Destiny church protestors burn flags & mimic defecation while doing the Haka

Hundreds of participants from Destiny Church marched through Auckland’s CBD Saturday in a high-profile protest billed as a “defence of faith, flag and family.” The rally; from Aotea Square down Queen Street; was led by church founder Brian Tamaki, who voiced strong opposition to non-Christian religions, immigration, and mainstream media, spurring significant public reaction. “No immigration without assimilation” was the rallying cry, with chants repeated throughout the march. Tamaki described the event as part of a broader “Commonwealth crusade” aimed at “reclaiming Christian nations”.

Protesters carried banners reading “NZ’s official religion: Christianity” and performed ritualistic haka following the symbolic tearing and burning of flags representing Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, LGBTQ+ Pride, and mainstream media. Flags; including rainbow and media flags; were torched during the demonstration. Fire crews arrived but protesters extinguished the flames before further action was necessary. Around 100 counter-protesters brandished tino rangatiratanga and Free Palestine flags.

Police were present throughout; no arrests were reported.

Acting Prime Minister David Seymour denounced the protest’s themes as “un‑Kiwi,” affirming that “People come from all over the world… so long as they come peacefully… they’re welcome.”.  Seymour emphasised that while the church was entitled to protest, its anti-immigration and religious intolerance “are intolerant and uninclusive”. Destiny Church has increasingly aligned itself with far-right ideologies; including opposition to immigration, non-Christian religions, LGBTQ+ rights, and public health measures; through groups like the Freedoms & Rights Coalition and initiatives by Brian and his daughter Hannah Tamaki’s Vision NZ party.  Critics argue the protest threatens New Zealand’s long-held tradition of religious freedom and multiculturalism. A video circulating on social media shows protestors mimicking defecation on flags while (what appears to be doing a haka). Video sourced online: Aotearoa Truths FB

RELATED NEWS

Whanganui Tira Hoe event cancelled for 2022 Let them eat Marmite Sandwiches Toi Te Mana wins