Sikhism in New Zealand Sikhism in New Zealand The Sikh population in New Zealand more than doubled from 9,500 in the 2006 Census to 19,000 in the 2013 Census. Sikhism is currently the fourth largest non-Christian religion in New Zealand, behind Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. Sikhism is a world religion with over 27 million followers worldwide, with majority of their population in Punjab, India. Indians started arriving in New Zealand at the end of the 19th century; most immigrants arrived from Punjab and Gujarat. Most Indians settled in Waikato, Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. There is a significant history of many Punjabis being dairy farmers
Auckland named the area for George Eden, Earl of Auckland, British First Lord of the Admiralty. It was replaced as the capital in 1865 by Wellington, but immigration to Auckland stayed strong, and it has remained the country's most populous city. Today, Auckland's central business district is the major financial centre of New Zealand. Auckland is classified as a Beta + World City because of its importance in commerce, the arts, and education. The University of Auckland, established in 1883, is the largest university in New Zealand. Landmarks such as the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, the Harbour Bridge, the