Series Classification: G (General Programmes)
Punjabi migrants, who practice the Sikh faith, have a rich history in New Zealand yet previous generations were often made to feel unwelcome here.
In this episode we discover Punjabi people living in Aotearoa now feel more able to honour their spiritual practices without fear but "being part of two worlds" still presents challenges.
Punjabi New Zealanders practicing their Sikh faith Photo: Alex Bradshaw / Fire Fire
Ajit Randhawa
"Finding work here in the urban areas was not easy. They did find a lot of discrimination at that time."
With a rich knowledge of the history of his people in New Zealand, Ajit speaks of the hard times Punjabi Sikhs have faced forging a cultural identity in a new land. In the 1960s, Waikato became the first cultural centre of Sikhism in New Zealand as Punjabi families established themselves as farmers. Ajit's children, who have been brought up in New Zealand, are now empowered by living in a multicultural country that is forging ahead as a 'new' New Zealand - something he is proud to see.
Parminder Singh
"To me, the turban is actually my mark of respect, my kaitiaki. From generation to generation as a Sikh, it's actually carrying responsibility about my heritage."
As a community awareness broadcaster, Parminder is a much loved and active Sikh community member, who remembers being punished for being Sikh in India when he was a young man. For many years he stayed silent over this experience of abuse, calling these the 'black days.' Finding his community and practising his spirituality means Parminder remains connected to his heritage and is able to heal from a painful past. He now works in the community as a Justice of the Peace, a marriage celebrant and more recently as a district advisor to Manukau's Commander of Police in Manukau. Parminder views the opportunities he has here in New Zealand to work with many people of different backgrounds as a privilege.
Harsharin Kaur Virk
"Being a part of two worlds can be quite beautiful, but it can be quite difficult."
As the eldest daughter of Punjabi immigrants, Harsharin Kaur Virk (aka @the_indian_feminist) has a keen awareness of the harshness of life and how fortunate her family are to have put down roots in New Zealand, particularly after the tragic experiences her grandmother endured during the 1984 massacres in India. Harsharin straddles two worlds, growing up as a Kiwi kid of Punjabi heritage identity was a source of confusion. Her work today is influenced by the strong women who have inspired her in her own family and her Sikh culture.
Behind the scenes...
Punjabi New Zealand women Photo: Alex Bradshaw / Fire Fire
A member of Auckland's Punjabi community Photo: Alex Bradshaw / Fire Fire
Giants
Every year, families relocate to New Zealand from a diverse range of cultures that share a deep respect for whānau (family), community and whakapapa (ancestry).
In the seven-part video series Giants, we learn how these new New Zealanders see themselves as standing on the shoulders of their ancestors – 'giants' who paved the way for their own descendants to settle here and live lives that are meaningful.
Find out how New Zealand's migrant communities are creating a fresh legacy while staying connected to their own cultures.
Episode credits:
Creator - Alex Bradshaw
Producers - Alex Bradshaw and Tara Durrant
Executive Producer - Pietra Brettkelly
Featuring - Sophia Kaur, Ajit Randhawa, Parminder Singh, Harsharin Kaur Virk, Robinleigh Emery
Photo: NZ On Air
