Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki has strongly criticised the New Zealand Herald legacy media outlet for “false and defamatory” reports linking the church to Kiwa Hamiora-Te Hira, a charged alleged sex offender.
In a tweet Tamaki addressed allegations that Hamiora-Te Hira, who is facing multiple charges of sexual offences, had ties to the church. Tamaki stated unequivocally that he does not know the man personally and denied claims that Hamiora-Te Hira had ever been a pastor or leader within Destiny Church.
“For the NZ Herald to call him a ‘Destiny Church predator’ is a lie and defamation,” Tamaki said. “He has never been a Destiny Church pastor. The police were told he was never a pastor or leader.”
Tamaki explained that Hamiora-Te Hira had briefly attended one of the church’s outreach ministries aimed at helping troubled youth in South Auckland. He described the programme as open to the public and part of the church’s broader mission to support vulnerable individuals.
“When he frequented the church’s outreach ministries, he was one among thousands of troubled youth the church helps,” he said.
Tamaki stated that once the church became aware of Hamiora-Te Hira’s alleged offending, youth leaders immediately informed police and barred him from further access to the ministry. However, Tamaki said police were slow to act on the information provided by the church.
Tamaki also addressed photos circulating online showing him praying for a group that allegedly included Hamiora-Te Hira. He clarified that as part of his ministry, he often prays for individuals and groups without prior knowledge of their personal lives.
“This ministry was outside Destiny Church’s core youth group and focused on very troubled youth,” he said. “I would have no idea who he was, let alone what he was doing in his private life unless he chose to divulge that.”
Tamaki expressed deep sympathy for the victims of the alleged crimes and affirmed the church’s commitment to protecting young people.
“My heartfelt prayers and support go to the victims, to whom we have reached out and are helping. These crimes are unacceptable anywhere,” he said.
Tamaki accused the NZ Herald of engaging in biased reporting to tarnish the church’s reputation and fuel public animosity.
“The church did nothing wrong. The NZ Herald’s manipulative headline is an attempt to poison the public against us and trigger online hate,” he said. “I stand by the truth.”
I Am Shocked and Livid That the NZ Herald,Police and other Media do not Get their Facts Right…
FACTS
1/..This man ive Never Know.
2/..For The NZ Herald to Call Him a “Destiny Church Predator” is A Lie and Defamation.
3/..He has Never Been A Destiny Church Pastor.Thats… pic.twitter.com/gG4DnIi8lq
— Brian Tamaki (@BrianTamakiNZ) December 1, 2024
Legal action underway
In a subsequent tweet, Tamaki announced that Destiny Church is moving forward with legal action against the NZ Herald and its reporter Lane Nichols over what he described as “trashy tabloid lies.” Tamaki revealed a three-step process already underway, spearheaded by prominent lawyer Ron Mansfield.
“Yesterday, we began to pursue with pace a legal case against Lane Nichols and the NZ Herald,” Tamaki said, outlining the steps taken so far. These include obtaining legal advice, preserving evidence of the media outlet’s actions, and issuing a formal letter demanding an apology and retraction.
Tamaki said he was ready to escalate the case if necessary. “We are prepared to go all the way with this legal case,” he stated.
The church leader also accused the NZ Herald of broader failings, claiming it has become a “propaganda machine for Te Pāti Māori” and an outlet for “woke, liberal” agendas. According to Tamaki, the publication prioritises divisive narratives over balanced reporting, undermining traditional Kiwi values and betraying its readers.
“It’s time we demand accountability and call out the bias that erodes true media integrity,” Tamaki declared, emphasising his commitment to challenging what he sees as the media’s departure from fair and accurate journalism.
💥BREAKING💥
Yesterday we began to pursue with pace a legal case against Lane Nichols and NZ Herald.Step 1: We obtained legal advice from our fierce lawyer Ron Mansfield
Step 2: We preserved the evidence of Lane Nichols & NZ Herald’s actions
Step 3: We sent a letter to the… pic.twitter.com/jLZdkww7X0— Brian Tamaki (@BrianTamakiNZ) December 2, 2024
Destiny Church
https://counterspinmedia.com/blog/resources-videos/pulpit-of-deceit-and-the-silent-pews/
Counterspin did a deep dive on this a while back. Didn’t look good for Tamaki.
Apostle to You (LOL!)
Great! The mainstream media lies constantly to the maori parties’ drum. Hope they pay big time for what they have personally done to Brian. Everyone has seen the constant attack on him.
A comment at Centrist
So Plunket is funded by the Wight Foundation who in turn have a substantial part of their business funded by … umm yes the Government. No possible bias there eh?