Sikh Religious Procession Disrupted

Meditation New Zealand, also officially known as The New Zealand School of Meditation – strongly condemns the hateful and divisive actions of a Destiny Church–linked group that disrupted a peaceful Sikh religious procession in Manurewa, South Auckland on Saturday, 20 December 2025.

We stand in full solidarity with the Sikh community and affirm their fundamental right to freely and peacefully practice their faith—an essential freedom protected by New Zealand law and central to our shared social fabric.

We are deeply concerned by the confrontational misuse of the haka, a taonga of Māori cultural expression and unity, as a tool of intimidation and exclusion. Such actions undermine religious freedom, social cohesion, and the spirit of mutual respect that defines Aotearoa.

The rhetoric and conduct displayed stand in direct contradiction to the core teachings of Christianity itself, including the central commandment taught by Jesus Christ: to love God and to love one’s neighbour as oneself (Mark 12:30–31). These principles of compassion, dignity, and universal love are equally foundational to Sanātana Dharma—the ancient spiritual tradition underlying Hinduism—which affirms seeing all with equal vision, service to humanity, and respect for people beyond race, creed, or ideology.

No group has the right to decide who belongs in our society or whose faith is welcome. Actions that target or exclude religious communities have no place in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“We therefore condemn this hateful rhetoric and stand with the Sikh community—and with all people of faith—in upholding inclusion, respect, and religious freedom,” said Radha Lyttle, spokesperson for Meditation New Zealand.

We urge the government and civic authorities to continue safeguarding New Zealand’s pluralistic and inclusive society against groups and individuals who promote hate and division. Aotearoa is strongest when all faiths can be expressed freely and peacefully.

We also join many organizations across the country in expressing our deep gratitude and appreciation for the Sikh community and their longstanding tradition of selfless service to communities throughout New Zealand.

Footnote: Meditation New Zealand/The New Zealand School of Meditation has been a well-established non-profit organisation within New Zealand, since 1984, offering free meditation classes, yoga sessions, yoga wisdom classes, retreats, Bhagavad Gita classes, and many other events to the community.  Contact: Radha Lyttle 0274047920  email: classes@nzsm.org.nz