The New Zealand Sikh Society (South Island) Inc (NZSS) hosted the current Prime Minister and Labour Party leader, Chris Hipkins, at the Christchurch Singh Sabha Gurdwara on Sunday, September 10th. During this visit, he engaged with Gurudwara committee members and addressed the sangat (congregation).
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Dr. Megan Woods, Tracey McLellan, Daljit Singh from the NZ Supreme Sikh Society, Kharag Singh, Dr Anae Neru Leavasa and Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki from Auckland, , and local Labour Party supporters, including Narinder Singh Warraich.
The event drew a substantial turnout and received a warm reception from the sangat. In a closed meeting with committee members, Jitender Sahi, spokesperson for NZSS, presented key issues affecting the Indian and Sikh communities, highlighting concerns such as the extension of parent visas, rising retail crime, ram-raids, and the situation of individuals stranded overseas who could have obtained residency under RV 2021.
The Prime Minister addressed the raised concerns and presented the government’s viewpoint, along with the actions and initiatives taken in response to those concerns.
Representatives from Sri Ganesha Temple Christchurch also met the Prime Minister and updated him about the plans of building the temple.
Later Prime Minister and other dignitaries addressed the sangat in the main hall.
In his address, Hipkins expressed gratitude to the Sikh community for their invaluable contribution to the nation, particularly during the challenging period of the Covid-19 lockdown.
“I saw firsthand, as the minister for Covid 19 response, just what a big contribution you made to supporting New Zealand families through an exceptionally challenging period,” he said.
Talking about the need for more awareness about the five Ks of Sikhism, especially about Kirpan and “when and where it can be carried,” Hipkins said, “Work is underway, led by the Ministry of Ethnic Communities, to resolve these issues.”
Hipkins also touched upon the issue of rising retail crime.
“We put 1800 extra police on the beat to support our community so that they can be safe. We’ve seen over 157 per cent increase in ethnic representation within the New Zealand Police Force because we put a concerted effort into making sure that our police force represents the communities that it is there to serve,” Hipkins said.
Talking about other measures, Hipkins said, “We’ve doubled the support available through the retail crime prevention program. We’ve got to focus on installing fog cannons to ensure everybody can feel safe in your business.”
Hipkins also highlighted the Labour Party’s efforts to curb the cost of living crisis and said, “We are committed to helping to grow our economy and to tackle the cost of living issues with some common-sense ideas that will make life a little bit easier for New Zealand families.”
“Removing GST on fruit and vegetables is something that we will do to make a meaningful difference to families. We want to keep the free prescriptions because we know that for a lot of families, that $5 is such an enormous difference in being able to stay healthy,” Hipkins said.
Talking about the various initiatives and community projects by Supreme Sikh Society, its president Daljit Singh said, “One of the basic principles of Sikhism is sharing. Our Gurus have taught us this, and it is something we are committed to upholding in New Zealand.”
Kharag Singh, the Labour Party’s candidate, who is set to challenge National Party leader Christopher Luxon in the south-eastern Auckland suburb of Botany, also addressed the audience and shared his thoughts on the contest against Luxon: “It’s undoubtedly a challenging fight, and while I am all up for it, I request everyone’s prayers and blessings. I also take great pride in being the first turbaned candidate for the Labour Party, and this recognition is indeed an honour.”
Narinder Singh Warraich, a well-known member of the local community and a supporter of the Labour Party, emphasised, “A notable achievement of the Labour Party government has been the 2021 Residence Visa program, which granted permanent residency to 200,000 migrants. This initiative has enabled long-time residents who have been in the country for years to finally secure their residency status.” He also encouraged all recent residency recipients to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard in the upcoming elections.