The Indian Weekendeer

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 pub...

The Indian Weekender reports that health authorities have issued a high alert after multiple people were hospitalized in Auckland following the use of synthetic cannabis products. Officials fear a particularly dangerous batch of synthetic drugs is currently circulating in the community, posing a serious risk to users across the city and potentially beyond. According to a report by Stuff, drug monitoring service High Alert confirmed that those hospitalized had used synthetic cannabinoids-commonly known as “synthetics” or “synnies”-within the past 24 hours. The rapid onset and severity of symptoms prompted immediate concern among health professionals and emergency services. High Alert described the sudden spike in hospital admissions as alarming. While harm related to synthetic cannabinoids has been rising nationwide over recent months, officials say the sharp increase in severe cases in Auckland marks a worrying escalation. The organisation warned that this pattern reflects a broader ...

A disturbing case of animal cruelty in Tauranga has resulted in a prison sentence, drawing renewed attention to the seriousness of violence against animals in New Zealand. A Tauranga man who repeatedly struck his dog with a shovel has been sentenced to four months in jail following a violent incident that occurred in September 2024. According to a report by 1News, the man pleaded guilty after a witness raised the alarm upon hearing a dog yelping in distress at the property. Concerned by the sounds, the witness went to investigate and was confronted with a horrifying scene: the man was seen hitting his dog, Marama, on her body and head with what was described as a “large” shovel. The shovel was then thrown at the dog, striking her head. The witness immediately contacted authorities. The SPCA later confirmed that Marama attempted to retreat while yelping and whimpering, before running into a corner of the yard in fear. When confronted about his actions, the man claimed he was beati...

A district court judge has reserved his decision on whether Papatoetoe could face a rare by-election, following serious allegations of voting irregularities in Auckland’s most recent local body elections. The ruling, expected before Christmas, could have significant implications for public confidence in New Zealand’s postal voting system. The case was heard at Manukau District Court and stems from a petition lodged under the Local Electoral Act by former Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board member and deputy chair, Lehopoaome Vi Hausia. Hausia, who failed to be re-elected , alleged widespread issues in the Papatoetoe subdivision, including stolen voting papers, votes cast without voter consent, and unexplained statistical anomalies in turnout. The respondent to the petition is Dale Ofsoske, an independent electoral officer for Auckland. At a preliminary hearing in November, Judge Richard McIlraith ordered five ballot boxes to be transferred from Auckland District Court to Manukau District C...