Destiny Church Leader Declares Christianity Supreme, Sparks Political and Diplomatic Outrage
In a controversial and politically charged rally, Brian Tamaki, the head of Destiny Church and leader of the Freedoms New Zealand movement, set fire to flags representing Khalistan, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, the LGBTQ+ Pride movement, Palestine, and mainstream media outlets in Auckland’s Aotea Square. The rally, held on June 21, was promoted as a “Freedom March” but quickly devolved into a symbolic purge of ideologies Tamaki labeled as “evil” and “satanic.”
Backed by a crowd of hundreds, mostly composed of ethnic New Zealanders and Destiny Church followers, Tamaki made the dramatic declaration that “Christianity is the only true faith for New Zealand.” The rally also invoked Māori indigenous identity, with Tamaki claiming his movement stood for “Faith, Flag, and Family,” blending spiritual nationalism with cultural sovereignty.
Flag Burning and Religious Rhetoric at New Zealand Rally Draw Global Reactions
Tamaki’s actions have drawn swift domestic and international backlash. Among the most diplomatically sensitive was the burning of the Khalistan flag, a separatist symbol banned in India, where the government has already declared the Khalistan movement a terrorist organization. While many in India see the move as support against extremism, others warn it could be seen as reckless provocation that inflames diaspora tensions.
🚨 Ethnic New Zealanders led by Brian Tamaki burns flags of Khalistan & Islam etc, brands them “evil & satanic” at a fiery Auckland rally.
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) June 22, 2025
Declares Christianity the only true religion for NZ. Indigenous Māori identity invoked —🇳🇿🔥
India has already declared K as terrorist org pic.twitter.com/VMA3WTLJlQ
The burning of the Islamic flag and religious symbols sparked concern among New Zealand’s Muslim community and drew sharp criticism from political leaders. Acting Prime Minister David Seymour condemned the rally, calling it “un-Kiwi” and “contrary to New Zealand’s values of inclusion and religious freedom.”
Despite the incendiary imagery and heavy rhetoric, no arrests were made, and Auckland Police said they monitored the rally closely to ensure public order. Authorities, however, are now facing pressure to review public assembly regulations that allow for such provocative acts under the banner of free speech.
The rally has reignited debate within New Zealand about the balance between freedom of expression and religious tolerance, especially at a time when global tensions around faith, identity, and extremism are running high. Whether Tamaki’s actions will energize his fringe base or alienate mainstream New Zealand society remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the fire lit in Auckland is echoing far beyond its borders.
