New Zealand is grappling with rising religious hate after a protest led by Christian leader Brian Tamaki saw Hindu, Sikh, and LGBTQ+ flags desecrated in Auckland. The June 21 rally called for Christianity as the official religion and tighter immigration laws, sparking national outrage and fears of deepening social divisions.
In recent weeks, New Zealand has witnessed a troubling rise in a hate campaign against Hindus. This unsettling trend is primarily attributed to the actions of conservative Christian leader Brian Tamaki and his followers, who desecrated flags representing various religions, including Hinduism and Sikhism, during a protest in Auckland on June 21, 2025. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding social cohesion within the nation.