In what has been described as an historical event, the Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand (SSSNZ), partnered with the Māori leadership of Ngaruawahia, and distributed over 640 food parcels and 100 blankets to people in need on Sunday, May 17.

The representatives of SSSNZ were greeted with a powhiri (welcome ceremony) when they reached the Waikato town, which notably houses the Tūrangawaewae Marae. The Marae is the headquarters for the Māori King Movement (Te Kīngitanga) and the official residence and reception centre of the head of the Kīngitanga – the current Māori King, Tuheitia Paki.

“While we couldn’t meet the King as he was in his bubble, we met his nephew and other members of Ngaruawahia Māori leadership,” informed Daljit Singh, spokesperson for the SSSNZ.

Apart from helping their Māori brothers, the SSSNZ has been at the forefront of helping the New Zealand society-at-large during the New Zealand COVID-19 lockdown.

“Overall, we have distributed about 26,500 free food bags from the Gurudwara at Takanini, and a combined total of 10,000 from other places, during this time. We also help the New Zealand Police, Methodist Church and some other social organisations, with a weekly distribution of over 450 food packets. With winter looming, we will be distributing over 2,000 blankets to the needy, as New Zealand moves to alert level two,” Singh told this newspaper last week.

– TIN Bureau