Tamaki blames Modi criticism for lost gun licence after ‘tit for tat’ arson call
August 10, 2026
Summarised by Centrist
Brian Tamaki says his firearms licence was revoked because he criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but police documents point to comments they believed encouraged violence and significant property damage.
After accusing Modi of allowing churches to be razed in India, Tamaki said: “I think we should reciprocate in kind. Let’s purge New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. 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.”
Tamaki later said he did not mean the comments literally and had been speaking figuratively.
He has instead claimed diplomatic pressure from India was behind the decision, accusing the government and police of “bending over backwards” ahead of Modi’s visit.
However, documents published by Tamaki show police were concerned that his comments were “encouraging violence and significant property damage”.
His licence was temporarily suspended on 30 June before being revoked. Police also seized firearms Tamaki valued at about $50,000.
Speaking at Destiny Church, Tamaki shrugged off the decision.
“My life is not dependent on my guns,” he said. “Losing my licence, who cares?”
Tamaki said he had held a firearms licence without previous issues and had hunted since his teenage years.
Police would not discuss his individual case, but said licensing decisions were based on whether someone remained a “fit and proper person” to possess a firearm under the Arms Act.
Tamaki has since vowed to take police and politicians to court, claiming the lifetime ban is politically motivated despite police also investigating a separate “heaven’s hit list” video.
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