Pride Protests 2025

The story so far

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the protesters went too far, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown criticised the protest, and police investigated assault allegations.^{15, 16, 17 Feb 2025} Te Atatū MP Phil Twyford asked the charities regulator to remove Destiny Church from the register, and the church dismissed the call as entertaining.^{21, 23 Feb 2025} Wellington City Council added security for its pride events, and on 8 March between 30 and 40 members of the church's Man Up group disrupted the start of the Wellington Pride parade with a haka.^{18 Feb 2025; 8, 9 Mar 2025} Police stopped referring people to Destiny Church's Man Up and Legacy programmes on 7 March.^{7 Mar 2025}

What's next

Police said further arrests may occur as their investigation continues.^{12 Mar 2025}

Key moments

1. 15 Feb 2025Destiny Church-linked group disrupts Te Atatū Pride event; about 30 people barricaded in a room.
2. 16 Feb 2025Luxon says protesters went too far; police investigate assault allegations.
3. 21 Feb 2025Phil Twyford asks charities regulator to remove Destiny Church from the register.
4. 7 Mar 2025Police stop referring people to Destiny Church's Man Up and Legacy programmes.
5. 8 Mar 2025Man Up members disrupt the start of the Wellington Pride parade with a haka.
6. 12 Mar 2025Four people arrested and assault charges filed over the Te Atatū protest.
7. 18 Mar 2025Seven people linked to Destiny Church appear in court over the library protest.

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