‘Historic event’
Luxon earlier told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking Breakfast that Modi’s first visit would be a “historic event”.
The leader, who is staying at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland, drew around 80 people last night as he arrived.
Today, he will start with a welcome ceremony and formal bilateral meetings.
Around midday, a live forum is planned to showcase six or seven business sectors “that are of interest to India”, followed by a celebration lunch.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins is also expected to meet Modi in the late afternoon.
Modi’s visit will end with a “massive community event” which thousands of Kiwi Indians are expected to attend at Spark Arena.
One News reported the venue was set to be at capacity, which would be more than 13,000 people.
The Indian leader is then set to depart New Zealand late this evening.
Modi has an action-packed day ahead of him after exchanging a welcome hug with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon last night.
Heightened security presence
Police operation commander Inspector Grae Anderson this week said additional support from specialist groups was being deployed, including public order teams from across the country.
“These specialist resources will be able to assist with supporter crowds or any other disruptions that may occur.”
Anderson said, given the stature of the visit, the public should expect some disruptions to parts of the city.
Global Risk Consulting Group managing director Chris Kumeroa said authorities kept public security plans broad, so people weren’t able to search for “vulnerabilities”.
The former NZSAS trooper said they could also use a “show of force” to demonstrate a physical security presence and manage risks.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and India PM Narendra Modi wave at media ahead of their bilateral meeting. Photo / Interest.co.nz
‘Taking my guns to please Modi’
Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki made incendiary social media comments last month, accusing Modi of targeting Indian Christians with threats and violence.
He later called for “Modi’s visit to be banned and for the India-NZ FTA to be torpedoed”.
“I think we should reciprocate in kind. Let’s purge New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims,” Tamaki said.
Brian Tamaki speaks to supporters at Auckland Domain. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
“And, while we’re at it, if they’re burning churches down, why don’t we burn mosques and their temples down? Tit for tat.”
Tamaki was served a “temporary firearms licence suspension notice” last month by police and had several hunting weapons confiscated.
The police operation at Tamaki’s home followed his reference on a podcast to using a shotgun to protect his family from immigrants.
Tamaki told the Herald he was speaking figuratively.
After the seizure by police, Tamaki claimed his guns were taken because the Government and police were “bending over backwards” before Modi’s visit.
In a Facebook post, Tamaki accused the police and the Government of “taking my guns to please Modi” after an official notice from the Firearms Safety Authority on his temporary gun suspension.