Visa Cancelled at Brisbane Airport
Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki spent 12 hours in an Australian Border Force interrogation room before officials cancelled his visa and sent him back to New Zealand. Tamaki flew to Brisbane on Tuesday morning with his family to speak at a scheduled church conference. Australian border authorities detained him upon arrival, placing him under guard in a confinement detention centre overnight.
Australian Border Force documents described the religious leader’s social media statements as inflammatory and concerning, Tamaki claimed in a video posted to social media. The documents stated Tamaki’s presence in Australia may risk the good order of the community, specifically naming the Sikh and Muslim communities. Tamaki alleged that New Zealand and Australia collaborated to silence him, calling the denial of entry an attempt at censorship.
Court Appearance Precedes Border Denial
The travel restriction came just one day after Tamaki appeared in the Manukau District Court. On Monday, the 68-year-old pleaded not guilty to three charges of inciting racial disharmony under Section 131 of the Human Rights Act. The charges stem from Facebook videos posted on June 15, 17, and 21, in which police allege Tamaki intended to stir up hostility and ill-will against Indians in New Zealand based on their race and national origin. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of three months in prison or a $7000 fine.
Outside the courtroom, Tamaki addressed supporters and told media that the prosecution was politically motivated. “Brian Tamaki is not on trial. Free speech is,” he said. Tamaki’s lawyer, Ron Mansfield KC, entered the not-guilty pleas on his behalf. Tamaki maintained that his comments addressed religion rather than race, specifically pointing to statements he made regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s treatment of Christians in India.
When is Brian Tamaki due back in court?
When is Brian Tamaki due back in court?
Tamaki was granted bail following his Monday appearance and is scheduled to return to court on January 25, 2027.
What specific penalties does Tamaki face under the charges?
Each of the three charges under Section 131 of the Human Rights Act carries a maximum penalty of three months in prison or a $7,000 fine.
Are there travel restrictions preventing Tamaki from attending upcoming local events?
Tamaki confirmed that court conditions do not restrict his domestic travel, leaving him free to attend a planned Destiny Church event in downtown Auckland on October 31.
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