Parliament Question: Attack on Sikh Procession in New Zealand

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1345 ANSWERED ON- 06/02/2026 ATTACK ON SIKH PROCESSION IN NEW ZEALAND

1345. SMT. HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

(a) whether the Government is aware of the recent incident in Tauranga, New Zealand, in which a Sikh Nagar Kirtan organised to mark the Parkash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji was confronted and disrupted by a local group, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether this was the second such incident within a short span of time following an earlier disruption of a Sikh Nagar Kirtan in South Auckland and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has taken up these incidents diplomatically with the Government of New Zealand in view of concerns expressed by Sikh organisations and political leaders that such acts pose a threat to religious freedom and the security of the Indian diaspora, if so, the details thereof; and 1(d) the steps taken by the Government to safeguard the right to peaceful religious processions and observances by Indian-origin communities abroad and monitor and respond to emerging patterns of hate speech, xenophobia and targeted disruption of religious events? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a) Yes, It has come to our notice that a Nagar Kirtan organized by ‘Gurudwara Sikh Sangat’ located on Burrows St. Tauranga, New Zealand was allegedly disrupted by a group named ‘The True Patriots of New Zealand’. The group is known for its strong social conservatism and said to be linked to Destiny Church, a New Zealand Christian group (described as a Church) and describes itself as “Guardians of the Kiwi Way of Life; Defenders of Faith, Flag & Family”.

The Nagar Kirtan had been organized with prior approval from the Tauranga City Council, and advance information was provided to the local law enforcement authorities in New Zealand. The New Zealand Police was on the spot and procession continued without any confrontation with the protesters.

2(b) Yes, On December 20, 2025, a Nagar Kirtan, organized by the Sikh community from Nanaksar Gurudwara, in Manurewa, Auckland was also confronted by the same group named ‘The True Patriots of New Zealand’. The group comprising of around 50 people performed a haka (a form kind of protest). However, after the intervention of the New Zealand Police, the protesters were escorted out from the area, and the Nagar Kirtan was allowed to continue safely.

(c) & (d) Yes, the Government of India has taken up this issue with the Government of New Zealand. The High Commission of India in Wellington maintains close contact with the local community leaders, including those from the Sikh community to ensure their security and well being. Following both incidents, the New Zealand Police has held meetings with the Nagar Kirtan organizers, local Sikh community leaders and High Commission of India assuring them of full cooperation.

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