Controversial New Zealand figure Brian Tamaki could be facing a hefty fine, all because of a Facebook video.
Tamaki posted a video of himself preaching to the Destiny Church Facebook page. Visible in the bottom left corner was the New Zealand Coat of Arms.
According to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, the use of the Coat of Arms is strictly restricted to government products and services.
The ministry says Tamaki's sermon, with the Coat of Arms visible would be considered an offence against the Flags, Emblems and Names Protection Act 1981.
The penalty for such an offence is a fine of up to $50,000 - and that's just for using it once.
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If Tamaki continues to use the New Zealand Coat of Arms in his videos, he could face additional penalties of up to $5000 for each day that he does so.
By using the New Zealand Coat of Arms for his religious teachings, Tamaki is causing his audience to believe he is preaching under the authority of the New Zealand Government.
However, it seems he may escape without penalty, as the video appears to have been removed from the Destiny Church Facebook page.
"Mr Tamaki is being advised of the provisions of the Flags, Emblems and Names Protection Act 1981," said the manager of memorials and taonga at the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, Brodie Stubbs.
"To date, no institution or person has been fined over this offence, as once the situation is explained to them they always comply."
Newshub.
