New Zealand Police are assessing comments made by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki after he called for a “purge” of Hindu, Sikh and Muslim communities in Aotearoa, prompting condemnation from government ministers and concern among ethnic communities ahead of the expected visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi next month.
In a video posted on social media on Wednesday, Tamaki accused Modi of allowing violence against Christians in India and suggested similar actions should occur in New Zealand.
“Let’s purge New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims,” Tamaki said.
“And while we’re at it, if they’re burning churches down, why don’t we burn mosques and their temples down? Tit for tat.”
Police confirmed on Friday that they were aware of the video and were making enquiries into its contents.
A police spokesperson said the material had been referred for legal assessment and any further action would be considered in line with New Zealand legislation.
In a statement to ethnic community leaders, police sought to reassure Indian and wider ethnic communities that their safety and wellbeing remained a priority.
“We are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to engage with community leaders to understand and respond to any concerns,” the statement said.
New Zealand’s Minister for Ethnic Communities, Mark Mitchell, strongly criticised Tamaki’s remarks, describing them as “the actions of a scared bully”.
“It is obvious that Brian Tamaki’s rants and deliberate targeting of ethnic communities and cowardly social media attacks against individuals are designed to tear at our social fabric, to scare and prompt a response from the groups and individuals being targeted,” Mitchell said.
“We enjoy freedom of speech in our country, but with that comes responsibilities.”
Mitchell said he understood police were assessing the comments against legal thresholds, including provisions under the Human Rights Act.
Tamaki rejected the criticism, arguing that the government was ignoring concerns about religious persecution in India, immigration levels and the recently announced India-New Zealand trade agreement.
“What is really damaging social cohesion in NZ is a government that continues to ignore the concerns of ordinary New Zealanders while pushing policies and agreements that nobody voted for,” Tamaki told RNZ.
The controversy comes as Modi is expected to visit New Zealand in early July, with Auckland’s Spark Arena understood to be under consideration for a major community reception expected to attract thousands of members of the Indian diaspora.
The Australia Today understands that preparations are underway for a large-scale gathering on 9 July, although official confirmation from either the Indian or New Zealand governments is still awaited.
If confirmed, the visit would mark the first trip by an Indian prime minister to New Zealand since Rajiv Gandhi visited in 1986.
Community leaders have described the anticipated visit as historic, reflecting the growing significance of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand and the deepening relationship between New Delhi and Wellington.
The expected visit also coincides with the launch of the India-New Zealand Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, a key initiative aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, education, investment, technology, agriculture and defence.
Tamaki has previously called for protests against Modi’s proposed visit and urged supporters to oppose both the Indian leader and the trade agreement.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, police have reiterated that they remain engaged with affected communities and are continuing to assess whether Tamaki’s comments warrant further action.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
