Organisers of Auckland’s Rainbow events are urging the community to stay vigilant after groups linked to Destiny Church violently disrupted a children’s event and the Rainbow Parade.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown condemned the disruptions, calling them “totally unacceptable” and reaffirming the city’s commitment to diversity. Labour leader Chris Hipkins also criticised Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki, stating, “Real men don’t threaten and intimidate.”
The incidents occurred during a weekend of LGBTQIA+ events, including the Auckland Rainbow Parade, which saw tens of thousands attend the largest pride event in Aotearoa.
The first disruption took place at Te Atatū Community Centre, where members of Destiny Church’s Man Up and Legacy Sisterhood groups stormed a children’s science show hosted by drag performer Hugo Grrrl. Protesters punched, pushed, and shoved their way inside, forcing around 30 children, parents, and adults to be barricaded in the venue, according to RNZ.
Hours later, the same groups breached police barricades at the Auckland Rainbow Parade on Ponsonby Road, blocking the parade route and performing a haka. Despite police intervention, the protesters danced and waved to the unimpressed crowd as they dispersed.
Auckland Pride, which organised the Te Atatū event, condemned the disruptions, stating: “We are aware that such actions could happen again, and we encourage our communities to remain vigilant when organising and attending events. However, we remain resilient in the face of hate and violence.”
Mayor and Labour Leader Respond
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown denounced the actions: “While I respect freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest, to enter a council library facility and intimidate council staff, volunteers, and community members is completely out of line. There is absolutely no place for thuggery.”
Labour leader Chris Hipkins also criticised Brian Tamaki, saying: “Real men don’t barricade women and children. Real men don’t preach hate. Real men do show respect, compassion and love. Brian Tamaki, you are just a boy.”
In response, Tamaki posted on social media, defending the disruptions, stating: “Our radical young people have had enough! Our Man Up men have had enough! Destiny Church has had enough!”
Speaking with the Herald Tamaki claimed that the Man Up protest was a “peaceful” stand against what he claimed was “excessive spending on borderline pornography and perversion targeting our innocent Kiwi kids.”
Auckland’s Rainbow events were disrupted by Destiny Church protests at a children’s drag show and the Rainbow Parade. Mayor Wayne Brown called the actions “unacceptable,” while Labour leader Chris Hipkins condemned Brian Tamaki’s rhetoric. Organisers urge the community to remain vigilant.
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