New Zealand PM meets Akal Takht officiating Jathedar in Auckland, accepts invite to visit Golden Temple

Recognising the increasing contribution of the Sikh community to the development of New Zealand, its Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, met visiting Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj on Sunday. Giani Gargaj invited the New Zealand Prime Minister to visit the Golden Temple, which he accepted.

A release issued by the Akal Takht secretariat on Sunday stated that the two leaders discussed mutual understanding and harmony between the Sikh community living in New Zealand and other communities. They also spoke about the services being rendered by Sikhs in New Zealand for the development and strengthening of society there.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid obeisance at Guru Nanak Sikh Sangat Gurdwara Sahib in Otahuhu, Auckland, and held a special meeting with the Akal Takht officiating Jathedar.

Jathedar Gargaj thanked Prime Minister Luxon for recognising and honouring the services being performed by Sikhs in New Zealand. He also invited him to visit the Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine in the world, which the Prime Minister gladly accepted.

During the meeting, Jathedar Gargaj presented a model of the Golden Temple to Prime Minister Luxon, while the visiting Prime Minister gifted a watch to the Jathedar.

On the occasion, Takanini MP Rima Nakhle, president of the Central Sikh Association and spokesperson for the Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand Daljit Singh, Youth Akali Dal president Sarabjit Singh Jhinjar, and media advisor Jaskaran Singh were also present.