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Auckland, October 5, 2021
Destiny Church Leader Brian Tamaki is facing charges relating to breaching the Covid-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 and Alert Level 3 Order.
He said that the Police visited him at his residence today and informed him that he is being charged with two offences.
“I intend to defend these charges as I believe what took place, including my involvement, was lawful, peaceful and consistent with everyone’s right to freedom of protest,” he said.
Mr Tamaki said that he worked collaboratively with the Police on Saturday (October 2, 2021) and no issues were raised on that day.
In announcing the charges this afternoon, Acting District Commander of the Auckland Police District Superintendent Shanan Gray said that the gathering of around 1000 people was in breach of Level 3 restrictions, which limit gatherings to weddings, funerals and tangihanga with no more than 10 people.
“The investigation phase is continuing as the Police consider further charges or enforcement action against others involved in the event,” he said in a statement.
Police recognised that the event was frustrating for people and their response on the day was based “on operational assessments as is usual for an event of that size.” The Police put community safety first when considering their response, Superintendent Gray said.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield are among those who have criticised Tamaki and the organisers of the event.
Destiny Church Leader Brian Tamaki (RNZ Photo by Dan Cook)
