Auckland: Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib honours Māori leaders at Khalsa Sajna Divas event at Takanini Gurdwara Sahib
Babushahi Bureau
Auckland (New Zealand), April 20, 2026: Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj attended a religious congregation held at Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib, Takanini in Auckland, organised by the Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand to mark Khalsa Sajna Diwas (Khalsa Foundation Day).
Addressing the community gathering, the Jathedar encouraged them to live their lives in accordance with Sikh principles and Gurmat (Guru’s wisdom).
He also urged the Sikh community in New Zealand to teach Gurmukhi Punjabi to their children and keep them connected with Gurdwaras. A large number of members of the local Sikh community participated in the event.
While addressing the congregation, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said it is a matter of great happiness that Sikhs, despite living thousands of miles away from their native Punjab, have taken guidance from Sri Guru Granth Sahib and are carrying out activities and services in line with Sikh teachings through Gurdwaras. He added that during COVID-19, Sikhs rendered significant humanitarian services in this country, which enhanced the respect for the Sikh turban and identity.
He emphasized that to keep children connected with Sikhi in foreign lands, it is essential for Sikh families to visit their nearest Gurdwara Sahib at least once a week, preferably on a holiday, along with the entire family.
He further said that although Sikhs may be far from Punjab, they must always remember that by the grace of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Khalsa Panth is one collective family, and spiritually, all belong to Sri Anandpur Sahib. He called upon the community to stand united, support one another, and help those in need.
During the event, two women leaders from the Māori community, who have previously supported the Sikh community, were also present. Member of Parliament from Tāmaki Makaurau, Oriini Kaipara, and Chairperson of the New Zealand Māori Council, Anne Kendall, attended as special guests.
They were thanked by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and were also honoured at the Gurdwara. Notably, both leaders had strongly spoken in support of Sikhs after certain mischievous people misused the Māori tradition of Haka to oppose a Nagar Kirtan in Auckland and Tauranga in the past.
On this occasion, prominent attendees included Daljit Singh, spokesperson of the Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand and President of the Central Sikh Association of New Zealand; Kartar Singh, President of the Gurdwara Management Committee; Secretary Ranbir Singh Lally; Chairman Naib Singh; Chairman (Religious Affairs) Satnam Singh; Treasurer Manjinder Singh; Youth Akali Dal President Sarabjit Singh Jhinjer; Vice-President Bibi Harwinder Kaur; former President Bibi Jasbir Kaur; Chairman of Papakura Marae Council Tony Kake; and media advisor Jaskaran Singh, among others.