'Don't escalate': Appeal for calm as police increase presence during Diwali amid planned protests
Participants celebrating the 2023 Auckland Diwali Festival. (RNZ/Yitling Lin)
Police promise a visible presence and urge festivalgoers to avoid confrontation as Brian Tamaki plans a rally on the same day.
Police say they're committed to ensuring the safety of everyone attending Diwali events in Auckland amid planned protests during the same period.
The city's two-day Diwali Festival kicks off on 31 October.
Brian Tamaki from the Destiny Church has organised a rally on the same day, although he denied intentionally choosing that date to coincide with the festival.
Tamaki appeared in court earlier this week on three charges of inciting racial disharmony over Facebook comments about Indian communities.
The police have issued a reassurance message through ethnic community leaders and event organisers, saying that they acknowledged that communities may have concerns.
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Tamaki says he was detained in Australia and sent back from airport over Sikhs, Muslims remarks The Destiny Church leader claims Australian authorities considered his presence a risk to Sikh and Muslim communities.
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"Police are committed to ensuring the safety of everyone attending Diwali events, as well as members of the wider public," the message said.
"A visible Police presence will be in place to help maintain public safety, support lawful activity, and respond to any incidents should they occur."
People were also being encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings, particularly when travelling near or through areas when events were taking place.
"If you encounter language, behaviour, or messaging that you find offensive or upsetting, we encourage you not to engage or escalate the situation," the message said.
"Instead, prioritise your safety and remove yourself from the area if necessary."
Police said they were committed to maintaining a safe environment for everyone, regardless of background, beliefs, or reasons for protesting.
"We encourage members of the community to look after one another, remain vigilant, and contact police if they have any concerns."
(This story was first published on rnz.co.nz)
