Tauranga Sikh Parade Faces Haka Protest by True Patriots

The annual Sikh Nagar Kirtan parade in Tauranga, marking the birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh Guru, unfolded largely peacefully on Saturday despite a brief and controversial haka performed nearby by members of True Patriots of NZ, a group linked to Destiny Church.

The parade began at 11 a.m. on 11 January from the Gurudwara Sikh Sangat temple and celebrated the birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, a central figure in Sikh history known for establishing the Khalsa and promoting equality and justice. As in previous years, the event drew large crowds from across the Bay of Plenty, reflecting the growing presence and visibility of the Sikh community in the region.

During the course of the celebrations, members of True Patriots of NZ performed a haka approximately one kilometre away from the Gurudwara around 1 p.m. Participants reportedly linked arms and chanted slogans in front of a banner reading, “This is New Zealand not India.” Police officers were present at the scene to ensure public safety and prevent escalation.

Officers later told The Indian Weekender that their role was purely preventative. No arrests were made, and the parade was allowed to continue without disruption.

A video of the haka was later shared on Facebook by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki, accompanied by captions such as “WHOSE STREETS? KIWI STREETS” and “The True Patriots Are Not Backing Down.” The post described the action as “peaceful defiance,” framing it as a protest against immigration and multiculturalism.

However, organisers of the Sikh parade stressed that the haka did not directly interfere with the event. Puran Singh, president of Gurudwara Sikh Sangat and one of the parade organisers, told The Indian Weekender that the Nagar Kirtan and the haka occurred at different locations.

“It was a bit far,” Singh said, adding that the parade continued smoothly once the haka concluded.

“This was the twelfth annual Sikh Parade in Tauranga, and it takes place on a very large scale,” he said. Singh highlighted that the event is not only a religious celebration but also a community outreach initiative, featuring health camps, immigration advice, and information on services such as ACC benefits.

He also noted the cooperation shown by young participants and praised the support of local authorities. “Large community events like this require council permissions and police coordination, a process that takes five to six months. The council and police have always been extremely helpful,” Singh said, while urging the public to be cautious about misinformation circulating on social media.

In a statement, Inspector Christopher Summerville of the Māori Pacific Ethnic Service, Bay of Plenty Police, confirmed that officers intervened promptly. “Officers on site intervened immediately, ensuring the parade concluded safely. Additional patrols remain in the area to provide visibility and reassurance for the Sikh community,” he said.

This incident marks the second confrontation involving True Patriots of NZ in less than a month. In December, the group blocked a road during a Nagar Kirtan procession organised by the Sikh community at the Nanaksar Sikh Temple in Manurewa, South Auckland. That procession involved hundreds of participants walking several kilometres along Great South Road before encountering the protest.

Footage from the December incident, also shared by Brian Tamaki, showed members wearing “Keep NZ NZ” T-shirts and performing a haka facing the Sikh procession. Police intervened after about 30 minutes, allowing the parade to proceed safely.

According to their Facebook page, True Patriots of NZ describe themselves as “Guardians of the Kiwi Way of Life” and state their opposition to globalism, mass immigration, and what they term “woke ideology.” Authorities have reiterated that while peaceful protest is lawful, public safety remains the priority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Nagar Kirtan?

A Nagar Kirtan is a Sikh religious procession involving devotional singing, community service, and public celebration of Sikh values.

Did the haka disrupt the Tauranga parade?

No. Parade organisers confirmed the haka took place about one kilometre away and did not interrupt the event.

Was anyone arrested during the incident?

No arrests were made. Police were present to maintain order and ensure safety.

Who are True Patriots of NZ?

They are a group linked to Destiny Church, describing themselves as defenders of a Christian New Zealand and opponents of mass immigration.

How did police respond?

Police intervened immediately, monitored the situation, and ensured the parade concluded safely without escalation.