Police say they are "actively investigating" the actions of the group associated with Destiny Church who protested a children's event at the Te Atatū library on Saturday.
Several Pride events have seen intrusive protests over the weekend by the 'Man Up' group linked to Destiny Church. Church leader Brian Tamaki said he told protesters: "I want you to storm the library they're in."
About 30 adults and young children had to be barricaded into a room in a library in West Auckland Saturday, when the group tried to drown out a drag king children's reading event.
Footage shared by Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki of the Te Atatū protest. Photo: Supplied / Facebook
Video circulating online shows people that appear to be part of the Destiny Church protest shoving and pushing staff at the Te Atatū Community Centre on Saturday.
That evening, the same group protested at the Rainbow Parade in Ponsonby and blocked Ponsonby Road briefly, standing in front of police officers, the New Zealand Herald reported.
Acting Waitematā District Commander Inspector Simon Walker said police strongly condemned the actions of the group confirmed officers were investigating allegations of assault.
"The event was being run as part of the city's Pride festival but was cancelled after about 50 people entered the building and refused to leave.
"The group's actions caused considerable distress and concern among tamariki, library staff and visitors.
"This protest crossed a line."
In a statement, Walker said freedom of speech and the right to protest were fundamental principles of a free and democratic society under the rule of law, "but nobody, especially children, should ever be made to feel unsafe".
He said frontline police staff responded with "haste and professionalism, resolving a dynamic and emotive situation as safely and as quickly as possible".
Footage shared by Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki of the Te Atatū protest. Photo: Screenshot / Facebook
He also acknowledged library staff who did their utmost to de-escalate the situation and keep their visitors safe.
"Police were made aware of allegations of assault during this incident. We are actively investigating these reports today and we encourage any other people subjected to violent behaviour to make a report at their nearest Police station, or online at 105.police.govt.nz."
Walker said no arrests have been made, but enquiries are in the early stages.
"We live in a diverse city in a diverse country, and that is worth celebrating."
Earlier, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was asked about the incident at a press conference.
"We respect people's right to free speech, we respect people's rights to peaceful protest, [but] they went too far.
"This is a country that values diversity and is well known for doing so and New Zealand is a much better place because of the diversity that's in it."
A screenshot of the protest by Destiny Church linked groups at Te Atatū Community Centre. Photo: Screenshot
On X (formerly Twitter), Labour leader Chris Hipkins said Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki was "just a boy".
"Real men don't barricade women and children. Real men don't threaten and intimidate. Real men don't preach hate. Real men DO show respect, compassion & love. Real men are comfortable enough in who they are to celebrate the diversity of others."
Real men don’t barricade women and children. Real men don’t threaten and intimidate. Real men don’t preach hate. Real men DO show respect, compassion & love. Real men are comfortable enough in who they are to celebrate the diversity of others. @BrianTamakiNZ you are just a boy.
— Chris Hipkins (@chrishipkins) February 15, 2025
Tamaki told his congregation on Sunday morning that he was proud of the protesters.
"I said... 'great job what you're doing, but I want you to storm the library they're in, and shut it down,' and he said, 'Yep, I'm onto it, apostle,' and they did it, and you read about it, probably, or heard about it," he said.
Tamaki called the Rainbow Parade a national disgrace.
RNZ asked Luxon about the fact that some of the protesters yesterday were wearing patches that resembled gang insignia and if they might be punished under the gang patch ban.
"We're really focusing on organised crime represented by those gang patch bans," Luxon said.
Luxon said he would not attend today's Big Gay Out as part of Pride events, but said, "I have been in the past and I have enjoyed it."
Members of the Destiny Church's "Man Up" group holding a protest outside Te Atatu library. Photo: Supplied / Facebook
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown also said in a statement Saturday evening that Destiny Church's actions "are totally unacceptable".
"While I respect freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest, to enter a council library facility that is there for all our communities to use and intimidate council staff, volunteers and community members going about their business, is completely out of line. There is absolutely no place for thuggery."
Auckland Pride was approached for comment Saturday by RNZ.
On Facebook, the group condemned the protests.
"This incident has affected those present, including Auckland Pride and Auckland Council Staff, and will resonate across the wider community, reminding us of the ongoing challenges we face as Takatāpui and Rainbow Communities. Our hearts are with those affected, especially those who were harmed.
"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."
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