Review & Remove Charity Status: Destiny Church's $1M+ Annual Operations Lack Financial Transparency in New Zealand!
Public Safety Incidents & Missing Financial Reports Should Call for Charitable Status Review. End the Abuse: Strip Destiny Church’s Tax-Exempt Status!
New Zealand's charitable status is a privilege that comes with responsibilities - responsibilities that Destiny Church has repeatedly failed to honour. Our tax system supports genuine charitable organizations that contribute positively to our communities. However, recent events and ongoing patterns of behaviour raise serious concerns about whether Destiny Church still qualifies for this privilege.
In February 2024, families and children attending a local library event in Te Atatū were forced to barricade themselves in a room for their safety. This incident stands in stark contrast to New Zealand's values of manaakitanga and peaceful coexistence that have defined our nation. Review additional information below to support this petition.
1. Financial Irregularities and Misuse of Donations
Destiny Church has repeatedly failed to meet its financial reporting obligations while lavishly funding its leadership—misusing taxpayer-backed donations and tax credits meant for genuine community benefit.
Supporting Sources:
NZ Herald: “Destiny charities to be stripped of tax-exempt status after failing to file annual returns.”
1News: Coverage of Hannah Tamaki’s luxury car purchase (Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S for NZ$207,900) as an example of extravagant spending.
Stuff/NZ Herald: Reports on deregistration of Destiny Church charities for failing to file required returns (referenced in multiple articles).
RNZ: Additional commentary on the misallocation of funds and the misuse of tax credits
2. Controversial Church Operations and Public Harm
From violent protests at community events to inciting hate and intimidation, Destiny Church’s actions have not only endangered public safety—they have blatantly contradicted the very spirit of charitable service.
Supporting Sources:
1News: “Teen 'horrified' at what she witnessed at Destiny Church Pride protest” – documenting disruptive, violent protest behaviour.
RNZ: “Destiny Church library protest ‘intimidating and unacceptable’ – police report” describing aggressive actions at a public library event.
GayExpress: “Petition to Revoke Destiny Church’s Charitable Status Gains Momentum” – highlighting community outrage over hate-inciting protests.
NZ Herald: Articles on Destiny Church protests reigniting debates over tax exemptions and public safety.
Social Media Evidence: Posts from Emily Writes and other community voices (see related Facebook/Reddit discussions, e.g.
3. Failure to Serve Genuine Charitable Purposes and Community Impact
Instead of channelling resources into community aid, Destiny Church diverts funds and energy into politically charged protests and divisive rhetoric, undermining the public trust that charitable status is meant to secure.
Supporting Sources:
RNZ: “Destiny Church library protest ‘intimidating and unacceptable’” – detailing how violent disruptions have harmed community events.
1News: “Teen 'horrified' at what she witnessed at Destiny Church Pride protest” – capturing firsthand accounts of community distress.
BusinessDesk: “Casting stones: churches dominate charities complaints” – showing that complaints focus on a lack of genuine community service.
BUSINESSDESK.CO.NZ
Additional RNZ/1News Reports (Feb 2025): Ongoing coverage of protests disrupting community events like children’s storytimes and library programs.
Community Feedback on Social Platforms: Numerous community accounts on Facebook
Our tax system should not subsidize organizations that work against New Zealand's core values of inclusion, respect, and community harmony. When an organization receiving tax benefits causes community members to feel unsafe in public spaces like libraries, we must question whether they still serve a genuine charitable purpose in these financially constrained times that enable $200,000 Mercedes-Benz purchases.
We, the undersigned, call upon Charities Services to:
*Conduct a comprehensive review of Destiny Church's charitable status
*Investigate their compliance with financial reporting obligations
*Assess whether their activities align with New Zealand's charitable purpose laws
*Consider whether public funding through tax benefits is appropriate given their documented actions
New Zealand's strength lies in our diversity and our ability to live together respectfully despite our differences. Organizations that receive charitable status must contribute positively to this vision, not work against it.
Seel the Kiwi Contact the author of the petition