Four people have been arrested and had assault-related charges filed against them as part of an ongoing investigation into a Destiny Church-linked protest.
Police have been investigating complaints about Man Up and Legacy protester’s actions on February 15 at the Te Atatū Community Centre when they stormed the venue to protest a children’s science show hosted by a drag artist.
Eight victims had filed complaints with police and six witnesses supplied statements.
Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan said police attended attended addresses in south and West Auckland this morning.
“Four people were brought to the Henderson Police Station for interview and have since been arrested and charged.
“There are further arrests to be made, and I strongly encourage those people who have chosen to avoid our staff today to pick up the phone.”
Assault-related charges, including indecent assault, had been filed over the alleged actions towards three victims, and Hassan added that further charges would be filed over the alleged actions against five further victims.
Those arrested have been bailed to appear in the Waitākere District Court on March 18.
Hassan said the group’s actions created “a great deal of distress” for Rainbow communities.
“Those working on site and attending the venue were subjected to violence and intimidation.
“Any assault is unacceptable, but it is even more so when an adult is being charged for allegedly indecently assaulting a young person.”
Staff had worked through a detailed process of reviewing footage and speaking with witnesses, she added.
“There is a place for peaceful and lawful protest in this country, but this event crossed the line, and this investigation makes it very clear that this will not be tolerated.”
A 67-year-old man has been charged with indecent assault, two counts of assault under the Summary Offences Act and one count of assault under the Crimes Act.
A 28-year-old woman has been charged with two counts of assault, under the Crimes and Summary Offences acts.
A 19-year-old woman has been charged with assault under the Summary Offences Act.
A 50-year-old woman has been charged with assault under the Summary Offences Act.
Protest ‘not a Destiny Church event’ – spokesperson
A spokesperson for the Freedom and Rights Coalition said the Te Atatū Community Centre protest “was not a Destiny Church event”, nor a ManUp event.
“The protest was organised by The Freedoms & Rights Coalition team in West Auckland. It was attended by some individuals who are a part of Destiny Church, and also many individuals who are not a part of Destiny Church,” they said.
“Destiny Church will therefore not be providing any comment at this time.”
The Freedom & Rights Coalition was founded by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki.
The spokesperson said they were unsure of who had been charged.
“Please understand this is only the beginning of this process with the police, as the police have yet to interview The Freedoms & Rights Coalition team and view the evidence we are in possession of that clearly shows the aggression was initiated by the LGBT community from the point they chose to twice uppercut punch a minor in the face in our haka team, and then punch a mother who was observing.
“Some of our people had genuine tickets to attend the Drag Queen storytime, and when they attempted to enter, they had to push their way up the stairs past LGBT Activists blocking them. These individuals did not present themselves as council-approved security or police who had any right to block entry.
“We are expecting the police in due course, will also charge individuals from the LGBT Community.”
