NEW DELHI: A Sikh Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) in Manurewa, a suburb of South Auckland, New Zealand, was confronted by a group of protestors associated with Destiny Church, led by Pentecostal preacher Brian Tamaki.
While the standoff remained non-violent due to timely police intervention, the episode quickly escalated into a political and ideological flashpoint, with Freedoms & Rights Coalition leader Brian Tamaki alleging that Khalistan-linked symbols seen during the Nagar Kirtan.
Notably, Brian Tamaki alleged that Khalistan flags seen in Auckland were linked to terrorism, asserting that Khalistan is designated as a terrorist movement in India. Tamaki questioned why, in his view, such overseas political causes were being allowed to be displayed publicly in New Zealand.
The incident also drew police attention and has since triggered sharp debate over religious expression, immigration, and multiculturalism in New Zealand.
According to video footage which has been doing rounds of social media, the Sikh procession and the protestors came face-to-face on a public road, resulting in a tense standoff that lasted for some time.
Police officers positioned themselves between the two groups to prevent escalation. No physical confrontation was reported and authorities later confirmed that the situation was brought under control without arrests or injuries.
According to Khalsa Vox website, concerns were raised after flags associated with the Khalistan extremist movement were displayed during the march.
Brian Tamaki questioned why symbols linked to Khalistan extremism were being flown on Auckland streets, that too during a Nagar Kirtan.
The protesters were wearing blue shirts with slogans such as “Kiwis first,” “Keep NZ, NZ,” and “True Patriot.” They also displayed a large banner which said “This is New Zealand not India.”
Inspector Hoyes said protesting is a right, but it should not threaten public safety: “NZ Police recognises the lawful right to protest, however we will not tolerate actions that threaten public safety or intimidate others exercising their lawful rights.”
Tamaki said, “THIS IS OUR LAND. THIS IS OUR STAND. 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.”
WHY ARE TERRORIST KHALISTAN FLAGS BEING FLOWN ON AUCKLAND STREETS? 🇳🇿
Today, the terrorist Khalistan flags were waved openly in Auckland.
Let’s be clear:
Khalistan is a terrorist organisation…not just a Sikh religion.
And President Modi from India officially designates… pic.twitter.com/lXjt7vgb1N— Brian Tamaki (@BrianTamakiNZ) December 20, 2025
Tamaki further said that, “New Zealanders are right to be concerned. This is what played out on our Manurewa streets in Auckland yesterday. This is a mass invasion, via mass immigration, flooding into our land”.
“Amongst these Sikhs were a strong contingent flying the Khalistan flags. The Khalistan movement is a terrorist Sikh political movement, linked overseas to terrorist violence and instability. They call out on Auckland streets for Modi to be killed. Their symbols and activism are now being openly displayed here in New Zealand…with no scrutiny and no accountability. NZ Police do nothing. Our politicians are even defending them. The issue is this: Mass immigration without assimilation, Foreign political conflicts imported onto our streets, Terrorists living in our land unchecked & unvetted, A government asleep at the wheel. New Zealand is not a dumping ground for the world’s unresolved conflicts”, he said.
