On 20th December 2025, the local Manurewa Sikh community gathered together for a scheduled nagar kirtan with all necessary permits.

A nagar kirtan is a parade in which Sikhs lead a cultural procession through the local area. In addition, free food is often distributed to onlookers, as sharing is a fundamental Sikh value.

The procession on 20th December was met with a demonstration by a group shouting “One true God, Jesus.” Their banner read, “This is New Zealand not India” and their t-shirts displayed messages such as “Keep NZ NZ” and “Kiwis First.”

We support freedom of speech and the right to peacefully protest; however, we want to address any confusion that may have arisen from this particular demonstration. We Sikhs do not harbour any animosity towards Christianity or any walks of life.

Just as other communities settled in Aotearoa New Zealand, so did the Sikhs. Sikhs have been an integral part of New Zealand’s history and society for over 100 years. We Sikhs are Kiwis too.

This was not a protest met by a counter-protest. It was a peaceful Sikh parade, attended by families, elders and children, confronted by confused and possibly misled demonstrators.

Sikhs in Aotearoa New Zealand have been an integral part of the national fabric by contributing to the society and economy. During COVID-19, Sikhs distributed thousands of free food parcels to the South Auckland community.

Gurdwaras across New Zealand, including Manurewa, prepare and serve free meals daily to anyone in need. Alongside this, Sikhs give out meals to the homeless in the Auckland CBD every month.

Beyond humanitarian work, Sikhs are prominent in small business, logistics, horticulture, healthcare and construction sectors, which are vital to the country’s economy.