Wellington's Sikh community has called for greater understanding and tolerance as they mark the opening of one of New Zealand's largest temples.
Sun, Nov. 6 2016: Hundreds from around the country went along to the lower North Island's largest Sikh temple to pray, eat and celebrate yesterday.
The president of the Sikh society said it is not something he thought he'd ever see when he moved to New Zealand three decades ago.
The new temple in Naenae is going to cater for a growing population, the number of people affiliating with Sikh in New Zealand has more than doubled since 2006.
In 2006 there were just under 10,000 people identifying a Sikh, in the last census three years ago the number reached just under 20,000.
But many Sikhs believe their culture is still not fully understood in New Zealand.
"Because our attire is very close to the Muslim community so sometimes the Sikhs are misunderstood as Muslims," said the New Zealand Sikh Society President, Parmjeet Singh.
It is something the younger generation hope to overcome.
"There's so many people who don't understand the turban, the beards, or for me being female and not having to cut my hair," said student Jasleen Kaur.
Another student Manraj Singh said, "Because we live in a western society, but to still be able to retain our religion and be able to practice that freely and openly and in such an amazing place, but also share that with other people, our friends, people we go to school with."
But all agree New Zealand is generally friendly and tolerant.
"It's a wonderful country so we can all enjoy this country and we can enjoy the diversity, I love it," said Mr Singh
He said all are welcome no matter what race or religion.
"We are all brothers and sisters, irrespective of what we look like," said Mr Singh.
And they hope the new temple will be welcoming people for generations to come.