Abstract:
With the number of Indian migrants increasing, a variety of research has been carried out on their migratory and settlement process. The literature available on Sikhs in New Zealand is restrictive. It focuses on general early Indian migration to New Zealand along with their settlement into society. It does not provide much information about Sikhs in New Zealand. Sikhs are an ethnic minority in New Zealand, providing an untapped bank of research opportunities. The study of the Sikh community in Auckland attempts to explore the migration and settlement of Sikhs in New Zealand. Reasons for migration are established, ranging from push factors such as the unrest in Punjab in 1984 and pull factors such as better job opportunities. Settlement and integration levels are analysed while discussing migrant experiences. The importance of the Sikh Society in promoting and maintaining Sikh culture is evaluated while focusing on the creation of a separate Sikh identity, that helps distinguish them from other ethnic groups especially those of Indian origin. Services such as Saturday school, celebration of festivals, provision of accommodation and counselling are also assessed while discussing cultural maintenance amongst the Sikh community.