Auckland: New Zealand is grappling with a disturbing surge in anti-Hindu sentiment, following a provocative demonstration led by conservative Christian figure Brian Tamaki and his followers in Auckland.

The protest on June 21, 2025, saw religious flags, including those representing Hinduism and Sikhism, desecrated in a shocking display that has sparked widespread condemnation and concern over rising intolerance.

Held on Queen Street and spearheaded by Tamaki’s Destiny Church, the protest attracted hundreds rallying for “Christian values” and a “Kiwi identity.”

However, what unfolded has raised alarms over social cohesion in the multicultural nation.

Flags symbolising Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, the LGBTQ+ community, and even mainstream media were torn, trampled, or set alight.

The protest followed Tamaki's radical call for Christianity to be declared New Zealand’s official religion.

Political leaders and community voices have swiftly denounced the incident. Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour described the rally’s anti-immigration tone as “un-Kiwi,” firmly opposing Tamaki’s call to end the country’s secularism and tighten immigration.

Seymour reiterated that New Zealand remains committed to inclusion and welcomes immigrants who uphold its values of diversity and tolerance.

The desecration of Hindu symbols has sparked particular outrage among ethnic communities, who fear the rise of targeted hate campaigns.

The government, along with several ethnic leaders, has underlined the need to uphold religious freedom and protect New Zealand’s multicultural ethos.

Calls for open dialogue, education, and stronger safeguards have followed in the aftermath.

Community group IndoNZ pointed to a broader trend of rising hate incidents. Citing police data, it noted that out of 19,589 hate-motivated offences recorded since 2020, around 73% were racially or ethnically motivated.

Religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation also accounted for significant proportions of the complaints.

Analysts say the hate campaign against Hindus is a reflection of deeper frictions between hardline religious movements and an increasingly pluralistic society.

With Tamaki’s movement pushing for stricter immigration controls and a Christian-only national identity, concerns are growing about the country’s ability to hold together its inclusive, multicultural fabric.