A peaceful Sikh religious procession in South Auckland briefly descended into tension on Saturday after a far-right group blocked its route, sparking outrage across New Zealand and prompting reactions from political and religious leaders as far away as India.

The incident unfolded in Manurewa, where members of the Sikh community were conducting a nagar kirtan, a sacred procession involving devotional singing and community service organised by the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara. Organisers later confirmed the event had received all required approvals from local authorities.

As the procession moved along Great South Road, it was confronted by members of the group calling itself the True Patriots of New Zealand. Wearing blue shirts and holding placards, the protesters lined the road and performed a Māori haka directly in front of the procession, preventing it from moving forward. Police officers quickly positioned themselves between the two sides to prevent the situation from escalating.

Footage of the confrontation soon spread online, showing protesters chanting Christian slogans such as “One True God” and “Jesus, Jesus,” while banners reading “This is New Zealand, not India” were visible. Some protesters also wore clothing bearing slogans including “Kiwis First” and “Keep New Zealand New Zealand.”

Although no violence was reported, Sikh organisers described the disruption as unexpected and distressing. Members of the Sikh community, including Nihangs, were seen maintaining calm and restraint throughout the standoff.

Pastor Praises Protesters After Auckland Standoff

Brian Tamaki, the Pentecostal pastor linked to Destiny Church and associated with the protesting group, later shared a video of the incident on X. He wrote, “THIS IS OUR LAND. THIS IS OUR STAND. Today, True Patriots stood their ground in South Auckland. No violence. No riots. Just my young men performing a haka…face-to-face…to send a clear message: KEEP NZ, NZ.”

He went on to allege, without providing evidence, “While parts of Manurewa were shut down for hours by Sikhs and Khalistan terrorists, who were wielding swords and daggers, flying foreign and terrorist flags, we reminded the country of something important: This is New Zealand. These are our streets. This is land.”

The haka, a powerful Māori cultural expression traditionally associated with unity, pride, and identity, drew sharp criticism when used in this confrontational setting. Several Māori and non-Māori leaders said its use to intimidate a religious minority was deeply troubling.

New Zealand MPs across the political spectrum condemned the incident and voiced support for the Sikh community. MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan highlighted the country’s long multicultural history, noting that Sikhs have been part of New Zealand society since the late 19th century.

“The Sikhs, for example, have been here since the late 1800s. So it’s pretty ridiculous that one man and his band of followers think they can dictate who is or isn’t Kiwi and what is or isn’t ‘the Kiwi way of life’,” she said.

Warning of the broader consequences of such behaviour, she added, “Hate is dangerous & shouldn’t be allowed to be normalised.”

MP Oriini Kaipara also criticised the actions, sharing a message from Auckland-based academic Harpreet Singh. Responding to the disruption, Singh wrote, “These actions were carried out by one man and those who chose to follow him, people who have hijacked a culture and an identity to spread hate.” He added, “We stand with you as Sikhs but also as New Zealanders.”

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson echoed those sentiments, stating, “That self-proclaimed ‘pastor’ is seeking outrage…. Haka used for racism and bigotry towards people who are just trying to survive like the rest of us – is not of us as tangata whenua.”

The controversy quickly crossed borders. In India, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called on the Indian government to raise the issue with New Zealand authorities, stressing that Punjabis contribute positively wherever they live. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal also condemned the disruption, saying it threatened religious freedom.

“Strongly condemn the disruption of the peaceful ‘Nagar Kirtan’ procession in South Auckland, New Zealand,” he said, praising the Sikh community’s response rooted in “Chardi Kala” and “Sarbat Da Bhala.”

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Harjinder Singh Dhami urged both the Indian and New Zealand governments to ensure that Sikhs are able to practise their faith safely and without fear. He emphasised that Sikh traditions promote service, tolerance, and harmony, and appealed for dialogue rather than division.

The Manurewa incident has intensified concerns about rising racist and anti-immigrant sentiment in New Zealand. It is reportedly the third such confrontation this year involving protests linked to Tamaki. Earlier demonstrations led by his supporters included the desecration of flags representing Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and Palestinian identities.

Despite the provocation, Sikh leaders reiterated that nagar kirtans are intended to share messages of unity, compassion, and service to humanity values they say remain essential to any truly multicultural society.