A sacred Sikh religious procession in South Auckland, New Zealand, was met with an unusual form of protest on Saturday, December 20, 2025, when a local group performed the traditional Māori Haka dance to block its path. The incident, which involved the Nagar Kirtan in the suburb of Manurewa, has escalated into a significant controversy, drawing reactions from political leaders in Punjab and fuelling a broader public debate on immigration and social cohesion in New Zealand.
Protest and Police Intervention in Manurewa
The Nagar Kirtan, a joyous religious parade involving hymn singing from the Guru Granth Sahib, was proceeding towards a gurdwara when it was confronted by protesters. The demonstration was led by local activist Brian Tamaki and his supporters. They employed powerful cultural symbols, most notably the Haka—a Māori war dance known as an embodiment of cultural pride and strength—to block the procession's route. The protesters also raised slogans against mass immigration and what they termed "imported political conflicts." The situation required intervention by the New Zealand police, who removed the protesters to prevent any escalation of tensions.
Videos and photos from the scene circulated widely on social media, showing the juxtaposition of the peaceful Sikh parade and the vigorous Haka protest. The visual clash highlighted the underlying cultural and political friction.
Objections Over Symbols and Immigration
Brian Tamaki, clarifying his group's stance, argued that their protest was not against Sikhs or their religion. Instead, he claimed the procession featured symbols and slogans linked to overseas political movements, specifically referencing Khalistan flags. He described the Khalistan movement as a "terrorist Sikh political movement" linked to violence overseas and stated that such activism posed a risk to New Zealand's social cohesion.
Tamaki expanded his criticism to broader issues of "mass immigration without assimilation" and a government "asleep at the wheel." His group has a history of similar demonstrations; on June 21, 2025, they held an anti-immigration rally featuring flags of Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, advocating for "Christian values" and "Kiwi identity."
Reactions from Punjab and the Sikh Community
The incident quickly drew strong reactions from leaders in Punjab, India. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann called upon the Indian Central government to address the matter with New Zealand authorities. He emphasised the universal right to practice and promote one's religion and highlighted the contributions of the Punjabi diaspora worldwide.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal strongly condemned the disruption of the peaceful Nagar Kirtan. In a post on social media platform X, he described the procession as a sacred Sikh tradition. The acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, also spoke out against the protest, defending the religious rights of the Sikh community.
Context: Sikh Diaspora and Political Sensitivities
This event is not an isolated one but fits into a complex history. The Sikh population in New Zealand has grown substantially, from about 5,000 in 2001 to over 53,000 in 2023. While the community is largely integrated, pockets within the global Sikh diaspora, including in New Zealand, have kept alive the demand for Khalistan—a separatist movement that dwindled in India after the 1980s.
This political sentiment has been a point of concern for the Indian government. During a visit in March 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon the need for cooperation against "terrorist, separatist and radical elements." Indian officials have previously raised concerns about anti-India activities and the misuse of democratic freedoms in New Zealand.
The Auckland protest underscores the challenges Western nations face in balancing multiculturalism, freedom of expression, and social harmony, especially when domestic debates on immigration intersect with complex overseas political narratives.
