Kiwa Hamiora-Te Hira, a former youth leader at Destiny Church, has been sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing multiple young boys over a five-year period.
He pleaded guilty last year to charges of sexual violation and indecent assault, with offenses primarily occurring in his home while victims, aged between 13 and 24, were asleep.
Judge Clare Bennett condemned the “egregious” breach of trust, highlighting the premeditated nature of the abuse, which included over 100 incidents for one victim alone.
During sentencing at the Manukau District Court, victims expressed their deep sense of betrayal, having viewed Hamiora-Te Hira as a mentor and father figure.
His lawyer attributed his actions to struggles with his sexuality, but the judge firmly rejected this explanation, highlighting the serious harm inflicted on young victims.
Alongside his prison sentence, Hamiora-Te Hira will be registered as a child sex offender.
