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Police have arrested and charged 63-year-old Brian Tamaki, Destiny Church founder, for organising and holding a mass gathering in Auckland on October 2 and attending another gathering on October 16.

Tamaki was charged in relation to an event held at Auckland Domain in breach of Alert Level 3 restriction settings. The charge was for Failing to Comply with an Order (COVID-19) under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act and Alert Level 3 Order. He is also appearing before the Court for breach of his bail conditions after attending the gathering over the weekend.

Today he was taken into custody and is due to appear in Court via audiovisual link. Four more people were also charged or summoned to Court by authorities in relation to organising and attending mass gatherings in the upper North Island.

No further enforcement can be ruled out surrounding this mass gathering, and an investigation into this is ongoing.

Meanwhile, in the Waikato District two men were summoned to appear in Hamilton District Court in relation to a mass gathering held at Claudelands Park, Hamilton, on October 16.

In Northland District, a 47-year-old man was summoned to appear in Whangārei District Court on October 25 in relation to organising a mass gathering held at Mander Park. The region was under Alert level 3 restrictions at the time of gathering taking place.

A 46-year-old man was charged with failing to comply and is due to appear on November 17. Further, a 56-year-old man was charged with organising a mass gathering and failing to comply — this person is due to appear on November 16.

“Police are reminding anyone that there are restrictions in place for regions under Alert level 3, which includes limits on gatherings to weddings, funeral and tangihanga with no more than 10 people,” a statement from Police said.

“Enforcement action will be strongly considered for instances such as these which are in breach of the restrictions.”

The matters are now before the Court(s), and no further comments can be released at this stage.

Note: The title of this publication has been reflected and revised.
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