Full Breakdown
Brian Tamaki’s Firearms Licence Suspension Raises Allegations of Indian Diplomatic Influence
7/4/2026, 4:26:01 AM
Police Seize Firearms Following Temporary Licence Suspension
On Tuesday, New Zealand police seized several large hunting rifles from Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki after the Firearms Safety Authority issued a temporary suspension of his firearms licence. The notice cited concerns about Tamaki’s public comments linking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to violence against Christians and urging retaliatory actions. Tamaki retained one firearm described as an “artefact” and announced he would contest the suspension.
Controversial Remarks Prompt Regulatory Action
Tamaki’s online video and subsequent social-media posts accused Modi of “killing Christians,” “purging India of all Christians,” and suggested “reciprocate in kind.” He also used language about “purging New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims” and referenced using a pig-hunting gun in response to alleged Indian atrocities. The Firearms Safety Authority’s notice stated that his video “constitutes the encouragement and promotion of violent action and significant property damage,” forming the basis for the licence review.
Principal Actors
- Brian Tamaki – Leader of Destiny Church, former firearms licence holder.
- Narendra Modi – Prime Minister of India, scheduled for a potential visit to New Zealand.
- New Zealand Police – Executed the seizure and enforced the temporary suspension.
- Firearms Safety Authority – Issued the licence suspension notice.
- Act MP Parmjeet Parmar – Raised concerns about possible legal breaches.
- Assistant Commissioner Tim Anderson – Confirmed a police investigation into Tamaki’s comments.
- Hannah Tamaki – Spouse of Brian Tamaki, pledged continued hunting activities.
Chronology of Key Events
- June (unspecified date) – Tamaki posts video accusing Modi of religious persecution.
- June 25 – Assistant Commissioner Tim Anderson emails confirming police investigation after Parmjeet Parmar’s request.
- Tuesday (date of article) – Police seize six firearms; one retained as an artefact; licence temporarily suspended.
Quantitative Details
- Six firearms were confiscated, including several large hunting rifles.
- One firearm was allowed to remain with Tamaki as an “artefact.”
- The licence suspension remains pending a “fit and proper” assessment.
Official Statements & Responses
The Firearms Safety Authority’s notice linked the licence suspension to Tamaki’s published video, describing it as encouraging violent action. Police have not provided further comment on the specifics of the case. Assistant Commissioner Tim Anderson confirmed that the matter is under investigation following a written request from MP Parmjeet Parmar. No New Zealand government representative has addressed Tamaki’s claim of Indian diplomatic pressure.
Criticism & Opposition
Act MP Parmjeet Parmar described Tamaki’s remarks about burning mosques and temples as “dangerous, divisive and undermines peacefulness of a nation,” and urged police to assess whether the comments breached the law. She emphasized that “no one should be above the law.” Ryan Bridge, interviewing Tamaki, labeled his statements “insane” and questioned the threat level.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Tamaki alleges that the Indian government’s diplomatic concerns influenced the licence action, citing a prior formal protest after a Sikh demonstration. The police notice, however, makes no reference to diplomatic pressure. The Herald’s inquiries about the authenticity of the documents and any external influence remain unanswered, leaving the extent of foreign involvement unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Modi this. Modi that. Modi four times in one letter! While they’re trying to rip my firearms licence away, all they care about is saving face for Modi and keeping that Free Trade Agreement alive. They don’t actually think I’m a danger with a gun. Nah. They’re terrified I’ve embarrassed their special guest.” — Brian Tamaki, Facebook post
- “That sounds insane,” — Ryan Bridge, interview
- “Act MP Parmjeet Parmar told Ryan Bridge TODAY while she agreed freedom of speech was important for everybody, talking about burning down mosques and temples was “dangerous, divisive and undermines peacefulness of a nation”.” — Parmjeet Parmar, MP
- “Police consider that your published video, freely available to any person to view, and in light of your large and well-established following and significant public profile, constitutes the encouragement and promotion of violent action and significant property damage,” — Firearms Safety Authority notice
What’s Next
Tamaki has indicated he will legally challenge the licence suspension. The police investigation into whether his statements breach New Zealand law continues, with Assistant Commissioner Anderson’s office monitoring developments. The potential visit of Prime Minister Modi remains pending, and any diplomatic communications related to the case have not been disclosed.
