Full Breakdown
Police Seize Firearms of Destiny Church Leader Brian Tamaki After Incendiary Online Remarks
6/30/2026, 4:26:37 AM
Police Action and Licence Revocation
Police entered Brian Tamaki’s home, seized several large hunting rifles and revoked his firearms licence. Tamaki, a licensed gun owner for over 30 years, was questioned about the weapons’ serial numbers while livestreaming the seizure.
Background: Incendiary Remarks
In early June, Tamaki posted on Facebook accusing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of targeting Indian Christians and urging a “purge” of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims in New Zealand, adding that mosques and temples should be burned in retaliation. Tamaki later argued that police actions threaten free speech in New Zealand.
Key Figures
Brian Tamaki (Destiny Church leader), Dr Parmjeet Parmar (Act MP), Mark Mitchell (Police Minister/Ethnic Communities), Tim Anderson (Assistant Commissioner, NZ Police) and Abdur Razzaq (FIANZ chairman).
Timeline
Early June – Tamaki’s incendiary posts. June 25 – Assistant Commissioner Tim Anderson emails that the matter is under investigation. Days later – police seize Tamaki’s firearms and revoke his licence, which he livestreamed. Following week – Parmar publicly says the comments crossed the line.
Official Statements & Responses
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said police are investigating and condemned Tamaki’s comments. Assistant Commissioner Anderson confirmed the investigation is guided by legal advice. FIANZ chairman Abdur Razzaq welcomed the seizure, citing the Arms Act’s role in restricting guns for those who incite violence.
Criticism & Opposition
Parmar called the remarks “incite crime” and “hypocritical,” saying they breach Kiwi values. Community leaders urged stronger policies against hate provocation, stressing that free speech should not include calls to burn places of worship. Tamaki claimed the police seizure was motivated by complaints from communities he described as “drenching” the country.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Police Minister said he had no update on the licence revocation, and police have not issued a public comment. No charges have been announced, leaving the legal outcome and criteria for deeming a licence holder unfit unclear. The lack of a police press release leaves the legal basis for revocation unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You can hate all you like, but I want to stand up and protect my country.” — Brian Tamaki, Destiny Church leader
- “He has definitely crossed the line because public safety for me is really important here.” — Dr Parmjeet Parmar, MP
- “Mitchell added that he condemns Tamaki’s comments “strongly”.” — Mark Mitchell, Police Minister
- “Restricting access to guns for those who incite violence is what the Arms Act and public safety [is] all about,” — Abdur Razzaq, FIANZ chairman
Why It Matters
The case tests the balance between free speech, hate-speech regulation, and gun-ownership rules, highlighting how authorities apply the Arms Act to public-safety threats.
What’s Next
The investigation continues, and possible legal proceedings are pending. Community and faith leaders have asked the government to clarify legislative standards for hate provocation and to launch education programmes to curb extremist rhetoric. Authorities are expected to issue a formal decision on Tamaki’s fitness to hold firearms in the coming weeks.
