Story perspectives

NZ Police Strip Brian Tamaki Gun Licence Over Violent Remarks

8/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

New Zealand police revoked Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki’s firearms licence as he was deemed unfit.
Tamaki said a 30 June suspension led to the permanent ban and blamed the revocation on his criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and diplomatic pressure before Modi’s visit.
Police warned that his podcast remarks, which Tamaki posted, encouraged violence and property damage.
Tamaki claimed his suggestion to burn mosques and temples was figurative, not literal.

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Story summary

New Zealand police revoked Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki’s firearms licence as he was deemed unfit.
Tamaki said a 30 June suspension led to the permanent ban and blamed the revocation on his criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and diplomatic pressure before Modi’s visit.
Police warned that his podcast remarks, which Tamaki posted, encouraged violence and property damage.
Tamaki claimed his suggestion to burn mosques and temples was figurative, not literal.