# Sikh Temple Hastings - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Sikh Temple Hastings (Gurdwara Sahib), New Zealand — founded 1989, serving 2,000+ Hawke's Bay Sikhs. Visitor info, history & langar details. ![Sikh Temple Hastings](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Sikh%20Temple%20Hastings.jpg&w=1200) Historical regional # Sikh Temple Hastings Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Sikh Temple Hastings, also known as Gurdwara Sahib Hastings, is the principal Sikh place of worship serving the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand's North Island. Located in Hastings, the heart of the Hawke's Bay horticultural district, the gurdwara stands as a spiritual anchor for one of New Zealand's most vibrant regional Sikh communities, estimated at close to 2,000 members as of the early 2020s. The temple is situated near coordinates -39.6456°S, 176.8456°E, in a region characterized by fertile plains, orchards, and a warm climate that has long attracted Punjabi migrants who find parallels with their agricultural homeland. The gurdwara serves the dual role that is central to Sikhism: it is simultaneously a house of God and a community centre open to all people, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or background. Visitors are welcomed to participate in daily prayers (Nitnem), listen to kirtan (devotional singing), and partake in the langar — the free communal meal that is a cornerstone of Sikh egalitarian values. The temple's congregation has grown exponentially from just three or four families in the late 1980s to over 200 active Indian families by the 2010s, reflecting the broader wave of South Asian immigration to New Zealand following the country's shift to a race-neutral, points-based immigration system in 1987. The Hastings Sikh community is drawn to Hawke's Bay for reasons that echo historical patterns of Sikh migration worldwide: the region offers agricultural employment, a warm climate reminiscent of Punjab, and an established network of family and community ties. Fruit picking, dairy farming, and trades work have all brought Punjabi families to the area, and the temple has been instrumental in retaining them by providing a spiritual and cultural home. The gurdwara is managed by the local Sikh society and is affiliated with the broader New Zealand Sikh community. Plans for a new, purpose-built $4 million facility at 28 Richmond Road, Tomoana — on four hectares of land purchased in 2010 — were approved by the Hastings District Council in November 2019 after a lengthy consent process. This new complex, designed to accommodate up to 700 worshippers at major events, will include a library, a residence for the resident granthi (head priest), and community gardens, marking a new chapter in the temple's history. The gurdwara is a place of pilgrimage for Sikhs across New Zealand, and is regarded as a symbol of the community's deep roots and growing presence in Aotearoa. ## Significance The Sikh Temple Hastings holds profound religious and cultural significance for the Hawke's Bay Sikh community and for New Zealand's Sikh diaspora more broadly. As the primary gurdwara for the region, it is a living embodiment of the five cardinal Sikh virtues — Sat (truth), Santokh (contentment), Daya (compassion), Nimrata (humility), and Pyaar (love) — expressed daily through communal worship, service, and hospitality. The gurdwara enshrines the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal living scripture of Sikhism, which is treated with the reverence accorded to a living Guru. Daily prayers, kirtan sessions, and recitations from the holy text — including multi-day Akhand Paath (non-stop readings of all 1,430 pages) — connect the local congregation to the universal Sikh faith. The langar, or free communal kitchen, is perhaps the most visible expression of the temple's significance. Open to all regardless of background, the langar embodies the Sikh principle that no person should go hungry, and has become a symbol of interfaith goodwill in Hawke's Bay. As the community grew, the langar had to be served in staggered sittings to accommodate all worshippers — a testament to both its popularity and the community's growth. Beyond its strictly religious function, the temple serves as a cultural and social hub for the Punjabi diaspora in Hawke's Bay. It provides a gathering space for weddings, naming ceremonies (Naam Karan), and milestone events, and serves as a point of welcome and integration for newly arrived Sikh migrants. The temple's warm relationship with the wider Hastings community — including its Christian neighbours and civic institutions — reflects the Sikh values of tolerance and service that have made it a respected institution in the region. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ![Shri Guru Ravidass Temple Hastings](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Shri%20Guru%20Ravidass%20Temple%20Hastings%2C%20New%20Zealand%2C%20May%202025.jpg&w=600) ### Shri Guru Ravidass Temple Hastings New Zealand 1.9 km away Open daily for prayers and community act... The Shri Guru Ravidass Temple in Hastings, located on Havelock North Road in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand's North Island, is one of the most significant Ravidassia places of worship in the Southern Hemisphere. Situated at the outskirts of Havelock North — a leafy township adjacent to Hastings — the temple serves as the spiritual and cultural heart of the region's Ravidassia community, a distinct faith tradition rooted in the teachings of the 15th-century poet-saint Guru Ravidass. The temple is unmistakable on the landscape thanks to its striking four-metre golden dome, sourced from the Punjab region of India and shipped in a container halfway around the world. This gleaming structure crowns the main prayer hall and signals to all who pass that this is a sacred place of worship. In Ravidassia tradition, a dome represents the human head — the seat of intellect and devotion — and its completion marked a transformative moment in the temple's development. The complex includes a main darbar sahib (prayer hall), a dedicated dining room, two fully equipped kitchens, and modern bathroom facilities. Expansive grounds surround the buildings, with plans for a children's playground and an orchard of fruit trees that reflect the community's commitment to nurturing both spirit and body. The address — 193 Havelock North Road — places it in a semi-rural setting that evokes the agrarian roots of the Punjabi diaspora who established it. Visitors of all backgrounds are welcomed warmly, as openness and hospitality are cornerstones of the Ravidassia faith. The temple draws New Zealand's South Asian diaspora for weekly prayers, celebrations of holy days, and community gatherings where social issues, cultural identity, and spiritual life are discussed equally. It is far more than a house of worship; it is a community anchor where people sit, cook, share, and deliberate together — principles encapsulated in the temple's guiding motto. The Hastings Ravidassia community gained national recognition in February 2023 when, in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle — one of New Zealand's worst natural disasters — temple volunteers cooked and delivered over 10,000 hot vegetarian meals to displaced and affected communities across Hastings and Napier, working in coordination with the nearby Sikh temple. This act of selfless service, known as seva, demonstrated the living values of the Ravidassia faith in action and cemented the temple's status as a pillar of the wider Hawke's Bay community. Historical ## Detailed History The history of the Sikh Temple Hastings is inseparable from the story of Sikh migration to New Zealand's Hawke's Bay region. The earliest Sikh settlers began arriving in Hastings in the late 1980s, following New Zealand's landmark 1987 immigration reforms that abolished racial exclusion and introduced a skills-based points system. By 1989, a small but determined community of Sikhs had established a makeshift place of worship on the corner of Hastings and Eastbourne Streets — a modest beginning for what would become a flourishing religious institution. Among the earliest and most influential figures in the temple's establishment was Baljit Singh, who arrived in New Zealand in 1989 and settled in Hastings. He played a pivotal role in organizing the nascent Sikh congregation and was instrumental in founding the formal gurdwara. In those early years, the community numbered no more than 30 to 40 people — three or four families — who gathered for prayer and fellowship in improvised spaces. In 1999, the community constructed a dedicated temple building, marking a decisive milestone in the gurdwara's evolution. The new building provided a permanent home for the Sikh Sangat (congregation) and allowed the community to formalize its religious and cultural practices. At the time of the temple's construction, around 20 to 22 Indian families were actively involved. The temple faced adversity in the early 2000s when it was the subject of desecration, an incident that shocked the wider Hawke's Bay community and drew broad expressions of solidarity from local churches and civic groups. Through the 2000s and 2010s, the Sikh population of Hawke's Bay grew rapidly. By 2014, over 200 Indian families were actively participating in temple life. By 2016, approximately 1,500 Sikhs lived in the region, the vast majority in Hastings. This growth made the existing temple facilities inadequate, prompting the community to seek land for a new purpose-built gurdwara. In 2010, the Hawke's Bay Sikh society purchased four hectares at 28 Richmond Road, Tomoana, on the outskirts of Hastings. The path to building the new temple was not straightforward. A 2015 plan change restricted development on productive farmland, and an initial resource consent application was denied by the Hastings District Council in 2017. The community appealed, and after a hearing in July 2019, the council reversed its decision in November 2019, granting consent to build the $4 million facility. Committee member Jagjiwan Singh expressed the community's elation: "We are so happy. It's a big win for us." By this time, the Hawke's Bay Sikh community had grown to close to 2,000 members. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The sacred inner sanctum of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed on a raised throne (takht) beneath a decorated canopy (palki). Worshippers sit on the carpeted floor in the presence of the living scripture; kirtan and prayers are conducted here daily. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The communal kitchen and dining area where free meals are prepared and served to all visitors. As the community grew, sittings had to be staggered to accommodate hundreds of worshippers. The planned new facility will include a significantly expanded langar hall capable of serving up to 700 people at major events. ### Nishan Sahib Flagpole tower The tall flagpole at the entrance of the gurdwara bearing the triangular Nishan Sahib — the distinctive Sikh flag in blue or yellow bearing the Khanda symbol. It marks the gurdwara's presence and serves as a landmark for the congregation. ### Entrance and Shoe Room (Jora Ghar) entrance The entrance area where visitors remove their footwear before entering the sacred premises. Head coverings (chunni and patkas) are available here for visitors who do not bring their own. This threshold symbolizes the transition from the everyday world to the sacred space of the gurdwara. ### Planned New Complex at Tomoana prayer_hall The approved $4 million facility at 28 Richmond Road, Tomoana, encompasses four hectares and will include a full darbar sahib, expanded langar hall, a library, community gardens, and a residence for the resident granthi (priest). Designed by Absolute Architecture Ltd, the complex is planned to serve the growing community of close to 2,000 Hawke's Bay Sikhs. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required for all visitors (scarves/patkas available at entrance); remove shoes before entering; modest, conservative clothing recommended ### Photography Respectful photography may be permitted in common areas; photography inside the darbar sahib during prayer is generally discouraged — seek permission from temple officials ### Etiquette Bow before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering the darbar sahib; sit cross-legged on the floor (seating is at ground level); do not turn your back to the holy scripture; refrain from bringing tobacco or alcohol onto the premises; all are welcome to partake in langar ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The existing temple serves hundreds of worshippers at major events in staggered sittings; the planned new facility will have capacity to serve 700 people at a single sitting during large events Seating Capacity ## Architecture The original Sikh Temple Hastings, established in 1999, is a modest purpose-built structure reflecting the community's resources at the time of its construction. The building incorporates key features of a functional gurdwara: a darbar sahib (main prayer hall) where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed and protected beneath a canopy (palki), a langar hall for the communal kitchen, and separate facilities for men and women to cover their heads at the entrance. As is standard for all gurdwaras, the Nishan Sahib — the triangular Sikh flag on a tall flagpole — marks the temple's presence in the community. The approved plans for the new gurdwara at 28 Richmond Road, Tomoana, represent a significant architectural step forward for the community. Designed by local firm Absolute Architecture Ltd, the new $4 million complex is planned across four hectares and will incorporate traditional Sikh architectural elements alongside modern New Zealand construction standards. The facility will accommodate up to 700 people for major events, and will include a dedicated langar hall capable of serving hundreds of worshippers, a library, a residence for the head granthi, and surrounding community gardens. The design reflects the synthesis of Punjabi religious tradition and New Zealand's contemporary architectural vernacular. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The sacred inner sanctum of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed on a raised throne (takht) beneath a decorated canopy (palki). Worshippers sit on the carpeted floor in the presence of the living scripture; kirtan and prayers are conducted here daily. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The communal kitchen and dining area where free meals are prepared and served to all visitors. As the community grew, sittings had to be staggered to accommodate hundreds of worshippers. The planned new facility will include a significantly expanded langar hall capable of serving up to 700 people at major events. ### Nishan Sahib Flagpole tower The tall flagpole at the entrance of the gurdwara bearing the triangular Nishan Sahib — the distinctive Sikh flag in blue or yellow bearing the Khanda symbol. It marks the gurdwara's presence and serves as a landmark for the congregation. ### Entrance and Shoe Room (Jora Ghar) entrance The entrance area where visitors remove their footwear before entering the sacred premises. Head coverings (chunni and patkas) are available here for visitors who do not bring their own. This threshold symbolizes the transition from the everyday world to the sacred space of the gurdwara. ### Planned New Complex at Tomoana prayer_hall The approved $4 million facility at 28 Richmond Road, Tomoana, encompasses four hectares and will include a full darbar sahib, expanded langar hall, a library, community gardens, and a residence for the resident granthi (priest). Designed by Absolute Architecture Ltd, the complex is planned to serve the growing community of close to 2,000 Hawke's Bay Sikhs. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The most significant celebration in the Sikh calendar, marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Observed in November with Akhand Paath (48-72 hour continuous scripture reading), kirtan, and extended langar. The entire community gathers for multiple days of prayer and celebration. ### festival #### Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) Celebrated on 13 or 14 April, Baisakhi commemorates the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. In Hastings, the community celebrates with prayers, kirtan, and langar. Nagar Kirtan processions have been held in the streets of Hastings to mark this occasion. #### Diwali / Bandi Chhor Divas The Sikh observance of Bandi Chhor Divas coincides with Diwali and commemorates Guru Hargobind Ji's release from imprisonment. Celebrated with kirtan, prayers, and communal langar at the temple. #### Nagar Kirtan A religious procession through the streets of Hastings, featuring singing of Gurbani (sacred hymns), the Panj Pyaare (Five Beloved) leading the procession, and the Guru Granth Sahib Ji carried in a decorated palki. These processions have been held to mark Baisakhi and other significant occasions. ### historical #### Sri Akhand Paath Sahib A continuous, uninterrupted recitation of the entire Guru Granth Sahib Ji (1,430 pages), conducted over approximately 48-72 hours. This sacred ceremony is held on major Gurpurabs and significant community occasions. Multiple readers take turns to ensure the reading is never interrupted. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting The Sikh Temple Hastings (Gurdwara Sahib Hastings) is open daily for prayers. Sunday services draw the largest congregations. The new purpose-built facility at 28 Richmond Road, Tomoana is planned to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week once completed. For current opening hours, contact the temple via the Gurdwara Sahib Hastings NZ Facebook page. Yes. Langar — the free communal meal — is available to all visitors regardless of faith or background, as is the tradition at every gurdwara worldwide. Langar is served daily following prayers and in extended sittings on Sundays and during major religious festivals. No payment is required or expected. Everyone is welcome at the Sikh Temple Hastings, regardless of faith, nationality, or background. Visitors are asked to cover their head, remove their shoes before entering, and refrain from bringing tobacco or alcohol onto the premises. Head coverings are available at the entrance for those who do not have one. ### history The Sikh community in Hastings was first established around 1989 when a small group of three or four Punjabi families set up an informal place of worship on the corner of Hastings and Eastbourne Streets. A formal temple building was constructed in 1999. The community grew from fewer than 40 people to approximately 2,000 Sikhs in the Hawke's Bay region. In 2019, the Hastings District Council approved a new $4 million gurdwara complex at 28 Richmond Road, Tomoana. The Hawke's Bay Sikh community purchased four hectares of land at 28 Richmond Road, Tomoana (on the outskirts of Hastings) in 2010. After a lengthy resource consent process, the Hastings District Council approved the project in November 2019. The planned $4 million facility will accommodate up to 700 people at major events and will include a library, residence for the head priest, langar hall, and community gardens, operating 24/7. ### transport Hastings is accessible by air via Hawke's Bay Airport (Napier, approximately 25 km away), by intercity coach from Wellington (approx. 4.5 hours) or Auckland (approx. 5.5 hours), or by car via State Highway 2. Local GoBay buses connect Napier and Hastings. Taxis and rideshare services are available in the city. ### events The temple celebrates all major Sikh festivals including Guru Nanak Gurpurab (November), Baisakhi (April), Diwali/Bandi Chhor Divas, and the birthdays of the ten Sikh Gurus. Sri Akhand Paath Sahib — a non-stop, continuous recitation of the entire Guru Granth Sahib — is conducted on special occasions. Nagar Kirtan (religious processions) are also observed. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Sikh Temple Hastings Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit