Editing Brian Tamaki (section)

===Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic===
{{Main|COVID-19 anti-lockdown protests in New Zealand|The Freedoms & Rights Coalition}}
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand]], Tamaki courted media attention and controversy in mid-March 2020 when he announced that Destiny Church would not be closing their churches in response to Government directives discouraging gatherings of more than 100 people. Tamaki stated that he was "not about to let a filthy virus scare us out of having church. To equate fear with common sense is nonsense."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Andelane |first1=Lana |title=Coronavirus: Destiny Church 'does not fear' COVID-19, will remain open |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/03/coronavirus-destiny-church-does-not-fear-covid-19-will-remain-open.html |access-date=28 March 2020 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=15 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328030817/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/03/coronavirus-destiny-church-does-not-fear-covid-19-will-remain-open.html|archive-date=28 March 2020}}</ref> He said that "... very ignorant Kiwis don't even realise their rights have been stolen".<ref>{{Cite news|title=Brian Tamaki says 'very ignorant' Kiwis don't realise their rights have been 'stolen' |date=17 May 2020 |language=en|work=[[Newshub]]|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/05/brian-tamaki-says-very-ignorant-kiwis-don-t-realise-their-rights-have-been-stolen.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522154434/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/05/brian-tamaki-says-very-ignorant-kiwis-don-t-realise-their-rights-have-been-stolen.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 May 2020|access-date=7 September 2020}}</ref> Tamaki's remarks were criticised by infectious diseases expert [[Siouxsie Wiles]] for undermining COVID-19 containment efforts."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harvey |first1=Megan |title=Coronavirus: Experts slams Brian Tamaki's attitude as he vows to keep churches open |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12316991 |access-date=28 March 2020 |work=[[New Zealand Herald]] |date=16 March 2020}}</ref> While Destiny Church held services on 22 March, they subsequently shifted to online services to comply with national lockdown restrictions.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tokalau |first1=Torika |title=Coronavirus: Destiny Church continues Sunday service with precautionary measures |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120474471/coronavirus-destiny-church-continues-sunday-service-with-precautionary-measures |access-date=28 March 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=22 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Destiny Church Online|url=https://www.destinychurch.org.nz/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328030601/https://www.destinychurch.org.nz/|archive-date=28 March 2020|access-date=28 March 2020|website=Destiny Church Online|publisher=Destiny Church}}</ref>

In mid-2020, Tamaki criticised the Government's [[COVID-19 alert levels in New Zealand#Level 2 – Reduce|alert level two restrictions]] limiting religious services to 10 people. Describing the Government as "controlling parents," Tamaki announced that Destiny Church would be holding services in defiance of lockdown regulations and also called upon other New Zealand churches to join him in opposing these restrictions.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bhatia |first1=Ripu |title=Coronavirus: Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki says Sunday service will go ahead |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300010278/coronavirus-destiny-church-leader-brian-tamaki-says-sunday-service-will-go-ahead |access-date=14 May 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=12 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514025725/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300010278/coronavirus-destiny-church-leader-brian-tamaki-says-sunday-service-will-go-ahead |archive-date=14 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Brian Tamaki to hold church service this weekend despite Level 2 restrictions |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/brian-tamaki-hold-church-service-weekend-despite-level-2-restrictions |access-date=14 May 2020 |work=[[1News]] |date=13 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514030133/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/brian-tamaki-hold-church-service-weekend-despite-level-2-restrictions |archive-date=14 May 2020}}</ref>

In early March 2021, Tamaki and his wife Hannah attracted media coverage and public criticism after they left Auckland during a Level 3 lockdown and visited [[Rotorua]] in the North Island and [[Te Anau]] in the South Island, which were both under a Level 2 lockdown. The COVID-19 Response Minister [[Chris Hipkins]] described the Tamakis' actions as "completely irresponsible."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hudson |first1=Daisy |title=Covid 19 coronavirus: Te Anau locals criticise Brian Tamaki's lockdown-defying South Island travels |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-te-anau-locals-criticise-brian-tamakis-lockdown-defying-south-island-travels/6FOEPR46D6XXAH7JAWI4UFKSUE/ |access-date=7 March 2021 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=3 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303195946/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-te-anau-locals-criticise-brian-tamakis-lockdown-defying-south-island-travels/6FOEPR46D6XXAH7JAWI4UFKSUE/ |archive-date=3 March 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The Mayor of Invercargill [[Tim Shadbolt]] stated that the Tamakis were not welcome in the South Island city.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mayor Shadbolt says Tamakis not welcome in Invercargill after couple's lockdown flee |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/mayor-shadbolt-says-tamakis-not-welcome-in-invercargill-after-couples-lockdown-flee |access-date=7 March 2021 |work=[[1News]] |date=4 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304041620/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/mayor-shadbolt-says-tamakis-not-welcome-in-invercargill-after-couples-lockdown-flee |archive-date=4 March 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> That same month, Tamaki had defended Hannah's Facebook post stating that she would not take any COVID-19 vaccine, declaring they were not "anti-vaxxers" or conspiracy theorists.<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid 19 coronavirus: Tamakis say they 'are not anti vaxxers' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-tamakis-say-they-are-not-anti-vaxxers/72HJVGL7HF7WL6RM6BO2KW6WOI/ |access-date=7 March 2021 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=4 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304070620/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-tamakis-say-they-are-not-anti-vaxxers/72HJVGL7HF7WL6RM6BO2KW6WOI/ |archive-date=4 March 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

On [[COVID-19 anti-lockdown protests in New Zealand#2 October|2 October 2021]], Tamaki along with [[The Freedoms & Rights Coalition]] (TFRC) staged [[COVID-19 anti-lockdown protests in New Zealand#2 October|an anti-lockdown protest]] outside the [[Auckland War Memorial Museum]] in the [[Auckland Domain]]. The protests attracted thousands of demonstrators, including gang members on motorbikes,{{clarify|date=October 2021|reason=What gangs? Outlaw motorcycle gangs?}} young children and elderly, many of whom were not following social distancing rules or wearing masks. The protesters were criticised for flouting lockdown restrictions and endangering public health by [[ACT New Zealand|ACT Party]] leader [[David Seymour]], [[Auckland Council]] councillors Jo Bartley and Richard Hills, and [[Jacinda Ardern]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Palmer |first1=Scott |title=New Zealanders react with rage after Brian Tamaki holds anti-lockdown protest |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/10/new-zealanders-react-with-rage-after-brian-tamaki-holds-anti-lockdown-protest.html |access-date=2 October 2021 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=2 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002105231/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/10/new-zealanders-react-with-rage-after-brian-tamaki-holds-anti-lockdown-protest.html|archive-date=2 October 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Caroline |title=Covid-19: Fears of virus spread after Brian Tamaki's anti-lockdown protest in Auckland |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300421363/covid19-fears-of-virus-spread-after-brian-tamakis-antilockdown-protest-in-auckland |access-date=2 October 2021 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=2 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002044103/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300421363/covid19-fears-of-virus-spread-after-brian-tamakis-antilockdown-protest-in-auckland|archive-date=2 October 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Brian Tamaki's anti-lockdown rally draws large Auckland crowd |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/brian-tamakis-anti-lockdown-rally-draws-large-auckland-crowd |access-date=2 October 2021 |date=2 October 2021 |work=[[1News]] |publisher=[[TVNZ]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002024721/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/brian-tamakis-anti-lockdown-rally-draws-large-auckland-crowd|archive-date=2 October 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Covid-19: Ardern calls anti-lockdown protest a slap in the face |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/126567695/covid19-ardern-calls-antilockdown-protest-a-slap-in-the-face |access-date=3 October 2021 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=3 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003121243/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/126567695/covid19-ardern-calls-antilockdown-protest-a-slap-in-the-face |archive-date=3 October 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
The New Zealand Police's delay in laying charges against Tamaki drew criticism, with a [[Change.org]] petition calling for his prosecution attracting 65,000 signatures by 4 October.<ref>{{cite news |title=Police consider charges over Brian Tamaki led Auckland anti-lockdown protest |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/police-consider-charges-over-brian-tamaki-led-auckland-anti-lockdown-protest |access-date=5 October 2021 |work=[[1News]] |publisher=[[TVNZ]] |date=4 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004031828/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/police-consider-charges-over-brian-tamaki-led-auckland-anti-lockdown-protest |archive-date=4 October 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On 5 October, Tamaki was charged with breaching the [[COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020]] and Alert Level 3 restrictions in relation to organising the protest.<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Brian Tamaki charged after anti-lockdown protest at Auckland Domain |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-delta-outbreak-man-63-charged-after-brian-tamaki-led-anti-lockdown-protest-at-auckland-domain/JSF6XAJXJVPNNQVN2LVJ2W5WZU/ |access-date=5 October 2021 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=5 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005032229/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-delta-outbreak-man-63-charged-after-brian-tamaki-led-anti-lockdown-protest-at-auckland-domain/JSF6XAJXJVPNNQVN2LVJ2W5WZU/|archive-date=5 October 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Brian Tamaki receives court summons for organising Auckland Domain protest |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/brian-tamaki-receives-court-summons-organising-auckland-domain-protest |access-date=5 October 2021 |work=[[1News]] |publisher=[[TVNZ]] |date=5 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004031828/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/police-consider-charges-over-brian-tamaki-led-auckland-anti-lockdown-protest |archive-date=4 October 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> He appeared in court by video link on 12 October and pleaded not guilty. He was remanded on bail until a further appearance in January 2022. He was also banned from attending protests in breach of anti-COVID restrictions and from using the internet to encourage non-compliance.<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid-19: Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki pleads not guilty to lockdown charges |first=Catrin |last=Owen |date=12 October 2021 |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300428132/covid19-destiny-churchs-brian-tamaki-pleads-not-guilty-to-lockdown-charges |newspaper=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=12 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Brian Tamaki makes first court appearance |date=12 October 2021 |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-delta-outbreak-brian-tamaki-makes-first-court-appearance/UVSO2IJG3RLMA2X6N7HIELO6HI/ |newspaper=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |access-date=12 October 2021}}</ref>

Tamaki attended an anti-lockdown protest in Auckland on [[COVID-19 anti-lockdown protests in New Zealand#16 October|16 October]] and was subsequently arrested for breach of bail conditions.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dillane |first1=Tom |title=Covid 19 Delta outbreak lockdown protests: Police warn prosecution of organisers imminent |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-delta-outbreak-lockdown-protests-police-warn-prosecution-of-organisers-imminent/I2O5Y4WR4ONTFAEZRMIF4YCHLE/ |access-date=17 October 2021 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=17 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019154859/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-delta-outbreak-lockdown-protests-police-warn-prosecution-of-organisers-imminent/I2O5Y4WR4ONTFAEZRMIF4YCHLE/|archive-date=19 October 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/453897/man-charged-and-taken-into-custody-over-breaching-level-3-rules-at-auckland-event |title=Man charged and taken into custody over breaching level 3 rules at Auckland event |work=[[Radio New Zealand]]|date=20 October 2021|access-date=20 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023105614/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/453897/man-charged-and-taken-into-custody-over-breaching-level-3-rules-at-auckland-event|archive-date=23 October 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

In early November 2021, [[Stuff (company)|Stuff]] identified Brian Tamaki as the "founder and architect" of the anti-lockdown "The Freedom and Rights Coalition" (TFRC) protest movement, which had organised nationwide anti-lockdown and anti-vaccination protests. The Stuff report also identified Jenny Marshall, Destiny Church's director of operations and Tamaki's assistant, as the owner of TFRC's web domain. Marshall confirmed that Tamaki was the leader of the TFRC but stated that the Coalition's merchandising and donations were separate from the Church's finances.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Somerville |first1=Troes |title=Covid-19: Destiny Church denies making profit from protest group's anti-lockdown merchandise |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/126840776/covid19-destiny-church-denies-making-profit-from-protest-groups-antilockdown-merchandise |access-date=9 November 2021 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105015310/https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/126840776/covid19-destiny-church-denies-making-profit-from-protest-groups-antilockdown-merchandise |archive-date=5 November 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, Stuff reported that Brian and Hannah Tamaki maintained links with [[Groundswell NZ]]'s Pukekohe and Auckland coordinator Scott Bright, who donated vegetables to the TFRC and participated in an anti-lockdown protest in his personal capacity.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Porter |first1=Nadine |title=Groundswell NZ denies being anti-vax after founder shuns vaccination promo video |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/126844051/groundswell-nz-denies-being-antivax-after-founder-shuns-vaccination-promo-video |access-date=9 November 2021 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104180702/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/126844051/groundswell-nz-denies-being-antivax-after-founder-shuns-vaccination-promo-video |archive-date=4 November 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 23 November, Brian and Hannah Tamaki were summoned to the Auckland Central Police station for attending the Auckland Domain protest held on 20 November in breach of the form's bail conditions. In response, 100 supporters gathered outside the Police station in solidarity with the Tamakis. Brian denied breaching bail conditions and criticised the Government's [[COVID-19 Protection Framework]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title=Brian, Hannah Tamaki: Large crowd gathers outside police station |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/11/brian-hannah-tamaki-large-crowd-gathers-outside-police-station.html |access-date=22 November 2021 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=22 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122220711/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/11/brian-hannah-tamaki-large-crowd-gathers-outside-police-station.html|archive-date=22 November 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Covid-19 Delta outbreak: Destiny's Brian and Hannah Tamaki summoned to appear at Auckland police station |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-delta-outbreak-destinys-brian-and-hannah-tamaki-summoned-to-appear-at-auckland-police-station/DPTDTLEIBEI2SLLKQTMF7WVCYE/ |access-date=22 November 2021 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122221050/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-delta-outbreak-destinys-brian-and-hannah-tamaki-summoned-to-appear-at-auckland-police-station/DPTDTLEIBEI2SLLKQTMF7WVCYE/|archive-date=22 November 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Auckland District Court Judge Steve Bonnar altered Tamaki's bail conditions to explicitly bar him from the Auckland Domain and from speaking at gatherings deemed unlawful by law enforcement authorities. Following an appeal, High Court Justice Geoffrey Venning allowed Tamaki to visit the Auckland Domain and Auckland Museum for recreational purposes but not protests. Tamaki was scheduled to face trial in April 2022.<ref name="NZH 26 December 2021">{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |last2=Leask |first2=Anna |title=Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki allegedly threatens to have future mobile vaccination clinics blown up, police investigating |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/destiny-churchs-brian-tamaki-allegedly-threatens-to-have-future-mobile-vaccination-clinics-blown-up-police-investigating/PTPTYKN7YSZO3EUEGXIHUB2UPU/ |access-date=27 December 2021 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=27 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227092301/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/destiny-churchs-brian-tamaki-allegedly-threatens-to-have-future-mobile-vaccination-clinics-blown-up-police-investigating/PTPTYKN7YSZO3EUEGXIHUB2UPU/ |archive-date=27 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 27 December, the Police launched another investigation of Tamaki after he threatened to blow up mobile vaccination clinics in opposition to the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines to children between the ages of 5 and 11. According to ''[[The New Zealand Herald]]'', Tamaki had made this alleged threat during a sermon held on 26 December, which was uploaded on Destiny Church's website.<ref name="NZH 26 December 2021" />

On 8 January 2022, Tamaki addressed an anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine mandate rally in Christchurch's [[Hagley Park, Christchurch|Hagley Park]], which he described as a "family picnic" rather than a protest. In response, Police launched an investigation into whether Tamaki had breached his bail conditions.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Law |first1=Tim |last2=Allott |first2=Amber |title=Brian Tamaki attends Christchurch anti-vax protest in apparent breach of bail conditions |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/127459305/brian-tamaki-attends-christchurch-antivax-protest-in-apparent-breach-of-bail-conditions |access-date=10 January 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110022738/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/127459305/brian-tamaki-attends-christchurch-antivax-protest-in-apparent-breach-of-bail-conditions|archive-date=10 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Chittock |first1=Niva |title=Police investigate after Brian Tamaki speaks at Christchurch anti-vaccine protest |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/459280/police-investigate-after-brian-tamaki-speaks-at-christchurch-anti-vaccine-protest |access-date=10 January 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=10 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110022738/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/127459305/brian-tamaki-attends-christchurch-antivax-protest-in-apparent-breach-of-bail-conditions |archive-date=10 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 17 January 2022, Tamaki was arrested for allegedly breaching his bail conditions. Police have previously stated they were investigating an anti-vaccine mandate rally held at Christchurch's Hagley Park on 8 January. Tamaki is not allowed to "organise or attend" any protest encouraging non-compliance with the Covid-19 Public Health Response Act 2020. In response, Tamaki denounced the arrest and commented that he was a political prisoner.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Owen |first1=Catrin |last2=Anderson |first2=Ryan |title=Covid-19: Brian Tamaki arrested for alleged breach of bail conditions |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300497169/covid19-brian-tamaki-arrested-for-alleged-breach-of-bail-conditions |access-date=17 January 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=17 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117054028/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300497169/covid19-brian-tamaki-remanded-in-custody-for-alleged-breach-of-bail-conditions|archive-date=17 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki at Auckland District Court |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-delta-outbreak-destiny-churchs-brian-tamaki-at-auckland-district-court/WTKCPNSWPNZXGZOMB6RWN4RJUE/ |access-date=17 January 2022 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=17 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117021542/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-delta-outbreak-destiny-churchs-brian-tamaki-at-auckland-district-court/WTKCPNSWPNZXGZOMB6RWN4RJUE/|archive-date=17 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
Tamaki was remanded in custody for ten days for allegedly breaching his bail conditions by attending the Christchurch protest.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Owen |first1=Catrin |last2=Anderson |first2=Ryan |title=Covid-19: Brian Tamaki remanded in custody for alleged breach of bail conditions |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300497169/covid19-brian-tamaki-remanded-in-custody-for-alleged-breach-of-bail-conditions |access-date=19 January 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117054028/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300497169/covid19-brian-tamaki-remanded-in-custody-for-alleged-breach-of-bail-conditions |archive-date=17 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

Supporters from Destiny Church and the Freedom and Rights Coalition camped outside [[Mount Eden Prisons|Mount Eden Corrections Facility]] for several days. On 22 January 2022, six pastors including [[City Impact Church New Zealand|City Impact Church]] pastor Peter Mortlock and pastors from the Grace Churches in [[Gisborne, New Zealand|Gisborne]], [[Tauranga]], and [[Rotorua]], Auckland's Covenant Church and South City Reformed Baptist Church objected to Tamaki's imprisonment, writing that he had been silenced for his dissenting views.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Burrows |first1=Matt |title=Kiwi pastors pen letter urging Brian Tamaki's prison release, say his arrest is 'warning sign' for Christians |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/01/kiwi-pastors-pen-letter-urging-brian-tamaki-s-prison-release-say-his-arrest-is-warning-sign-for-christians.html |access-date=27 January 2022 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=22 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122025901/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/01/kiwi-pastors-pen-letter-urging-brian-tamaki-s-prison-release-say-his-arrest-is-warning-sign-for-christians.html|archive-date=22 January 2022|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following nine days of imprisonment, High Court judge Paul Davison ruled in favour of Tamaki's appeal that the decision to remand him in prison was wrong. Davison granted Tamaki bail but barred him from attending, organising, supporting and speaking at future anti-lockdown protests and ordered him to reside at home on a 24 hour curfew.<ref>{{cite news |title=Brian Tamaki walks free: Destiny Church leader wins appeal against being remanded in custody |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/brian-tamaki-walks-free-destiny-church-leader-wins-appeal-against-being-remanded-in-custody/DY63GPZLD3RHWUMZA6RJUFWIQA/ |access-date=27 January 2022 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=26 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126125551/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/brian-tamaki-walks-free-destiny-church-leader-wins-appeal-against-being-remanded-in-custody/DY63GPZLD3RHWUMZA6RJUFWIQA/ |archive-date=26 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sadler |first1=Rachel |title=Hannah Tamaki celebrates husband Brian's release from Mt Eden prison after nine-day stay |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/460237/judge-grants-brian-tamaki-s-bail-request |access-date=27 January 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=26 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126052018/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/460237/judge-grants-brian-tamaki-s-bail-request |archive-date=26 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

In early November 2024 Tamaki, his wife, his executive, and one other man faced trial at the [[District Court of New Zealand|Auckland District Court]] on charges of organising a series of large public gatherings between September and October 2021 in contravention of Level 3 restrictions at the time.<ref>{{cite news |title=Brian Tamaki faces trial over alleged Covid-19 rule breaches |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/532749/brian-tamaki-faces-trial-over-alleged-covid-19-rule-breaches |access-date=11 November 2024 |work=[[RNZ]] |date=4 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241104031906/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/532749/brian-tamaki-faces-trial-over-alleged-covid-19-rule-breaches |archive-date=4 November 2024}}</ref> Tamaki and his co-defendants were defended by Ron Mansfield [[King's Counsel|KC]], who argued that the defendants did not intentionally break lockdown rules and that the group were unfairly targeted by Police.<ref>{{cite news |title=Brian Tamaki's lawyer suggests police faced pressure to take action over Covid-19 breaches |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/532912/brian-tamaki-s-lawyer-suggests-police-faced-pressure-to-take-action-over-covid-19-breaches |access-date=11 November 2024 |work=[[RNZ]] |date=5 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111024511/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/532912/brian-tamaki-s-lawyer-suggests-police-faced-pressure-to-take-action-over-covid-19-breaches |archive-date=11 November 2024}}</ref> In mid-November, Judge June Jelas agreed to dismiss all charges except two against Tamaki and two against a second co-defendant. On 20 November Jelas, with the approval of the Crown prosecutor, dismissed the remaining charges against Tamaki and the co-defendant.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kapitan |first1=Craig |title=Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki walks free on Covid-19 protest charges |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/crime/destiny-church-leader-brian-tamaki-walks-free-on-covid-19-protest-charges/JFCP7HEG5BBEBIZPRGOU6TDOKM/ |access-date=20 November 2024 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=20 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120074449/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/crime/destiny-church-leader-brian-tamaki-walks-free-on-covid-19-protest-charges/JFCP7HEG5BBEBIZPRGOU6TDOKM/ |archive-date=20 November 2024}}</ref>