A peaceful Sikh religious procession, the Nagar Kirtan, faced disruption in South Auckland when members of a far-right faction reportedly blocked its path. Videos circulating on social media depict the procession being halted on Great South Road by a group performing a Maori haka, leading to widespread concern and criticism.
Brian Tamaki, a noted far-right figure, shared footage of the event, alleging that his supporters were acting to protect the nation’s identity and making unsubstantiated claims about the procession. This narrative has been widely rebuked for its discriminatory undertones. Organizers of the Nagar Kirtan confirmed they possessed all requisite permissions from authorities and characterized the interruption as a distressing departure from the event’s peaceful intentions, which are centered on spiritual reflection and communal harmony.
Politicians in New Zealand have voiced strong opposition to the obstruction. MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan reiterated New Zealand’s commitment to multiculturalism and rejected any attempt to marginalize established communities like the Sikhs. Maori parliamentary members, such as Oriini Kaipara and Marama Davidson, condemned the appropriation of the haka for divisive purposes, highlighting that it does not represent Maori values and should never be used to threaten or harass others. They emphasized the importance of mutual respect and inclusivity in New Zealand.
The international community has also taken note. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has urged the Indian government to take up the matter with their New Zealand counterparts, stressing the right to religious freedom. Sukhbir Singh Badal of the Shiromani Akali Dal has likewise called upon India’s External Affairs Minister to ensure the welfare of the Sikh community overseas. The president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Harjinder Singh Dhami, strongly condemned the incident, framing it as a violation of Sikh principles of peace and service, and called for governmental action to safeguard religious freedoms.