Haka Performed Against Sikh Parade Highlights Tensions in Tauranga

During the annual Sikh parade in Tauranga on January 11, 2024, a group known as the True Patriots of NZ performed a haka in front of parade participants, creating a scene of tension. The parade, which commenced at 11 a.m. at the Gurudwara Sikh Sangat temple, celebrated the birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of Sikhism.

Members of the True Patriots, a group associated with Destiny Church, gathered approximately one kilometre from the Gurudwara, chanting and linking arms in a display that included a banner reading, “This is New Zealand not India.” Police were present to ensure public safety during the event.

Puran Singh, president of the Gurudwara Sikh Sangat and one of the parade’s organisers, stated that the Nagar Kirtan did not occur at the same location as the haka. “It was a bit far,” he clarified, while noting that the parade continued without disruption following the haka.

“This was the twelfth annual Sikh Parade in Tauranga, and it takes place on a very large scale,” Singh added. He highlighted the significance of the event, explaining that it serves not only as a celebration but also as an opportunity for community engagement, where participants can access resources such as immigration advice and health services.

According to Singh, the cooperation between the police and the parade participants was commendable. He remarked that organizing such large community events requires public consent and council permissions, a process that typically lasts five to six months. “The council and police have always been extremely helpful during our events,” he noted, while also urging the public to be cautious of misinformation circulating on social media.

Inspector Christopher Summerville of the Māori Pacific Ethnic Service of Bay of Plenty Police remarked that officers intervened promptly to ensure the parade concluded safely. “Additional patrols remain in the area to provide visibility and reassurance for the Sikh community,” he stated. Notably, no arrests were made during the event.

This incident marks the second occurrence involving the True Patriots within a month. In December 2023, the group had blocked a road during a Nagar Kirtan procession at the Nanaksar Sikh Temple in Manurewa, South Auckland. Eyewitnesses reported a similar tense situation, where participants were confronted by members of the True Patriots, who performed a haka while wearing “Keep NZ NZ” T-shirts.

The True Patriots of NZ describe themselves on their Facebook page as “Guardians of the Kiwi Way of Life. Defenders of Faith, Flag & Family.” The group advocates against globalism and mass immigration, promoting what they call a free, Christian New Zealand.

Footage from the December incident, shared by Brian Tamaki, the leader of Destiny Church, captured the haka performance alongside the Nagar Kirtan participants. The video included captions stressing the group’s message of maintaining New Zealand’s identity: “Today, True Patriots stood their ground in South Auckland. No violence. No riots. Just my young men performing a haka…face-to-face…to send a clear message: KEEP NZ, NZ.”

While the haka performed during the Tauranga parade was intended as a form of peaceful defiance, the event has sparked discussions regarding community relations and the balance of cultural expressions. As the Sikh community continues to celebrate their traditions, the broader implications of these interactions remain a focal point for ongoing dialogue in New Zealand.