Falun Gong was notably missing from Auckland's Santa Parade on Sunday, amid controversy around the reasons for barring the spiritual group's brass band and dancers.
Debate about the group's eligibility to join the parade hit the press last week after Wellington granted the group last-minute inclusion into their parade, but Auckland organisers maintained a firm denial.
Auckland Children's Christmas Parade chairman Michael Barnett said the spiritual group was trying to push its own "political agenda".
But United Future leader Peter Dunne says this is "a pathetic excuse" and the trust is playing politics. He said the refusal is just bowing to pressure from the Chinese government.
"If Falun Gong members are willing to give up their time to entertain the crowds, their contributions should be welcomed, not banned," Mr Dunne said. Falun Gong gave assurances to the Trust not to distribute any leaflets during the event.
"We were told we don't 'fit' with the Christmas theme, but a Korean Kung Fu group and Chinese dragons have been included in the Auckland Santa parade in the past – there seems to be a real inconsistency with messages here," said Shelley Shao, a Falun Gong spokesperson.
"Our wish to be included in the parade is very simple. We teach Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance – these principles are very much in line with the Christmas spirit. Falun Gong is good, it teaches people to be healthy and kind, it is good for everyone, especially children."
Falun Gong's parade application's have been denied for the past seven years.
Last year their Divine Land Marching Band was initially welcomed in to the parade, with organisers saying they were always looking for brass bands to play.
Later, organisers realised that the band was predominantly Falun Gong practitioners and overturned the invitation.
Wellington organisers granted last-minute entry of the Divine Land Band and dancers into their Santa parade November 25.
The Wellington Council created a policy to exclude Falun Gong from all council-sponsored events earlier this year, labelling the group "political".
This policy is being challenged by Falun Gong who lodged a discrimination case to the High Court two weeks before Wellington's parade.
Green Party MP Keith Locke said the reports from Wellington have been glowing, with one reporter presenting the meditation group's float as a 'picture of peace.'
"All of the fears expressed by Auckland Chamber of Commerce head Michael Barnett have proved unfounded," Mr Locke said.
He suggested organisers include Falun Gong, "otherwise Aucklanders might think the Chamber [of Commerce] was bending to pressure from the Chinese government in this matter."
Falun Gong's Ms Shao said often when it comes to hosting events or being part of some celebration Falun Gong faces "interference and meddling" by the Chinese authorities.
Chinese Embassy Officials have called New Zealand politicians and local body representatives in the past over issues that are sensitive to the regime including Falun Gong and the Dalai Lama's visit.
Falun Gong is a spiritual practice that includes Tai Chi-type exercises and teachings based on Truth, Compassion, and Tolerance. It is freely practised in over 70 countries worldwide but persecuted in China since 1999.
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