Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki has attacked the Government for its urgent gun law reforms and "limiting free speech" in the wake of the Christchurch terror attacks.
Tamaki courted controversy after the March 15 attacks when he tweeted his anger that the Islamic call to prayer was being broadcast during a ceremony to remember the victims of the attacks.
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"PM Jacinda Ardern has abused her Prime Ministerial decree in allowing 'Allah as the only true God' to be sounded in Muslim prayer across the air waves in our nation tomorrow," he said.
"This is offensive to all true Christians in Aotearoa. Our national identity is at stake."
But he has now gone further, saying New Zealand has an "identity crisis" and slamming the Government for not listening to New Zealanders.
"This government appears to operate under a genuine false belief of entitlement, assuming the right to automatically discard our foudning (sic) values, culture and faith that New Zealand established itself on in 1840 when the Treaty of Waitangi was signed," he said.
"Our elected MPs, that fill seats in this government, have lost touch with the voters."
Tamaki then provides a list of criticisms aimed at Ardern and her Government, saying she abused her powers for broadcasting the call to prayer and "hastily reviewing our hate speech law, limiting free speech".
He reckons the Prime Minister is "either completely naive or unaware that the decisions being made will have negative effects on the New Zealand we know", and questions if the Muslim community has asked for the support shown after the attacks.
"Without a doubt our gun laws need updating, however the Prime Minister is setting a dangerous precedent by rushing through gun laws without adequate public or expert consultation.
"This violates democratic parliamentary process but more importantly sets the precedence of creating bad law."
Tamaki's criticism of the urgent gun law reform is similar to that of ACT leader David Seymour and Gun City owner David Tipple, who have also called on the Government to slow the process down and provide the public with more time to submit their views.
The reform, which includes banning military-style semi-automatic weapons (MSSAs), is currently underway, with the legislation expected to be passed by next Friday - just over a week after it was first introduced into the House.
The urgent changes have received the support of all parties other than ACT.
He finished the statement by calling on the Prime Minister to stop using the attacks to "advance your agenda" and says he is not making these comments as the Destiny Church leader, but as a "New Zealander".
Ardern's actions after the attack received international acclaim, with some calling for her to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Tamaki's no stranger to controversy. Last year, he supported outspoken league star Israel Falou, who tweeted his anti-gay feelings.
History professor Peter Lineham said at the time that Tamaki's criticism on Twitter of the call to prayer was typical of him.
"At times where other religious groups have claimed some sort of role in New Zealand society, he has regarded himself as the person who should stand out and defend them."
Newshub.
