Archive · 23 Dec 2025
Far-Right Disrupts Sikh Procession in New Zealand
A group of people in New Zealand stopped a Sikh religious parade by performing a traditional Maori dance called the Haka.
The group, led by a pastor named Brian Tamaki, said they were standing up for their country.
But many politicians and Sikh leaders in New Zealand and India said this was wrong and hurtful.
The Sikhs were following their traditions peacefully, and the disruption was seen as disrespectful and hateful.
Leaders from India asked their government to talk to New Zealand about this issue.
The Sikhs believe in peace and helping everyone, and they were sad that their parade was interrupted.
Additionally, a video shows a protest where people targeted Hinduism by throwing and stomping on a saffron flag with the word 'Hinduism' and the symbol for 'Om'.
A Sikh religious procession (nagar kirtan) was disrupted by followers of Pentecostal Pastor Brian Tamaki in South Auckland, New Zealand.
The disruptors performed a traditional Maori Haka to halt the procession, asserting their national identity and religious stance.
New Zealand politicians criticized the disruption, supporting the Sikh community and condemning the action as hateful and intimidating.
Indian leaders, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, urged the Indian government to address the issue with New Zealand.
The Sikh community emphasized their principles of peace, brotherhood, and harmony, and appealed for a respectful and supportive environment for their religious events.
- Who
- Followers of Pentecostal Pastor Brian Tamaki disrupted a Sikh procession; New Zealand politicians and Sikh leaders responded.
- What
- A Sikh religious procession was disrupted by a far-right group performing a Haka. Additionally, a video shows a protest targeting Hinduism.
- When
- The disruption occurred on December 20, 2025. The timing of the Hinduism protest is not specified.
- Where
- The events took place in South Auckland, New Zealand.
- Why
- The disruptors aimed to assert their stance on national identity and religion, while critics condemned the action as hateful and intimidating. The motivation behind the Hinduism protest is not detailed.
Disruptors
Critics
National Identity
Disruptors
Asserting national identity and religious stance through the Haka.
Critics
Condemning the disruption as hateful and intimidating.
Religious Freedom
Disruptors
Claiming to protect national values by disrupting the procession.
Critics
Supporting the Sikh community's right to practice their religion peacefully.
- Location
- South Auckland, New Zealand
- Event
- Sikh religious procession (nagar kirtan)
- Disruptors
- Followers of Pentecostal Pastor Brian Tamaki
- Action
- Performed a Haka to halt the procession
- Response
- Criticism from New Zealand politicians and Sikh leaders
- Indian Reaction
- Punjab leaders urge Indian government to intervene
- Sikh Tradition
- Nagar Kirtan involves singing hymns from Guru Granth Sahib
- Sikh Principles
- Sarbat Da Bhala (welfare of all) and brotherhood
- Additional Incident
- Video shows protest targeting Hinduism with a saffron flag
