Police have ceased referring offenders to Destiny Church’s Man Up and Legacy programmes after a review was conducted in response to their involvement in disruptive protests at Pride events in February.
On Thursday, it was revealed that 20 offenders had been referred to Man Up in the past year, sparking concerns from Labour MP Phil Twyford, who warned that those seeking rehabilitation could instead be recruited into what he described as a “harmful organisation.”
Protests Lead to Police Investigation
In February, Man Up members stormed a Te Atatū library to protest a Pride event hosted by a drag king, an incident that led to allegations of assault currently under police investigation.
Footage circulated online shows members forcing their way past community centre staff, despite being informed it was a private event. At the time, police condemned the protest and confirmed they were looking into reports of violence at the scene.
Police End Affiliation with Destiny Church Programmes
A police spokesperson told Stuff that in light of recent events, a review was conducted to assess referrals to the Destiny Church-affiliated Man Up and Legacy programmes, which primarily received referrals related to family harm cases.
“As a result, both providers have now been removed from our AWHI system, and no further referrals will be made,” the spokesperson stated.
AWHI is a tikanga-based voluntary referral system aimed at connecting individuals in need with appropriate support services within their communities.
Calls for Further Action Against Destiny Church
Since the February incidents, there have been growing calls on social media for Destiny Church and Man Up—a rehabilitation programme for men founded by Brian Tamaki—to be added to the list of groups covered under the gang patch ban.
Twyford has been vocal about his concerns, urging the government to remove Destiny Church from the charities register.
“Referrals to Man Up and Legacy need to stop. Members of these groups violently disrupted a Pride Week event at the Te Atatū Peninsula library and are now at the centre of a police investigation,” Twyford said.
“How does the minister justify referring offenders to an organisation that openly preaches hate against the Rainbow community and has a track record of violence?”
