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
New Zealand Company ships Hobart as a store ship for the New Zealand Company with 2 settlers. The "Platina" also shipped Governor Hobson's house, which the Company had assumed would be erected in Wellington. While at Hobart the "Platina" received orders from the British Government to take the house to Auckland. Much to the annoyance of the Wellington settlers, after unloading the New Zealand Company goods at Wellington the "Platina" sailed for Auckland, becoming what is thought to be the first European vessel to anchor in Waitemata harbor. The "Platina" was acquired by Gillespy of London in 1848 and sailed from London to Coquimbo