the church nz tour

• How Do You Burn?

The Church  and  The Afghan Whigs  co-headline tour of North America this summer.   

Special guest  ed harcourt  on all dates except brooklyn where  kristin hersh  will open the show..

A special  FAN PRESALE  starts Tuesday February 6th at 1:00 pm and runs through Thursday February 8th at 10:00 PM (local time). USE CODE:  CHURCHWHIGS

Two special VIP Packages available for all shows!

SEE TICKET LINKS FOR INDIVIDUAL SHOWS FOR FURTHER DETAILS

The Afghan Whigs Side Stage Experience

One (1) Premium Ticket

View the First Three (3) Songs From The Side Of The Stage*

Access to Pre-show Soundcheck Performance By The Afghan Whigs Followed By A Q&A With Greg Dulli

One (1) Exclusive Signed Tour Poster

One (1) The Afghan Whigs Tote Bag

One (1) Specially Designed Exclusive VIP Gift

One (1) Commemorative VIP Laminate

Venue First Entry (Where Applicable) *Varies by venue

The Afghan Whigs Soundcheck Q&A Experience

One (1) Specially Designed Exclusive VIP Gift 

Venue First Entry (Where Applicable)

TICKET LINKS & INFO:

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The church announce first australian headline tour in four years.

The Church announce ‘The Slings And Arrows Of Outrageous Fortune’ Australian Tour 2022.

Australian seminal psych-guitar masters The Church have just announced a national headline tour of Australia, in what will be their first in four years. Kicking off on September 1, the legendary band will be playing shows in Perth, Margaret River, Adelaide, Sydney, and Brisbane, before finishing up in Melbourne at Northcote Theatre on September 10 2022.

Entering their fourth decade of making music and playing live shows with all the fierce creative energy of their early years, ARIA Hall of Fame inductees, The Church will treat fans with two remarkable sets over two and a half hours with a taste of new songs from the band’s forthcoming 26th studio album, ‘The Hypnogogue’ – plus performing a string of hit songs across their expansive music career including ‘Under The Milky Way’, ‘Reptile’, ‘The Unguarded Moment’ and ‘Almost With You’.

Check out Melbourne’s most comprehensive gig guide here .  

The 2022 epic five-piece line-up is bassist, vocalist and founder  Steve Kilbey ; with long-time collaborator Tim Powles, drummer and producer across 17 albums since ’94; guitarist Ian Haug formerly of Australian rock icons Powderfinger, who joined the band in 2013 and Jeffrey Cain (Remy Zero), touring multi-instrumentalist who is now a full-time member of The Church since the departure of Peter Koppes in early 2020. The band have also recruited Ashley Naylor, long-time member of Paul Kelly’s touring band and one of Australia’s finest and most respected guitarists (Even, The Grapes, The Stems).

The group has an unwavering desire to carry on performing the immense body of work that stretches back in a continuous line to classic early albums such as ‘Of Skins and Heart’, ‘The Blurred Crusade’, ‘Starfish’ that has been put together from past to present to future.

“A band is like a family and over 40 years it is only natural that families will change,” Kilbey says.

“It’s too big a body of work not to keep exploring it. It’s a psychedelic walk down memory lane from a band that spans four decades—and continues to create thought-provoking music in the Millennium.”

The band recently completed a headlining tour in the U.S which included an invitation from Coachella’s promoter, Golden Voice to perform at their inaugural Cruel World Festival that saw a crowd of fifty thousand in attendance playing alongside new wave and post-punk contemporaries Blondie, Devo, Echo & The Bunnymen, and The Psychedelic Furs.

The Church Australian Tour

Thursday, September 1: The Astor, Perth Friday, September 2: The River, Margaret River Sunday, September 4: The Gov, Adelaide Thursday, September 8: The Metro, Sydney Friday, September 9: The Princess Theatre, Brisbane Saturday, September 10: Northcote Theatre, Melbourne

General public tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 21 at 12pm. Find out more  here . 

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The Church of the good shepherd

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Situated on the shores of Lake Takapō amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains, the Church of the Good Shepherd was built to the glory of God and as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. “Somehow the setting and the church combine to speak of God to those who enter and pause in the midst of their busy lives.” – Peter Hurricks.

Arrange a Group Tour  (by appointment)

To offer visitors an opportunity to see inside The Church of the Good Shepherd we can host    guided tours by prior arrangement. Each tour will last for approximately 30 minutes and will explore the historical and spiritual significance of the church and describe different aspects of the church building. There is a $50 minimum charge (donation) to open the church for up to 2 people plus $20 for each additional person in the group. There will be an opportunity given to take photographs.

If you are planning to visit Takapō | Lake Tekapo and would like to arrange a church tour please email:

Adele Coleman, The Administrator

[email protected]

PHOTO CREDIT: Mark Gee

You are welcome to join us for our regular Sunday Services where we welcome worshippers from all over the world and from all Christian worship traditions.

Set amidst the lake and mountains visitors from all over the world are entranced by the majestic landscape surrounding the Church of the Good Shepherd.

The Church of the Good Shepherd was built to provide a place of worship and a place of gathering for weddings, baptisms and funerals in Mackenzie. We celebrate and mourn together.

Photography

The Church of the Good Shepherd is a place of worship. If you are a professional photographer please make arrangements with us first so that your time at the church will be supportive of our work.

The Church of the Good Shepherd is cared for by a small group of local volunteers. When you visit, your kind donation will help us preserve the church and its beautiful natural setting.

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Church of the Good Shepherd

One of the region’s most famous and photographed icons is the Church Of The Good Shepherd on the stunning lakefront of Lake Tekapo.

This charming church holds a special place in the hearts of locals. It was built in memory of the pioneers of the Mackenzie, from local stone gathered from within 5 miles of the site, with the aim to simply be part of the landscape. It is a treasured heritage building and is also a place of worship.

Locals and visitors gather every Sunday and the church welcomes Christians of all traditions, cultures and backgrounds. It is also still used for weddings and funerals, and visitors can request a private tour directly from the church.

One of the most remarkable features of the Church of the Good Shepherd is the sense of connection, of belonging, and of being part of the natural environment. In this sacred place you can simply let go, breathe deeply and allow yourself to be renewed.

Pioneer Drive, Lake Tekapo

Contact info.

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.churchofthegoodshepherd.org.nz/

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We can’t wait to welcome you to the Legendary Mackenzie! Step into the great wide open and discover NZ’s highest mountains, longest glaciers, vivid turquoise lakes, golden grasslands and clearest starry skies. Take a scenic flight into the mountains and land on glaciers; enjoy the night sky within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve; explore the amazingly beautiful landscape by cycling, walking, kayaking, swimming, skiing and more.

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Yurt Party - Hoi Polloi Tour

My Vaccine Pass requirements have not been set for this event

Ōtautahi dance-floor demons YURT PARTY are back on the road, hitting 10 centres throughout Aotearoa with their infectious Balkan-Latin-Dub beats in tow. This time, they're celebrating the release of their brand new single, HOI POLLOI, and they're bringing the party straight to your doorstep.

 ABOUT THE BAND:
 Over the last few years Yurt Party have won over countless crowds across the country with their unique, high-energy take on live dance music. The 6+ piece Ōtautahi band have been electrifying festival dancefloors and winning over the hearts of their audiences with footstomping fusions of Balkan, Latin and Dub goodness. Their formation of a dedicated following is unsurprising given their seamless pairing of virtuosity and groove-focused music. Festivals include CubaDupa, Nostalgia, Luminate, Tora Bombora, Relish, Evolve, Kiwi Spirit Festival, Twisted Frequency and more. Propelled by a fully sold out NZ tour in 2023, the HOI POLLOI tour will bring to fans some new musical angles. Friday 8 March // ŌTEPOTI (DUNEDIN) @ ERRICK'S Saturday 9 March // WĀNAKA @ RHYME X REASON Saturday 16 March // PŌNEKE (WELLINGTON) @ ROGUE & VAGABOND 
 Saturday 23 March // TĀMAKI MAKAURAU (AUCKLAND) @ BIG FAN 
 Sunday 24 March // WAIHEKE ISLAND @ ARTWORKS THEATRE Friday 12 April // ŌTAUTAHI (CHRISTCHURCH) @ THE CHURCH Saturday 13 April // AKAROA @ THE GRAND
 Thursday 18 April // WAIHARAKEKE (BLENHEIM) @ 5TAPPED Friday 19 April // WHAKATŪ (NELSON) @ DEVILLE 
 Saturday 20 April // TĀKAKA @ ROOTS BAR

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UPCOMING EVENTS

EVENTS FOR EVERYONE

From concerts with your favourite artists to live acoustic music while soaking up the Hawke's Bay sunshine with amazing food and wine

We are constantly updating our events so be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date.

DIRE STRAITS Legacy and Nazareth to headline summer concert series,

‘a summer’s day live’.

Legends of British rock, Dire Straits, have sold more than 120 million albums worldwide.

This summer, Dire Straits Legacy bring back their iconic music, performed by the original musicians who recorded and toured with Dire Straits from over 30 years ago, and who have performed live as Dire Straits on multiple global tours.

Join us on the 29th December for this incredible line-up of rock music; it's set to the be the ultimate Summer's Day.

 Celebrate warm summer days with us at our monthly Live Gwen Summer Sessions, October through March!

Live music from 12.00 – 4.30. .

Tickets $3 at the door.

Family friendly.

We will have delicious food, and of course, our wine selection available, as well as low and non-alcoholic options. Grab a picnic rug or chair, your friends and family, and come along to enjoy the beautiful Hawke’s Bay summer in our park. This summer's dates *weather permitting* are:

Sunday 15th October, 2023

Sunday 12th November, 2023

Sunday 10th December, 2023

Sunday 21st January, 2024

Sunday 11th February, 2024

Sunday 17th March, 2024

Aramex Kiwi Walk & Run Vineyard Trail

Join us for this event on  Saturday October 21 st   2023

Overview: This stunning course crosses 4 different types of terrain, bushy reserve and the Sugarloaf track offering 360 degree views over Hawkes Bay

Suitable: For all fitness levels from first timer runners and walkers, avid trail runners young and old.

2 courses to choose from - 7.5km or 12km options

For further information and to enter click here.  

Celebrate warm summer days with us at our monthly Live Gwen Summer Sessions, October through March! Live music from 12.00 – 4.30. 

We will have delicious food, and of course, our wine selection available, as well as low and non-alcoholic options. Grab a picnic rug or chair, your friends and family, and come along to enjoy the beautiful Hawke’s Bay summer in our park.

This summer's dates *weather permitting* are:

HOW TO FIND US 

ADDRESS 150 Church Road, Taradale Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

CONTACT US Email us: [email protected] or call us on 06 882 3098

OPENING HOURS

Cellar Door: Thursday - Monday 10:30am – 4:30pm, last tasting at 4:00pm

Restaurant: Thursday - Monday 11:30am – 2:30pm.

Bookings are highly recommended.

Book online or call 027 398 0214.

Closed:   Tuesday - Wednesday, some Public Holidays

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The Church and the Afghan Whigs Announce Summer 2024 Co-Headlining Tour

By Nina Corcoran

The Church and the Afghan Whigs and have announced a co-headlining tour of North America. The shows begin in June and will feature Ed Harcourt as support, with Kristin Hersh subbing in as the opener in Brooklyn. Find the full list of tour dates below.

Though it’s their first time touring together, both bands have long been admirers of each other’s music. “I was an 18-year-old college freshman laying in bed listening to WVXU late one night when I heard a song that I described later as sounding like David Bowie fronting the Byrds,” said Afghan Whigs frontman Greg Dulli. “It was official. I loved the Church. Three years later, the four kids who were about to become the Afghan Whigs played ‘One Day’ by the Church in John Curley’s living room and we were off and running.”

The Afghan Whigs dropped their most recent album, How Do You Burn? , in 2022. It’s the band’s third album since reforming in the early 2010s, after In Spades and Do to the Beast .

The Church rolled out The Hypnogogue last year. They sold a companion album, Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars , at concerts, and that LP is now getting a wide release on March 29. Listen to a radio edit of the new song “ A Strange Past ” below.

All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Church & The Afghan Whigs:

06-18 Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre * 06-20 Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Paramount ^ 06-21 Boston, MA - The Royale * 06-22 Washington, D.C. - Lincoln Theatre * 06-24 Toronto, Ontario - Danforth Music Hall * 06-25 Detroit, MI - Majestic Theatre * 06-27 Indianapolis, IN - Hi-Fi Annex * 06-28 Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre *  06-30 Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue * 07-02 Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre * 07-03 Bellvue, CO - The Mishawaka * 07-05 Seattle, WA - The Showbox * 07-06 Portland, OR - McMenamins Crystal Ballroom * 07-09 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore * 07-11 San Diego, CA - The Observatory North Park * 07-12 Anaheim, CA - House of Blues Anaheim * 07-13 Los Angeles, CA - The United Theater on Broadway *

* with Ed Harcourt ^ with Kristin Hersh

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By Madison Bloom

Christ Church Cathedral. Our Cathedral.

Mā ō tātou ringa, ka rewa anō te tuara o tō tātou whare karakia, with all of our hands the roof of our cathedral will rise again.

Reinstating the Iconic Christ Church Cathedral

The Christ Church Cathedral was severely damaged in the devastating Canterbury earthquakes that struck the city and region in September 2010 and February 2011. 

We are reinstating it to once again take central place in Cathedral Square where it will offer a spiritual home to Anglicans, welcome all faiths and none and breathe new life and vibrancy into the heart of our city for generations to come. 

Once complete, the Christ Church Cathedral rebuild will feature a reinstated stone Cathedral and Bell Tower - with a viewing platform, a Visitors’ Centre - with a cafe and visitor experience, and a Cathedral Centre - providing space to support the wider community.

Project Timeline

Work began on the reinstatement project in May 2020. We look forward to when the Cathedral’s doors will once again be open to all. 

The work is being undertaken in phases - stabilisation (completed in March 2023), main Cathedral strengthening, new foundations including base isolation, the new tower and Cathedral reinstatement, and finally the Visitors Centre and Cathedral Centre.

Project Overview

This is a complex project requiring close collaboration with the clients, designers, engineers, contractors and heritage professionals - who all are helping to ensure the Cathedral’s heritage fabric is protected throughout the rebuild.  

It means the reinstated Cathedral will look as it did before, retaining its heritage features, but be much stronger, safer and more functional, flexible and comfortable.

Anglican Campaign 

Our Cathedral, our time.  Read Bishop Peter Carrell's message as he asks the people of this Diocese to support the Reinstatement Project

Cathedral History

The Christ Church Cathedral has been a key part of our city’s identity for 150 years. Like many of the world’s great Cathedrals it took about 130 years to complete. 

It was planned by the Canterbury Association, which was founded in 1848 with the aim of establishing a Church of England settlement in Canterbury where the Cathedral was to be the physical and symbolic heart of the city.

News & Events

NZIER Report A landmark reborn

05 april 2024.

The value of Christ Church Cathedral

Project Update - Media Release 6 April 2024

04 april 2024.

Christ Church Cathedral to be mothballed unless new funding pathway is found

New Dean for Christ Church Cathedral

News our people media release, 25 august 2023.

The Reinstatement Project welcomes the appointment of Reverend Canon Ben Trumen as the new Dean of Christchurch

First Evensong to be held inside the Cathedral since 2011

31 july 2023.

We’ll be live streaming the first Evensong to be held inside the Cathedral since 2011 on Thursday 3 August 5:30pm to 6pm

Organ update with James Atherton

News media release, 24 july 2023.

James Atherton from Nicolson & Co Limited (Nicholsons) Organ specialists, UK visited the site in March 23 to support the Organ removal by South Island Organ company. 

Introducing Bosco Peters

We are honoured to have Bosco Peters as our Acting Dean of the Christ Church Cathedral.

Adult : NZ$40 Child (up to 3 free per adult): NZ$0 Additional Children (each): From NZ$5 Infant : Free

Child Age is 5-15 years

Explore Christchurch with an All-Day Tram Pass

The Christchurch Trams offer a unique experience combining history and sightseeing. One of the best things to do in Christchurch. Family-friendly and ideal for locals and visitors alike, our beautifully-restored heritage trams are one of the city’s most iconic and best-loved attractions – and don’t forget kids go free!

Our all-day hop-on hop-off tickets allow you to visit the central city sights at your leisure and our friendly and knowledgeable drivers will keep you updated about the latest city changes in their informative live commentaries. Purchase your tickets online, from our drivers, or at our Tram Shop at stop 1.

Tram Route & Stops

The journey begins at Cathedral Junction and travels through Cathedral Square before passing the Avon River, Cashel Street and High Street. From here the Tram travels back through Cathedral Square and along Worcester Street, Rolleston Avenue, Armagh Street and New Regent Street before arriving back at Cathedral Junction. There are 18 stops en route and the full circuit takes approximately 50 minutes to complete.

Our  Tramway Restaurant  departs from Cathedral Junction at 7:30pm daily (excluding public holidays) and at 5pm on selected dates. Bookings essential.

Children are classed as being 5-15 years of age and infants under 5 years of age. Up to three children may ride free of charge per paying adult, and tickets can be purchased for $5 each for additional children. Infants are free of charge.

The inside seats are cozy and secure, but please note outside seats are not weatherproof. Children must be accompanied on the Trams at all times by a paying adult. For safety reasons, we allow one adult to supervise up to five children or infants aged 15 years and under. As in any city street, you must keep children safe in traffic.

Two to three small, folded prams can be accommodated on board each of the larger trams (please note that the smaller trams are not able to accommodate folded trams so as not to block access to the aisles). Several trams also have pram hooks available to secure up to two prams to the exterior of the trams.

Getting Here

There are plenty of on-street and off-street parking options along the Tram route: see Christchurch City Council’s website for parking locations.

For those arriving by bus, the Christchurch Bus Interchange is a one-block walk from stops 5 and 8, and the Manchester Street Super Stop is a one-block walk from stop 1 in Cathedral Junction.

We're Hiring!

We’re looking for full-time and part-time tram drivers and conductors to join our Christchurch Tram team for summer! If you love chatting to people, are proud to share Ōtautahi Christchurch’s stories with visitors from all over the world and think driving a tram would be a bit of fun, we want to hear from you.

Contact Mark at [email protected] with your CV, cover letter and contact phone number to learn more about the role – applicants need to have a valid New Zealand driver’s licence, the right to work in New Zealand, and be available for weekend work. We’ll be interviewing in July with training taking place in August and September for our summer season: applicants must be available for 2-3 full weeks of training taking place Monday to Friday.

Contact us and apply today!

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Board at any of our 18 Tram stops, and get on and off with your ticket throughout the day. The Trams run every 10-20 minutes with the last Tram departing from Stop 1 one hour prior to closing.

Tramway Restaurant

Our  Tramway Restaurant departs from Cathedral Junction at 7:30pm daily (excluding public holidays) and at 5pm on selected dates. Bookings essential.

What people say. "The Best Things to do in Christchurch"

Very informative. Driver was very knowledgeable of the area, post buildings and future developments. Great overview of the city.

Unique experience in Christchurch! Catch the Tram and take a tour of the city centre. There are stops at most of the tourist spots around town. The whole tour takes around 50 mins all the way round. Detailed commentary from the Driver onboard. Kids travel free with a paying Adult (Up to 3)

Fabulous staff made me and three pre-schoolers very welcome. Love the commentaries, I always learn something new.

Really enjoyed our experience. The tram itself is beautiful and a fabulous way to see the inner city. The driver was pleasant and entertaining.

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TRAM & GONDOLA

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TRAM & PUNTING

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'I've lost everything': Drag queen reading group cancels NZ tour after ongoing protests

Rainbow Storytime has announced the cancellation of its nationwide New Zealand tour scheduled for later in the year - with the owner of the drag queen reading group saying she has “lost everything” following recent protests.  

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki has been protesting the group over recent months including shutting down reading events in Rotorua and Hastings.  

Hastings District Council and Rotorua Lakes Council cancelled three events combined last month, citing safety concerns and disinformation.   

The scheduled shows would have seen two drag performers read stories about inclusivity and acceptance to children.   

There were widespread protests in Gisborne last month, where Destiny Church members vandalised a rainbow pedestrian crossing in retaliation to a Rainbow Storytime event that went ahead in the city’s library.  

In a post to Facebook on Wednesday, Rainbow Storytime NZ wrote; “we are very upset and disappointed to announce the cancellation of the Rainbow Storytime NZ nationwide tour, which we were looking at doing later on this year.”  

“We know there will be MANY sad kids and parents out there but with the current climate and Erika Flash [drag queen Daniel Lockett] now staying on in London, we are going to press pause on everything we are doing.”  

Rainbow Storytime NZ founder Sunita Torrance did not wish to comment on the cancellation when approached by the Herald yesterday.  

Sunita said she had “nothing to say” and was exhausted.  

“My business is my only source of income, so I’ve lost everything.”  

She said the business was focused on “getting through” a court case, which she hopes would provide a good outcome.  

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki described the cancellation on his social media as a “victory”.  

About 350 protesters and counter-protesters  gathered outside a Gisborne library last month  while police monitored proceedings.  

Two men, aged 46 and 36, and a 45-year-old woman were charged with graffiti vandalism after the crossing was painted white the night before the event.  

In Hastings, councillors, library staff and council customer service had received a large number of messages falsely accusing the events of being a platform for the sexual grooming of young people.  

Threatening notes were also targeted at performers Torrance and Lockett, and a risk assessment was undertaken, which informed the decision to cancel the event on March 27.  

Auckland man Ford O’Connor, 31, married to Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki’s granddaughter,  pleaded guilty last week  to vandalising the rainbow pedestrian crossing on Auckland’s Karangahape Rd.  

O’Connor, 31, appeared in the Auckland District Court on April 15 on charges of intentionally damaging the crossing on March 28.  

He agreed to pay $16,093 for the costs of repairing the crossing.  

His lawyer, Steven Lack, said he would pay the amount in full within a month.  

O’Connor was convicted and discharged.  

Before O’Connor’s court appearance, Tamaki held a press conference in front of about 40 people to voice his “unwavering support” for him.  

Tamaki said: “Today I stand alongside a young man, who is accused of wilful damage to the K Rd rainbow crossing... Mr O’Connor handed himself into the police last week and he was not arrested.  

“As I stated before, Mr O’Connor undertook a political protest against the excessive rainbow-washing that is occurring across New Zealand right now, at the expense of our taxpayers and our ratepayers.  

“This rainbow-washing has gone too far. The over-promotion and protection of this perversion is not right.  

“The R18-plus content in sexual education in our Relationships and Sex Education [RSE] curriculum in schools has still not been removed, despite election promises from parties like New Zealand First.”  

Tamaki also called for the removal of what he called “the rainbow movement’s branding and paraphernalia... trying to rainbow wash our kids”.  

“We want officials to defund and remove drag queens’ story times from our schools and our libraries,” he said.  

“Ban puberty blockers, remove RSE curriculum in our schools, defund InsideOUT, the organisation targeting our young with rainbow paraphernalia.”  

O’Connor made a brief statement outside court: “I’m a father of four children so for me it was about standing up for them, making a stand to protect their innocence.”  

Tamaki said his sentencing was a “great outcome” and a “great judgment” by the court.  

The Destiny Church head also promised to keep taking action.  

This article was originally posted on the NZ Herald here .  

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The Send is happening on 23 November 2024 at Mystery Creek, Hamilton NZ

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Rainbow storytime nationwide tour cancelled after threats of violence.

Destiny Church protesters and counter protesters from the rainbow community outside the Gisborne library in March. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

A Rainbow Storytime nationwide tour planned for later in the year has been cancelled, due to threats of violence.

Taranaki-based drag Queens Erika and CoCo Flash were set to tour the country with their show aimed at children of all ages, to coincide with the Out on the Shelves rainbow reading campaign month in June.

Rainbow Storytime founder Sunita Torrance, who performs as CoCo, told RNZ she and Erika had received death threats and threats of attack.

Last month, protests by Destiny Church forced the cancellation of their Rainbow Storytime events in Hastings and Rotorua .

A Facebook post said promises of violence had also forced one of the event's stars, Erika, to relocate to the UK.

One drag performer, who RNZ has agreed not to name, said the disinformation being spread about drag performers was disheartening.

"We just want to entertain the masses.

"It's about normalising being a rainbow person, and helping any kids who might eventually discover that they are rainbow, feel safe and special, and know that they are loved."

They said it was a vocal minority speaking out against rainbow people.

Copyright © 2024 , Radio New Zealand

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Rainbow Storytime NZ cancels nationwide tour after attacks by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki

Related video: Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki faces legal action from Taranaki drag queens Erika and CoCo Flash Credits: Newshub/Supplied

A rainbow storytime group targeted by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki and supporters is cancelling its nationwide tour to focus on court action. 

Events in Rotorua and Gisborne were shut down amid continuous protest activity by Tamaki's supporters, which also saw Gisborne's rainbow crossing vandalised. 

More from Newshub

In a Facebook post, Rainbow Storytime NZ, comprised of Erika Flash [drag queen Daniel Lockett] and Coco [founder Sunita Torrance], said it was "very upset and disappointed" to cancel the nationwide tour planned for later this year. 

"We had an entirely new show ready to go with new books and new songs and new costumes. 

"We know there will be MANY sad kids and parents out there but with the current climate and ERIKA FLASH now staying on in London, we are going to press pause on everything we are doing." 

The Facebook post said they would focus their energy on taking "that hateful, icky group to court to try and create more widespread change in Aotearoa". 

The pair told Newshub last month they were planning to take legal action against Tamaki and are fundraising for the fight.

"This is the ultimate action in anti-bullying and the ultimate message of what our Storytimes are about so we want to do our best!" 

Rainbow Storytime NZ said it was determined to do another tour next year once it had time to regroup. 

"Please know that we love and adore you all, please continue to be strong, kind and confident and don't let anyone take away your sparkle!!" 

Torrance told the NZ Herald she had lost everything and was focused on getting a good outcome from the court case. 

"My business is my only source of income." 

Tamaki celebrated the cancellation, describing it as a "victory" on X. 

"What a shame! First one bites the dust...and there'll be more wins to come on this front. This makes our protest in Gisborne all worthwhile," he wrote.

'Most horrific threats' - Rainbow storytime tour cancellation draws outrage

M embers of the rainbow community say they are heartbroken but not surprised at the cancellation of a tour where drag performers read stories to children in libraries.

The organisers of a national Rainbow Storytime tour decided to pull the plug this week due to threats of violence and having their home addresses posted online.

The move comes after protests by Destiny Church forced the cancellation of several events in Hastings and Rotorua due to safety concerns, and the storytime organisers are now planning to take Destiny Church to court.

The storytime events in the North Island last month by drag performers Erika and CoCo Flash turned into flashpoints for protests by Destiny Church, with rainbow streets crossing being vandalised with white paint.

Sunita Torrance - aka CoCo - told RNZ they received death threats and had now canned their new nationwide tour planned for September.

Another drag performer, who RNZ agreed not to name, said they did not believe anti-rainbow campaigns were more common, but those behind them were feeling more comfortable with being vocal.

The performer, who has run Rainbow Storytimes at their own local library, said the tour's cancellation was "extremely upsetting and extremely disappointing".

They said the storytime sessions aimed to be entertaining for everyone, while helping any children who might eventually discover they are rainbow feel safe and loved.

The disinformation being spread about drag performers was "really disheartening", the performer added.

Hastings District Council cancelled its rainbow storytime events in late March after councillors and staff received "a large number" of threatening and intimidating messages.

Councillor Wendy Schollum said she was "incredibly heartbroken" Coco and Erika had been forced to cancel their entire tour, but was not surprised.

"Even in the small way that I've spoken out in support of these events because I've been to them before, I've received the most horrific threats, and so I can only imagine what they are going through."

Rainbow community advocate Shaneel Lal said it was a shame that queer folk had to cancel something to keep both themselves and their communities safe.

"I do not understand why religious extremists are allowed to threaten queer people to an extent that we have to cancel our events but if we showed up to churches every Sunday and demanded with violence and disruption that they shut down it would not be tolerated."

Lal said that Destiny Church's rhetoric was "bulls***" and that if they wanted to protect children they were hypocritical, in light of the number of church leaders prosecuted in recent years for abusing children.

"Zero drag queens in New Zealand have been convicted for this... Instead of worrying about children they should protest outside churches and leave the road crossings alone."

Torrance said Rainbow Storytime was proceeding with plans to take Destiny Church to court.

A GiveALittle page set up in late March to raise funds for the court case has so far raised nearly $30,000.

Torrance said the support shown by donors was "awesome".

Destiny Church declined RNZ's request for comment.

• Rainbow Storytime nationwide tour cancelled after threats of violence
• Rotorua cancels drag queens’ Rainbow Storytime for kids over ‘safety concerns’
• Online backlash to drag performers shocks community: 'We still have a long way to go'
• Protests at drag queen storytime event sparked more support, organiser says
• Destiny Church, rainbow community clash over drag queen library performance

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Rainbow Storytime tour cancelled after threats of violence

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Taranaki-based drag Queens Erika and CoCo Flash were set to tour the country with their show aimed at children of all ages, to coincide with the Out on the Shelves rainbow reading campaign month in June.

Last month, protests by Destiny Church forced the cancellation of their Rainbow Storytime events in Hastings and Rotorua.

On Facebook, organisers of the event said they have been forced to cancel the New Zealand tour, as well as several other planned drag productions, due to threats they have received.

One post said promises of violence had also forced one of the event's stars, Erika Flash, to relocate to the UK.

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Destiny Church member Ashara Kingi jailed for stealing $377,000 from her employer

Sandra Conchie

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Destiny Church member Ashara Jaymie Kingi, 33, was sentenced to two years and two months jail after stealing $377,167.92 from her employer Larry John O'Neill while employed part-time as his bookkeeper.

A woman trusted to look after the finances of a 72-year-old Tauranga man in part because he saw her as a respected member of Destiny Church stole nearly $380,000 from him and spent more than $100,000 of it on fast food, restaurants, gambling and layby.

Ashara Jaymie Lee Kingi, 33, illegally took money from Larry John O’Neill’s bank account 200 times over 19 months - an act of betrayal that ‘’disgusted’' him. Some of the offending happened after he was recovering from a heart attack.

“She was a good actor who portrayed herself as a good Christian woman. She was always buzzing and happy while she was stealing from me,” he told the Bay of Plenty Times .

“Her selfish actions have caused a lot of stress for me and my family ... It’s impacted my health and damaged my trust in other people. I’ve had lots of sleepless nights.”

Kingi, a single mother, appeared for sentencing in Tauranga District Court on April 19 after pleading guilty to a charge of theft by a person in a special relationship.

Judge Melinda Mason jailed her for two years and two months and ordered her to pay $350,000 in reparation.

What police say Ashara Kingi did - and victim impact statement

The police summary said Kingi began working as a part-time bookkeeper for O’Neill on April 1, 2021, and her duties included paying invoices online. She had access to the victim’s account and was authorised to pay herself $300 monthly.

O’Neill’s account had a $200,000 Flexi Loan attached to it and interest was only charged when amounts were drawn down.

The summary said that on April 23, 2021, Kingi transferred $235 from O’Neill’s account to hers and from April 23, 2021, to November 29, 2022, she made a further 199 illegal transfers of funds to her account - resulting in total losses of $377,167.69.

To try and hide the illegal withdrawals, Kingi entered legitimate creditor details on the account records but changed the bank account payment details, the summary said.

Some of Kingi’s offending was committed after the victim had a heart attack in June 2022 and was recuperating with family, it said.

O’Neill became suspicious when he saw $7000 taken from his account in November 2022 to pay for hay and the creditor confirmed the invoice had been previously paid.

Further checks by family members revealed many unlawful transfers into two bank accounts.

This included $200,000 drawn from his Flexi Loan account, which he will have to repay including interest, the cost of which was unknown, according to the summary.

The summary said that police checks of Kingi’s bank records revealed during the offending period, $47,135 was spent on fast food and restaurants, $7,352 at petrol stations, $17,465 on layby-spending, $45,818 was gambling-associated spending and she made $31,309 worth of ATM cash withdrawals.

During the same period, the defendant transferred $44,667 into the bank accounts of her brother and her parents, the summary said.

In November 2022, Kingi sent a text message to O’Neill apologising and told the police: “I am sorry. I just got addicted to it”.

In court, Judge Mason said she wanted to acknowledge the victim seated in the public gallery and read his victim impact statement on his behalf.

In his victim statement, O’Neill said he had employed Kingi as he knew her family and knew that she was a solo mother and a respected member of Destiny Church, and considered she would be honest and trustworthy and have good values.

O’Neill also said in the statement that in November 2022, when he went to pay the deposit on a property he was buying, he found his Flexi Loan account was overdrawn by $200,000.

He had also supported many at-risk youths in this area including sponsoring nearly 30 children on the Spirit of Adventure programme.

Kingi’s offending meant he had to borrow $500,000 at high interest from another lending organisation because his bank turned him down for a loan due to his accounts showing “substantial losses”.

Defence counsel Renee Harley seeks home detention sentence

Kingi’s lawyer, Renee Harley, urged Judge Melinda Mason to grant her client home detention and argued it was the “least restrictive outcome” after she accepted the starting point for this offending must be three years and six months in prison.

Harley said Kingi had felt “isolated” at home and failed to reach out to an available support system.

She said her client had taken steps to address this and re-engaged in counselling to ensure she did not get into a similar position again.

Kingi was “fully co-operative” with the theft investigation even before the police got involved and deserved credit for this and participating in a restorative justice meeting, her apology letters and offers to make amends.

“I note her family, albeit a long way off in terms of it being able to eventuate, has offered to divert Ms Kingi’s inheritance to pay reparation off to assist the victim.”

Harley said Kingi was on a limited income but offered to pay $1000 reparation to the court immediately, and had done everything she could to try and put things right.

“Yes, $1000 is a drop in the bucket but she is committed to paying reparation moving forward if she is granted home detention.”

Harley said Kingi told her that she would do “whatever” it takes to show the court, the victim and the community she had “absolutely no intention” of offending in the future.

“She is here today to accept whatever the outcome might be. She is expecting the worst and hoping for the best.”

Harley said in terms of rehabilitation prospects, Kingi had engaged in counselling and re-engaged with the Legacy programme and in court were members of Legacy and her family, who were “fully committed” to supporting her.

Judge Melinda Mason says Ashara Kingi’s offer of $1000 reparation ‘drop in the ocean’

Judge Mason said it was to Kingi’s credit that she had been prepared to meet with her victim and apologise.

“Unfortunately though, that doesn’t help him recover the money, and it is simply unrealistic that you are ever going to be able to pay the full amount of money you stole.”

The judge said she accepted Kingi’s guilty plea was entered at an early stage, but her offending began right from the start of her working relationship with the victim.

“And it would have gone on further, I imagine, if it hadn’t been discovered in November 2022. You deserve no credit for the fact that the offending ended. "

Judge Mason said she was willing to give Kingi discounts for having suffered from addiction issues, giving back to her community by helping children, her expressed remorse, prior good character and the offer to pay $1000 reparation which was “a drop in the ocean”.

But the judge refused to give Kingi a discount for saying sorry.

“Saying sorry is not making amends when you spend $370,000 of someone else’s money. So there will be no discount for that.”

Judge Mason said Kingi’s cultural background report described her as having an “idyllic childhood” with incredibly supportive parents, who were good Christian people.

“It does refer to some drug and gambling issues in your adult life, but in my view, these came from choices you made as an adult to get involved in that sort of lifestyle.

“You cannot blame childhood trauma for any of your behaviour. In fact, your parents are good people and are an asset to this community,” she told Kingi

Victim Larry O’Neill speaks out after sentencing

O’Neill told the Bay of Plenty Times he felt “justice had been done”.

He said he hired Kingi after a relative recommended her. He also knew she was a respected Destiny Church member and came from a “very religious” good family.

“I feel very sorry for my (relative) and Ashara’s shocked parents (and family) ... I hope Ashara is sitting in prison thinking about that.”

O’Neill doubted he would ever see a cent of the reparation ordered.

He would “never forgive” Kingi because her crime meant he had to stop his charitable works including supporting at-risk youth and caring for injured and unwanted animals.

Raised by a solo parent, O’Neill said he had always offered to help others if he had any “money in his pockets”.

Fortunately, he still had a source of income, otherwise, he would have been " buggered” and had to sell everything to pay outstanding bills.

For most of his working life, O’Neill said he worked overseas as a project manager for a construction company and telecommunication companies and used his savings to invest in commercial and residential properties in NZ, with his main source of income from a commercial property in Mount Maunganui.

“It’s hard to get my head around how anyone could do this especially after I helped support Ashara ... Fortunately, this didn’t ruin me, but I’m very disappointed and disgusted.”

“I’m very embarrassed to be taken advantage of like this and most people regularly check their bank accounts. I had thought all the account system checks and balances were in place to prevent this from happening. Clearly, that was wrong and my trust in Ashara was misplaced.”

He said Kingi kept saying how sorry she was at the restorative justice meeting.

But in his opinion: “I don’t believe she’s genuinely sorry. I think Ashara is just sorry that she got caught.”

Sandra Conchie is a senior journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post who has been a journalist for 24 years. She mainly covers police, court and other justice stories, as well as general news. She has been a Canon Media Awards regional/community reporter of the year.

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