Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki has had his firearms seized by Police after being served with a temporary firearms licence suspension notice at his Auckland home.
Tamaki livestreamed the Police visit on social media, showing officers checking and removing several firearms from his gun safe.
He initially claimed his firearms licence had been revoked and linked the Police action to his outspoken opposition to mass immigration.
However, Police later confirmed they had served a temporary suspension notice while the firearms regulator investigates whether Tamaki remains a fit and proper person to possess firearms.
Police say the notice was served without incident and have declined to discuss the specific circumstances behind the decision.
The action follows controversy over social media comments made by Tamaki targeting Hindu, Sikh and Muslim communities.
Earlier in June, Tamaki posted comments calling for New Zealand to be purged of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims and referred to burning mosques and temples in response to his claims about the treatment of Christians in India.
The comments prompted condemnation from political and ethnic community leaders and were referred to Police for legal assessment.
Police have previously said they were making enquiries into the material and considering whether further action was required under New Zealand law.
Tamaki maintains his comments were not intended as a genuine threat of violence and has accused authorities of targeting him because of his views.
During the livestream of the firearms seizure, Tamaki said he had been a hunter for around 35 years and indicated there may also have been one firearm in his possession that was not licensed.
Police have not publicly confirmed whether that firearm will result in any further action.
The firearms suspension comes as authorities continue assessing Tamaki’s controversial social media comments and their potential implications for public safety.
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