Friday World December 29, 2025
"This is New Zealand, not India" – Racist Voices on Auckland Streets Echo India's Domestic Realities
In December 2025, an incident on the streets of Auckland, New Zealand, deeply shook people of Indian origin, particularly the Sikh and Hindu communities. In the Manurewa suburb of South Auckland, a peaceful Sikh religious procession (Nagar Kirtan) organized by the local Sikh community was confronted and temporarily disrupted by a far-right Christian group called "True Patriots of New Zealand," linked to Destiny Church and its leader Brian Tamaki.
The protesters performed the traditional Māori haka (war dance), waved banners reading "This is New Zealand, not India" wore blue shirts with slogans like “Kiwis First”, “Keep NZ, NZ”, and “True Patriot”, and chanted Christian slogans such as “One true God” and “Jesus”. Police intervened to separate the two groups and ensure the procession could continue safely, with no violence or arrests reported.
This was not an isolated event. Earlier in June 2025, the same group had staged a march in central Auckland where they tore and trampled flags/symbols representing Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, Sikh, and Palestinian identities, followed by haka performances.
These incidents have exposed rising anti-immigrant and anti-non-Christian sentiments in parts of New Zealand.
Such actions are utterly condemnable. Blocking a religious procession, using derogatory slogans, and labeling immigrants as unwanted amounts to pure racism. The Indian diaspora, which contributes significantly to New Zealand's economy and society, does not deserve this treatment.
But the real question arises – Is this merely external hatred, or is the fire burning inside India spreading its sparks abroad?
India's global image was once synonymous with tolerance, non-violence, and the principle of *Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam* (the world is one family) – embodied by figures like Gandhi and Buddha, and a land of diversity. However, in recent years, international media has repeatedly highlighted reports of hate speech, lynchings, violence against minorities, demolitions of homes, and discrimination on religious grounds.
These stories do not stay confined within India's borders; they spread worldwide. When foreign media portrays India as intolerant and extremist, every Indian living abroad – whether Hindu, Sikh, or Muslim – gets painted with the same brush. In countries like New Zealand, where anti-immigration sentiments already exist, such reports serve as fuel. Protesters chanting “This is New Zealand, not India” are not just targeting immigrants; they are directly attacking India's current tarnished image.
The Cycle of Action and Reaction When the majority community inside the country remains silent – whether out of fear, agreement, or indifference – it becomes complicit in injustice. Peace-loving Hindus, who harbor no hatred in their daily lives, must stand against extremist elements. If they fail to speak up, the world will view the entire community through the lens of those very troublemakers.
The consequences are already visible:
→ Attacks on Indians have increased in Canada, the United States, Australia, and now New Zealand.
→ Graffiti on Hindu temples, assaults on Sikhs, and ordinary Indians being labeled "unwanted."
→ The diaspora increasingly feels insecure – not only due to racists abroad, but also because of India's deteriorating global reputation.
Awareness Among the Indian Diaspora In countries with large Indian populations (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand), many community members now recognize this danger. Organizations like the Hindu Council of Australia and Sikh coalitions are actively raising their voices against racism. Discussions on social media are intense, with people openly saying that domestic extremism is backfiring abroad.
However, the influence of hateful propaganda remains strong. Some dismiss these incidents as "mere Western racism" and ignore India's internal issues. Others label them as "propaganda" and reject them outright.
Conclusion The Auckland incident is not just one event – it is a warning. Until brotherhood, constitutional rule, and protection of minorities are truly ensured within India, questions about the safety and dignity of Indians abroad will persist. The dream of becoming a "Vishwaguru" (world leader) will remain incomplete unless India re-establishes itself as a truly tolerant nation.
This is no longer just a political issue – it concerns Indian identity, self-respect, and global future. The time has come for the silent majority to speak up
– both at home and abroad.
Sajjad Ali Nayani ✍🏼
Friday World December 29, 2025
