Minister slams Brian Tamaki as ‘scared bully’ over call to ‘purge’ ethnic groups

Friday, 19 June 2026

New Zealand police are assessing a social media video by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki, where he calls for a purge of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims, sparking widespread condemnation and reopening wounds of the March 15 attacks.

Police are making inquiries into a social media video posted by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki.

In the video, Tamaki called to “purge New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhkhs, and Muslims” and suggested burning down mosques and temples in a 'tit for tat' response to alleged violence against Christians in India.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell condemned the video, labelling Tamaki’s remarks as the actions of a “scared bully” designed to tear at the country's social fabric.

Tamaki rejected the minister's criticism, claiming the Government is damaging social cohesion.

Police say they are assessing comments made by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki after he called for a “purge” of Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus in Aotearoa.

In a video on social media on Wednesday, Tamaki accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of subjecting Christians in the country to violence, which Tamaki suggested should be reciprocated here.

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“Let’s purge New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhkhs, and Muslims,” he 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 told Stuff on Friday that they were aware of the video, and were making inquiries into its contents, while Police Minister Mark Mitchell said the remarks were “designed to tear at our social fabric to scare and prompt a response from the groups and individuals being targeted”.

“In my experience these are the actions of a scared bully,” Mitchell said.

“We enjoy freedom of speech in our country, but with that comes responsibilities. There is a legal threshold for police to assess against, and I understand that is happening now.

“We should be proud as a nation that in a world that is changing and experiencing disruption and turbulence, our social cohesion is strong, and we are one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world. I will do all I can to protect and strengthen our social cohesion and not let someone like Tamaki succeed in undermining that.”

Responding to Mitchell’s comments, Tamaki told RNZ, “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,” referring to the free trade deal with India.

Tamaki’s social media video was prompted by a planned visit from Modi to New Zealand early next month.