Labour Leader Chris Hipkins Praises Young Sikh Speaker Amanjot Singh
Media Story by Australian Punjabi News
Chris Hipkins speeking at the Fiji Grimit Celebration event in Auckland 2026. Photo: Chris Hipkins
Chris Hipkins used a major Fiji Girmit celebration event in Auckland to praise young Sikh speaker Amanjot Singh, while also delivering a strong message against racism and anti-migrant hatred in New Zealand.
Addressing members of the Indian and Fijian-Indian communities, Hipkins paid tribute to the generations of Indian migrants who were taken from India to Fiji during the Girmit era and endured hardship, racism and discrimination while building a future for their families.
During his speech, Hipkins said the stories of migrants and diverse communities continue to shape New Zealand and make the country stronger. He stressed that diversity should be celebrated and protected, especially at a time when negative rhetoric against migrants is increasing in many parts of the world.
A key moment of the event came when Hipkins highlighted Amanjot Singh, who recently gained national attention after winning a race and diversity speech competition in New Zealand. Hipkins praised the young speaker for confidently expressing his views and speaking openly about unity, inclusion and understanding between communities.
According to Hipkins, voices like Amanjot’s represent the kind of future New Zealand should encourage — one where young people from all backgrounds feel confident to speak up and contribute to society.
The Labour leader also strongly criticised people spreading hatred and division against migrants and minority communities. Without naming individuals directly, he said those promoting racism and fear do not represent the true values of New Zealand.
Hipkins said New Zealand has always been a country built by people from different cultures and backgrounds, and everyone should feel safe, respected and welcomed regardless of where they come from.
He further stated that if Labour returns to government after the November election, his party would focus on addressing issues affecting communities and work towards fairness, equality and stronger social inclusion across the country.
The speech received strong support from attendees, with many applauding Hipkins’ comments on diversity and his recognition of young leaders like Amanjot Singh, whose achievement has already become a proud moment for many in the Punjabi community across New Zealand.