'Thuggery': Destiny Church-linked group admits violence at drag king children's event

Seven Destiny Church-linked protesters have admitted assault charges related to a violent incident at a children’s drag king event in Auckland.

Six group members earlier pleaded guilty to one charge each of common assault, and the final defendant, Phineas Mann, admitted one charge of male assaults female in the Auckland District Court this morning.

The melee occurred at the Te Atatū Community Centre in February last year and involved protesters linked to the controversial church punching, pushing and shoving their way inside.

Footage on social media showed a woman punching another in the head, as others in the crowd appear to fall to the ground amid screaming and yelling. Others pulled at clothing while some tried to hold violent protesters back.

A jury trial was scheduled to take place Tuesday for Mann on a charge injuring with intent.

However, this morning the prosecutor confirmed Mann had now pleaded guilty to assaulting a female.

Phineas Mann. Photo / Michael Craig

The other defendants were Hector Gardiner, Campbell Harvey, Bryan French, Karen Robinson, Tianarangi Robinson and Naomi Robinson.

The Herald has applied for the court summary of facts and sought clarification from the court regarding the charges that have been admitted and maximum penalties.

One woman who earlier spoke to the Herald said her daughter suffered a concussion during the incident.

“[My children] did not know this level of hatred and bigotry existed today,” the mother said.

A now-deleted livestream allegedly showed punches being thrown towards the woman’s two daughters.

One was allegedly left with a concussion, the other allegedly left with bruises to her ribs and arms.

“The people who came to protest, came from a place fuelled by hatred.”

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown slammed the protest at the time, saying “there is absolutely no place for thuggery”.

Police earlier said the group’s actions created a great deal of distress for Rainbow communities.

“This [Pride] festival is important for our Rainbow communities, and they should be able to participate in events free of intimidation and interference,” Superintendent Naila Hassan.

“Those working on site and attending the venue were subjected to violence and intimidation.

“Any assault is unacceptable.”

‘I want you to storm the library’

Following the confrontation last year, Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki claimed during a sermon that he had given members of his congregation the green light for the protest.

The Freedom and Rights Coalition, which started as an anti-lockdown group and has close ties to the church, also claimed responsibility.

“I want you to storm the library they’re in and shut it down,” Tamaki recalled instructing a church elder.

“There might have been some pushing and shoving, but I would smack someone who was trying to pervert my child in a room.”

Tamaki posted on social media at the time: “Proud of my people who are out in the community today, making a stand against the woke agenda plaguing our city.

“Our West Auckland team are outside the council library in Te Atatū today protesting yet another drag king who is attempting to seduce more kids into their queer lifestyle through their storytime events.”