A Sikh community parade in South Auckland, New Zealand, was forcefully disrupted on Saturday by a group of demonstrators identifying as 'Patriots.' The protesters, who performed a haka and chanted Christian slogans, are linked to the political leader Brian Tamaki and his Christian fundamentalist group, Destiny Church.
Confrontation on Great South Road
The incident unfolded on Great South Road, where the peaceful Sikh parade was met by the protesting group. According to reports from the NZ Herald, police were compelled to step in and physically separate the two groups to prevent any potential escalation and ensure no one was injured.
In videos circulated on Brian Tamaki's social media, the group, calling itself 'True Patriots of NZ,' is seen confronting the parade participants. They describe their mission as being "Guardians of the Kiwi Way of Life. Defenders of Faith, Flag & Family," and state opposition to "globalism, mass immigration, and woke ideology."
The demonstrators, numbering around 50, wore blue shirts with messages like "Kiwis first," "Keep NZ, NZ," and "True Patriot." They also held a large banner that read, "This is New Zealand not India." While being held back by police officers, they performed a haka, linked arms, and chanted phrases including "One true God," "Jesus," and "God of nation."
Police Response and Community Safety
Inspector Matt Hoyes provided details of the police action. He stated that the protesters blocked the road at approximately 2 pm with the intent to disrupt the parade. "Police acted swiftly to ensure the parade was able to safely continue and additional officers were called in to escort the parade participants through the remainder of their route," Hoyes said. Officers remained in the vicinity until the parade concluded to reassure the Sikh community of their safety.
Inspector Hoyes emphasized the balance between lawful protest and public safety, stating, "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's Stance and Broader Context
Brian Tamaki endorsed the protest in a social media caption accompanying the video. He wrote, "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."
This demonstration occurs against a backdrop of heightened security at religious sites globally. This follows the tragic Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, Australia, earlier this month, which resulted in 16 fatalities at a Jewish Hanukkah festival. Australian police identified the attackers as a father and son duo, Sajid Akram (50) and Naveed Akram (24), and said the attack was inspired by Islamic State ideology. It was later confirmed that Sajid Akram was born in Hyderabad, India, before migrating to Australia in 1998.
Following that attack, Brian Tamaki took to social media to claim that "multiculturalism is ruining Australia," signaling the ideological underpinnings of the recent protest in Auckland.
