Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki denies inciting racial disharmony, pleads not guilty

Church leader to reappear in January on three charges under Human Rights Act

By LineZotpaper

Published19 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources3 outlets

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki has pleaded not guilty in Manukau District Court to three charges of inciting racial disharmony, laid under the Human Rights Act. He will reappear in January next year.

The charges relate to a video posted by Tamaki in June, in which he accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of purging Christians from India and suggested New Zealand should "purge" Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims and burn their places of worship. Police investigated the video and, with the consent of the Solicitor-General, laid three charges under section 131 of the Human Rights Act.

Tamaki was summonsed earlier this month and appeared in court on Monday 19 October, where he entered a plea of not guilty. Dozens of supporters from Destiny Church gathered outside the court.

In a statement, Tamaki denied threatening anyone. "I have never advocated violence against anyone," he said. "I have consistently challenged religious beliefs, religious practices and political leaders - NOT people because of their race."

Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Nelson of Counties Manukau CIB confirmed police had attended an Auckland address to serve the summons. She said the charges required consent from the Solicitor-General and that police could not comment on the specifics as the matter was before the court.

Tamaki's firearms licence, temporarily suspended in June after the video emerged, was revoked by police in August.

The case is set to continue in January 2027.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The case tests the boundaries of free speech and racial incitement under New Zealand's Human Rights Act.
As a high-profile religious leader, Tamaki's statements and the subsequent prosecution could set a precedent for hate speech laws.
The trial may further polarize views on religious and racial tolerance in New Zealand.

Background

Brian Tamaki is the founder and leader of Destiny Church, a conservative Christian church based in Auckland. He has been a controversial figure, known for his strong views on social and political issues. In June, Tamaki posted a video on social media accusing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of persecuting Christians, and made remarks that were widely condemned as inciting racial hatred. Police investigated and ultimately laid charges with the Solicitor-General's consent.

Key Perspectives

Brian Tamaki: He argues that his comments were directed at religious beliefs and political leaders, not at people because of their race. He maintains he has never advocated violence and that the charges are a misinterpretation of his words. Prosecution/Police: The Solicitor-General consented to charges under the Human Rights Act, indicating a view that the statements crossed the line into inciting racial disharmony. Police have said they are focused on upholding the law. Critics: Ethnic and religious communities in New Zealand condemned the video as inflammatory and dangerous. Many argue that such language can incite real-world violence against minority groups and that prosecution is necessary to protect community harmony.

What to Watch

The January court date, where the case may be set for trial or further argued.
Whether Tamaki's firearms licence revocation becomes an issue in the proceedings.
Reactions from Destiny Church supporters and broader public as the case progresses.

Sources

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki pleads not guilty to inciting racial disharmony · RNZ New Zealand Headlines
Brian Tamaki denies inciting racial disharmony · RNZ New Zealand Headlines
Tamaki to appear in court for allegedly inciting racial disharmony · RNZ New Zealand Headlines

Checked

11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 11 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedDestiny Church leader Brian Tamaki denies inciting racial disharmony, pleads not guiltyRNZ New Zealand Headlines: “Brian Tamaki has pleaded not guilty at the Manukau District Court for inciting racial disharmony.”
SupportedChurch leader to reappear in January on three charges under Human Rights ActRNZ New Zealand Headlines: “He will reappear in January next year.”
SupportedThe charges relate to a video posted by Tamaki in June, in which he accused Indian PM Modi of purging Christians and suggested New Zealand should 'purge' Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims and burn their places of worshipRNZ New Zealand Headlines: “He [Modi] is currently purging India of all Christians and burning church buildings down... 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?”
SupportedPolice investigated the video and, with the consent of the Solicitor-General, laid three charges under section 131 of the Human Rights ActRNZ New Zealand Headlines: “These charges are laid under the Human Rights Act and require consent from the Solicitor-General to prosecute.”
SupportedTamaki was summonsed earlier this month and appeared in court on Monday 19 October, where he entered a plea of not guiltyRNZ New Zealand Headlines: “Brian Tamaki has pleaded not guilty at the Manukau District Court...”
SupportedDozens of supporters from Destiny Church gathered outside the courtRNZ New Zealand Headlines: “Dozens of people from the Destiny Church gathered outside of the court in support of him.”
SupportedTamaki denied threatening anyone. Quote: 'I have never advocated violence against anyone...'RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “I have never advocated violence against anyone... I have consistently challenged religious beliefs, religious practices and political leaders - NOT people because of their race.”
SupportedDetective Senior Sergeant Natalie Nelson confirmed police had attended an Auckland address to serve the summonsRNZ New Zealand Headlines: “Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Nelson, Counties Manukau CIB, confirmed police attended the address to summons a person on three charges of inciting racial disharmony.”
SupportedNelson said the charges required consent from the Solicitor-General and police could not comment as the matter was before the courtRNZ New Zealand Headlines: “These charges are laid under the Human Rights Act and require consent from the Solicitor-General to prosecute. Police [are] not in a position to comment on the specifics of this individual's case as the matter is now before the court.”
SupportedTamaki's firearms licence, temporarily suspended in June after the video emerged, was revoked by police in AugustRNZ New Zealand Headlines: “In June, police seized Takami's firearms after temporarily suspending his licence. Police revoked Tamaki's firearms licence in August.”
SupportedThe case is set to continue in January 2027RNZ New Zealand Headlines: “He will reappear in January next year.”