Destiny Church and Auckland Pride protest

The story so far

Domestic abuse agencies have described the Destiny Church Man Up course as dangerous, and critics say it promotes male dominance and ultra-traditional family values.^{24 Feb 2025} Police have stopped referring people to the church's Man Up and Legacy programmes after disruptions at the Auckland Pride Festival in February.^{7 Mar 2025} Protesters linked to Destiny Church entered a children's Pride event in Te Atatū on 15 February, and about 30 people were reportedly left barricaded inside.^{7, 12, 18 Mar 2025} Police arrested four people and laid assault charges, then arrested three more men in the investigation.^{12, 14 Mar 2025} Seven people linked to Destiny Church later appeared in court over the protest.^{18 Mar 2025}

Latest

Seven people have appeared in court over the February protest. One teenager was granted interim name suppression, while the others lost their bids but may appeal.^{18 Mar 2025}

What's next

Police say further arrests may occur as the investigation continues.^{12 Mar 2025} Those who lost their name suppression bids may appeal.^{18 Mar 2025}

Key moments

1. 24 Feb 2025Domestic abuse agencies criticise Man Up course as dangerous
2. 7 Mar 2025Police end referrals to Man Up and Legacy programmes
3. 12 Mar 2025Four people charged over protest at children's Pride event
4. 14 Mar 2025Three more men arrested over the same protest
5. 18 Mar 2025Seven people appear in court; one teenager gets interim name suppression

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.