pk70 ji

I do not think it is the influence of a sect or cult. It is probably more the result of geographical isolation for more than 100 years. Sikhs came to New Zealand in the late 1800's when NZ was part of the British Empire. They went there as laborers and craftsmen, and gradually they married, raised families, and built gurdwaras -- all during a period of time when travel was limited, few people had telephones, there was no Internet, communication with the rest of the world was difficult. As a result a culture built up around old traditions and memories from the motherland. There was nothing to challenge it from outside for several generations. That leaves a group with its own way of thinking and believing and practicing their faith. Now communication is open and travel is easier. Technology, education, economies modernize, but beliefs die hard. The conservatism mentioned here is not true of all Sikh sangats in New Zealand, but there are some that are very traditional in their thinking.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/business-and-lifestyle/22111-sikh-widows-fate.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=22111

Now most of the sangat is modernized and has excellent web sites to educate and inform.