Minister Calls Brian Tamaki a ‘Scared Bully’ After Controversial Ethnic Groups Video
New Zealand Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden has labeled Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki a “scared bully” following his public call to “purge” specific ethnic groups from the country. The criticism follows a video circulated online in which Tamaki advocated for the removal of individuals he identified as “foreigners” who he alleged were acting against New Zealand’s interests.
Government Response to Tamaki’s Remarks
Minister van Velden, representing the ACT Party within the coalition government, issued a sharp rebuke of the comments. She stated that Tamaki’s rhetoric did not align with New Zealand values and described his behavior as that of a “scared bully.” According to reports from 1News and Stuff, the Minister emphasized that such inflammatory language serves no constructive purpose in public discourse.
The government’s response contrasts with the approach taken by other political figures. Police Minister Mark Mitchell notably declined to engage with the specifics of the video, dismissing the content when questioned by media. Mitchell indicated a preference to avoid amplifying the rhetoric, a departure from the direct condemnation issued by his cabinet colleague.
Public and Community Condemnation
The video has drawn significant pushback from ethnic community leaders and advocacy groups. Representatives from various migrant and minority organizations have characterized the remarks as dangerous, noting that targeting specific groups based on ethnicity or origin risks inciting social division.
According to reporting by RNZ, community advocates expressed concern that such rhetoric provides a platform for xenophobia. These organizations have argued that the language used by Tamaki undermines the social cohesion of New Zealand’s diverse population. While Tamaki has maintained a history of provocative public statements, this specific call for a “purge” has prompted a more unified response from community leaders than previous controversies.
Context of the Controversy
The incident highlights a persistent tension between high-profile religious leadership and public political standards in New Zealand. While Tamaki frequently utilizes social media to broadcast his views, this instance prompted an immediate reaction due to the explicit nature of the “purge” terminology.
There is currently no indication of a formal police investigation into the specific comments made in the video. The matter remains a subject of ongoing political and public debate, with no further statements scheduled from the Office of the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety regarding potential legislative or regulatory follow-up.