Destiny Church founders Brian and Hannah Tamaki arrived at Auckland District Court this morning, flanked by supporters rallying in defense of what they see as an unfair prosecution of their leader.
Tamaki faces charges related to alleged breaches of Covid-19 public health laws, a case that has sparked debate about free speech and government control in New Zealand.
Supporters gathered outside the courthouse early, holding placards that read, “Three Years On: Jacinda’s Legacy of Control Lingers On” and “Free Speech, Not a Crime!” They shared live updates online “We’re going to keep updating you as the days proceed,” church pastor Heker Robertson told viewers during a livestream.
When Tamaki arrived with wife Hannah and lawyer Ron Mansfield KC around 9:30 a.m., he briefly addressed his supporters with optimism, saying, “It’s going to be a good day today, and a good day for New Zealand.”
Also accompanying the Tamakis were Destiny Church elder Jenny Marshall and Kaleb Cave, two members facing similar charges for allegedly violating public health orders by attending rallies during lockdown. Tamaki, who has maintained his innocence, will be tried in a judge-alone procedure, in a case that has drawn attention to the balance between public health regulations and individual freedoms.
Tamaki’s supporters view his case as part of a broader issue of government control and censorship, citing his January 2021 imprisonment as an example. That incident, stemming from his participation in a Christchurch rally attended by over 100 people, led to more than a week in jail under strict bail conditions.
Today marks the beginning of the 10-day trial, during which the Crown is expected to present extensive evidence against Tamaki. This morning, Tamaki shared an update on social media, expressing gratitude for his legal team and optimism for the outcome of the trial.
“Here Hannah and I are with the team, walking into court this morning with our fantastic lawyer Ron Mansfield, ready for all that is ahead,” he wrote.
The trial will resume this afternoon, with opening statements from both the Crown and Tamaki’s defense team. In the meantime, members of the Freedom & Rights Coalition are offering live updates via Facebook for supporters follow developments in the case.
The 10-day trial has now commenced!
Here Hannah and I are with the team walking into court this morning with our fantastic lawyer Ron Mansfield, ready for all that is ahead.Our court hearing has been kindly adjourned by the Judge until 2.15pm today as the Crown and our lawyer… pic.twitter.com/ga4uzQN8u9
— Brian Tamaki (@BrianTamakiNZ) November 3, 2024
PATHETIC!
Where are the prosecutions of the CRIMINALS in the waspnest who made the Covid-19 public health laws without ANY public consultation?
Where are the prosecutions of the CRIMINALS in the waspnest who mandated the covid bio-weapon injections? The same criminals are still there, covering their own ar*es!
Where are the prosecutions of the CRIMINALS in the waspnest who are responsible for the biggest increase in morbidity of the NZ population EVER?
Where are the proecutions for Crimes Against Humanity????
It’s been reported: Research shows around 100,000 US citizens not receiving any vaccines in their lifetime are the healthiest. Although there are a few cases of ADHD (well below general population), they have no other health issues, ZERO!
NO asthma, diabetes, chronic conditions! ZERO…..
All the covid laws were illegal. Time to put those responsible in prison.