Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell has dismissed the ‘inflammatory’ remarks to ‘purge’ Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims from New Zealand made by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki in his latest video on social media.
Mitchell confirmed to RNZ yesterday (Thursday) that Tamaki’s remarks were being assessed by the Police against the thresholds set out in the Human Rights Act.
Separately, the New Zealand Police is also assuring ethnic communities, including Indian, that their well-being and safety remains a priority for police.
In a video posted on Facebook on Wednesday, Brian Tamaki said “…Let’s purge New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. And, while we’re at it, if they (India) re burning churches down, why don’t we burn mosques and their temples down? Tit for tat.”
Responding to Brian’s comment, the minister promised to do all he could to protect and strengthen the country’s social cohesion.
“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,” he said.
“In my experience, these are the actions of a scared bully. We enjoy freedom of speech in our country, but with that comes responsibilities.”
Meanwhile, the police have reassured ethnic communities that their safety and wellbeing remained a priority.
In a statement released to various ethic groups, the Police confirmed they are “aware of recent online content that maybe concerning some communities, particularly ahead of the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister of India.
“Police want to reassure Indian and wider ethnic communities that their safety and wellbeing remain a priority. We are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to engage with community leaders to understand and respond to any concerns.
“The material has been referred for legal assessment, and any further action will be considered in line with legislation.”
In another Facebook post on 4 June, Tamaki has called for a protest on 7 July at Auckland’s Aotea Square to “coincide with the visit of Indian PM Modi” on that day.
“If 20,000 Indians can stand and take Auckland, then 30,000 Kiwis should show (up) to fight for your country and children’s future. This is New Zealand, not India,” he wrote.
Call to Kiwis for spreading hatred towards Indian communities should be taken up against Brian Tamaki very seriously, especially when India’s PM is scheduled to visit New Zealand. No one should be allowed to incite violence against any community or its religious places. Let peace & harmony prevail amongst us all.
Brian Tamakis charitable status must be audited as to its credibility and he too should be purged from New Zealand.