in New Zealand
A Sikh religious procession called Nagar Kirtan was disrupted in New Zealand.
The procession, which celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, was heckled by members of a Christian group led by Brian Tamaki.
They protested by performing a traditional Māori haka and displaying banners that said 'This is New Zealand, not India.'
The Sikh community and their leaders, like the SGPC, were very upset about this and asked the governments of New Zealand and India to take action.
The police were there to keep things calm, and no major fights happened.
The Sikh community said they were sad and disappointed because they believe in peace and getting along with others.
The procession was organized by Gurdwara Sikh Sangat and another gurdwara, and it involved prayers, hymn singing, and community engagement.
The event was formally approved by local authorities and proceeded smoothly once the protest concluded.
A Sikh religious procession (Nagar Kirtan) was disrupted in Tauranga, New Zealand.
Members of the Destiny Church led by Brian Tamaki protested the procession with a haka and banners.
The SGPC and other Sikh organizations condemned the incident as unacceptable.
The procession concluded peacefully with police and volunteer coordination.
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami urged governments to take strict action against those responsible.
- Who
- Sikh community and Destiny Church members
- What
- Disruption of a Sikh religious procession
- When
- January 11, 2024
- Where
- Tauranga, New Zealand
- Why
- Opposition by a local Christian group asserting cultural ownership of public streets
Sikh Community and Supporters
Destiny Church Members
Purpose of the Event
Sikh Community and Supporters
The Nagar Kirtan is a peaceful religious procession celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, aimed at community engagement and sharing benefits like immigration advice and health camps.
Destiny Church Members
The Destiny Church members, led by Brian Tamaki, protested the procession, asserting cultural ownership of public streets and performing a haka.
Response to the Protest
Sikh Community and Supporters
The Sikh community and organizers emphasized that the protest did not physically obstruct the procession and that the event proceeded smoothly once the protest concluded.
Destiny Church Members
The Destiny Church members staged a demonstration involving a haka performance and slogans, aiming to challenge the public faith gathering.
- Location
- Tauranga, New Zealand
- Date
- January 11, 2024
- Event
- Nagar Kirtan (Sikh religious procession)
- Opposing Group
- Destiny Church led by Brian Tamaki
- Condemning Body
- Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)
- Organizers
- Gurdwara Sikh Sangat and another gurdwara
- Police Response
- Precautionary measures taken to ensure safety and prevent potential confrontation
Sources
'This is New Zealand, not India': Sikh procession disrupted near Auckland; SGPC calls it ‘unacceptable’—Video
‘This is not India’: Right-wing group disrupts Sikh Nagar Kirtan in New Zealand with haka
Second disruption attempt in 3 weeks raises concern as Sikh religious procession ends calmly in New Zealand
