Clash between pro-Palestine protesters and New Zealand’s Destiny Church unfolds in Auckland

Followers of a popular New Zealand preacher, including bikies, have clashed with pro-Palestine protesters in a heated exchange outside a TV station.

Chaos unfolded outside TVNZ’s Auckland headquarters today as far-right Destiny Church followers faced off against pro-Palestinian protesters over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Police scrambled to control the scene, with 35 officers deployed to keep the rival groups apart. The protest spilt onto the road, triggering car alarms as a motorcyclist revved his engine.

One protester was pepper sprayed during the confrontation, which was on the first anniversary of the devastating October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel that killed 1200 people and ignited the current Gaza war.

Destiny Church, a controversial Pentecostal Christian organisation in New Zealand, is led by Brian Tamaki.

Chaos unfolded outside TVNZ’s Auckland headquarters today as Destiny Church followers faced off against pro-Palestinian protesters over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

He has drawn attention for his strong opposition to government policies and involvement in anti-lockdown protests during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The church is known for its political activism and conservative views on LGBTQ+ rights and its links to the Freedom and Rights Coalition, a group advocating for New Zealanders’ freedoms.

On Monday, pro-Palestinian protesters rallied with cries of “Ceasefire now,” while Tamaki’s supporters countered with shouts of “Free the hostages”.

Police scrambled to control the scene, with 35 officers deployed to keep the rival groups apart.

“Today we faced up to rude, disrespectful Pro-Palestinian Protesters,” Tamaki wrote on X.

“Today we remember the atrocity to 1200 Israeli people. We went down and shut them out from accessing TVNZ Building where they were aiming to get on 6 News.”

Police formed a line between the groups, with about 15 officers facing the pro-Palestinian side and another 20 standing in front of the pro-Israel crowd.

At one point, pro-Israel protesters crossed Hobson Street and blocked the incoming traffic.

Tensions briefly escalated when a motorcyclist revved his bike in the middle of the road while two other bikers attempted to join the scene but were turned away by police.

Religious leader Brian Tamaki’s supporters countered with shouts of “Free the hostages”.

Men on motorbikes were doing burnouts as protesters screamed at the rally.

Despite the uproar, protesters eventually retreated to their respective sides.

No arrests were made.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon weighed in on the tense situation in New Zealand, which is being felt across the world as multiple rallies take place.

“We remember the monstrous, brutal, and horrific attack on Israel by Hamas,” he said, citing the death of 1200 Israelis, the greatest loss of Jewish life since World War II, and the 251 hostages still held by Hamas.

Luxon reiterated New Zealand’s stance, calling for the unconditional release of hostages and urging a ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed.

“The continued loss of life is really appalling, and the violence must end,” he said.