Destiny Church Pride protests

The story so far

Groups linked to Destiny Church disrupted two Auckland Pride events on a Saturday in February 2025, including a children's science show at Te Atatū library, and about 30 people were forced to barricade themselves indoors.^{15, 17 Feb 2025} Police described the behaviour as aggressive, and a child reportedly felt terror during the protest, which also distressed children and staff.^{16, 17, 20 Feb 2025} Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the protesters went too far, Auckland Council called the actions outrageous, and police are investigating allegations of assault.^{16, 17 Feb 2025} Te Atatū MP Phil Twyford asked the charities regulator to remove Destiny Church from the charities register, and the church dismissed the calls as entertaining.^{21, 23 Feb 2025} Wellington City Council plans extra security for its upcoming Pride events in response to the Auckland disruptions.^{18 Feb 2025}

Latest

Twyford says rubbish was dumped outside his Henderson office, which he suspects is linked to his calls for the church's removal from the register, and a church spokesperson has denied involvement.^{25 Feb 2025} Police are monitoring a planned protest against Destiny Church at Albert Park.^{22 Feb 2025}

What's next

Wellington's extra Pride event security is planned for next month's events.^{18 Feb 2025}

Key moments

1. 15 Feb 2025About 30 people barricaded in Te Atatū Library after Pride event interrupted.
2. 16 Feb 2025Luxon says protesters went too far; assault allegations under police investigation.
3. 18 Feb 2025Wellington Council plans extra security for next month's Pride events.
4. 20 Feb 2025Child reportedly felt terror during drag event protest; calls for more library security.
5. 21 Feb 2025Twyford asks charities regulator to remove Destiny Church from register.
6. 23 Feb 2025Destiny Church dismisses calls to strip its charitable status.
7. 25 Feb 2025Rubbish dumped outside Twyford's office; he links it to his charity calls.

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