A fresh political and social controversy has erupted following comments made by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki in a social media video targeting Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims ahead of a proposed visit to New Zealand by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The comments have drawn condemnation from government ministers, prompted police inquiries, and reignited debate about the boundaries between free speech, religious criticism, political protest and social cohesion in modern New Zealand.
Police Assessing Video
Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell has publicly criticised Tamaki's remarks, describing them as the actions of a "scared bully" and saying they appeared designed to provoke and divide communities.
Police have confirmed they are aware of the video and are making enquiries into its contents. The matter has reportedly been referred for legal assessment under relevant legislation, including provisions of the Human Rights Act.
In a statement to ethnic community leaders, police sought to reassure Indian and wider ethnic communities that public safety remains a priority and that authorities are continuing to monitor the situation.
What Brian Tamaki Said
In the video posted to Facebook, Tamaki accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of persecuting Christians in India.
He then called for New Zealand to "purge" Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims and suggested retaliatory action against religious buildings, comments that have become the focus of police scrutiny.
The video attracted significant engagement online and quickly became the subject of political and media attention.
Mitchell: Freedom Comes With Responsibility
Mark Mitchell said New Zealand's commitment to freedom of speech does not remove personal responsibility for the consequences of public statements.
According to Mitchell, the comments were part of a broader pattern of targeting ethnic communities and individuals in ways that risk damaging social cohesion.
The minister said his focus remains on protecting community harmony and ensuring all New Zealanders feel safe regardless of ethnicity or religion.
Tamaki Says Government Is Missing The Point
Brian Tamaki has rejected the criticism, arguing that government officials are ignoring what he sees as wider public concerns about immigration, international agreements and New Zealand's future direction.
Tamaki told RNZ that ordinary New Zealanders were never consulted on issues such as the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement or current immigration settings.
He maintains that New Zealanders have the right to openly discuss immigration, religious persecution overseas, human rights concerns and foreign policy issues without fear of legal consequences.
Modi Visit Becoming Flashpoint
The controversy comes as planning continues around a proposed visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Earlier this month Tamaki called for a large public protest to coincide with the visit, claiming tens of thousands of Indians and anti-Modi Khalistan supporters would be present in Auckland.
The proposed demonstration appears likely to become a focal point for wider debates surrounding immigration, multiculturalism, national identity and New Zealand's relationship with India.
A History Of High-Profile Protests
The latest dispute follows several previous Destiny Church-linked demonstrations.
In January, Freedom and Rights Coalition supporters gathered for a rally at Victoria Park.
The protesters marched to the entrance of the motorway but retreated after being met with dozens of police officers.
The group was denied a permit to walk across the harbour bridge in December, with police saying no protest group from here on would be allowed to cross the bridge for safety reasons and the pressure placed on the bridge's infrastructure.
Last year, two Sikh religious processions in Tauranga and South Auckland were also disrupted by protesters linked to Destiny Church.
The Bigger Questions
Beyond the immediate controversy, the episode highlights several larger questions facing New Zealand.
Where is the line between political speech and incitement?
How should authorities respond when highly inflammatory comments are made about ethnic or religious groups?
Can governments simultaneously protect freedom of expression while maintaining social cohesion?
And as immigration continues to reshape New Zealand's demographic landscape, how will increasingly difficult conversations about identity, culture and national values be managed?
The answers to those questions may prove more significant than the controversy itself.
RNZ IndoNZ Reporters
Radio New Zealand
Original article: Mark Mitchell dismisses inflammatory Brian Tamaki video