Investigation follows controversial comments
The police action follows remarks Tamaki made in a social media video posted on 17 June, which police previously confirmed they were assessing.
According to Stuff, Tamaki called for what he described as a “purge” of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims in New Zealand while also making comments referring to burning mosques and temples in response to reported attacks on churches in India.
Those comments sparked significant criticism across New Zealand, with community leaders describing them as inflammatory and dangerous.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell previously said the comments appeared designed to “tear at our social fabric” and confirmed police were testing whether they met the legal threshold for further action.
Tamaki says comments were misunderstood
Following the firearms seizure, Stuff reported that Tamaki issued a statement saying police had informed him he was no longer considered a “fit and proper person” to hold a firearms licence.
According to the publication, Tamaki denied that he intended to encourage violence.
“They have twisted my words,” Tamaki said in the statement quoted by Stuff.
He argued that his comments were intended as a hypothetical example rather than a genuine call to attack religious communities.
Tamaki also stated that when he spoke about removing Sikhs and Hindus, he meant stopping them at New Zealand’s border or deporting those who, in his opinion, would not assimilate into New Zealand society.
According to Stuff, Tamaki said he has been given 28 days to make submissions in an effort to have his firearms licence reinstated.
Political leaders respond
The development quickly became a topic of discussion at Parliament.
According to Stuff, Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he had not received an update on the firearms operation itself but confirmed police had initiated an investigation into Tamaki’s earlier public comments.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins also responded to the news, telling reporters:
“That’s gotta be a win for public safety, doesn’t it?”
Wider implications
The reported seizure highlights the broad powers available to New Zealand Police under the country’s firearms legislation.
Firearms licence holders must satisfy the legal requirement of being considered a “fit and proper person” to possess firearms. Police can suspend or revoke licences where they believe that standard is no longer met.
At the time of publication, police had not publicly confirmed whether any criminal charges relating to Tamaki’s earlier comments would be laid.
The investigation into those remarks remains ongoing.
Webfit News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates if New Zealand Police release further information or announce the outcome of their investigation.
Source Attribution
This article is based on reporting by Stuff and publicly available statements referenced in its coverage.
Original report:
Eva Gallot, “Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki live streams police seizing his guns”, Stuff, published 30 June 2026.
Where information has not been independently verified by Webfit News, it has been clearly attributed to Stuff.
