Jump to content

Brian Tamaki

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Brian Tamaki
Tamaki at the Christchurch leg of the "Nation Under Siege" tour, 2005
Tamaki at the Christchurch leg of the "Nation Under Siege" tour, 2005
Personal
Born (1958-02-02) 2 February 1958 (age 66)
Te Awamutu, Waipa County, Waikato, New Zealand
ReligionChristianity
Spouse
(m. 1980)
Children2
DenominationDestiny Church
Known for

Brian Raymond Tamaki (born 2 February 1958)[1] is a New Zealand Christian fundamentalist religious leader, and politician.[2] He is the leader of Destiny Church, a Pentecostal Christian organisation which advocates strict adherence to fundamentalist biblical morality. Tamaki has been involved with various fringe political parties and movements, and since 2022 he has led the Freedoms New Zealand party. A perennial candidate, he has run for office several times but has yet to be elected.

Founded by Tamaki in the 1980s, the Destiny Church is known for its position against homosexuality, its patriarchal views, and for its calls for a return to biblical conservative family values and morals. Tamaki has also stated the COVID-19 pandemic is a sign the world has "strayed from God".[3] This, alongside many comments he has made, has made him a controversial figure in New Zealand.[4]

Tamaki's church and his political involvements have pushed a strong campaign that opposes COVID-19 vaccination, lockdowns and mask mandates since the pandemic began in New Zealand, and engaged in protests against mandates at Parliament, including the 2022 Wellington protest.[5] In 2022 Tamaki was briefly imprisoned for breaching bail conditions as he took part in an anti-mandate protest in Christchurch.[6]

Biography

[edit]

Early life

[edit]

In his autobiography Bishop Brian Tamaki: More than meets the eye, Tamaki makes the following statements about his early life:

Born in Te Awamutu in the Waikato region as the eldest in a family of five, Tamaki spent his childhood years on the family farm, called "Te Manuka", in the rural area of Te Kopua. His mother was "devoutly religious",[7] taking her sons to the Te Awamutu Methodist Church on Sundays. Tamaki describes his father as an alcoholic who showed no interest in fatherhood.[7] Tamaki is of Tainui ancestry, from the Ngati Ngawaero and Ngāti Maniapoto tribes.[8] During Tamaki's childhood the family moved from the farm to Te Awamutu and then on to Tokoroa in 1970. While in Tokoroa, Tamaki became interested in rugby union and a little later came to enjoy pig-hunting and participating in a rock band playing the pub circuit. Two of Tamaki's brothers, Doug and Mike, are tourism venture operators in Rotorua.[9]

Tamaki dropped out of secondary school at fifteen, after, as he describes in his autobiography, dabbling in drugs,[10] before completing the fourth form and took a labouring job in the forestry industry. In his teens Tamaki began a relationship with Hannah Lee and the unwed couple moved to Te Awamutu, where Tamaki worked on a dairy farm owned by his uncle and aunt. An incident occurred where Lee tried to stab Tamaki to death.[11] It is reported that he had to lock himself in the bathroom but that the blade pierced through the door, nearly wounding him.[12] Tamaki and Lee had their first child,[12] in December 1978. Later at 21, Tamaki joined the Ngāruawāhia Apostolic Church. He lost his farm job and he and Lee returned to Tokoroa, where he attended the Tokoroa Apostolic Church. Tamaki became heavily involved with the church after pastor Manuel Renata baptised him in December 1979. Since Tamaki and his partner had not married, Renata would not allow him to carry out all the functions of the church. Tamaki and Lee then married at the Tokoroa Presbyterian Church on 22 March 1980. Fourteen months later they had their second child, a girl.[7]

Destiny Church

[edit]

In 1982 the Tamakis attended the Apostolic Church's Te Nikau Bible College in Paraparaumu, and also had their third child, Samuel. Tamaki became an ordained elder, and then (in September 1984) a pastor in the Tokoroa Apostolic Church. Tamaki went on to establish the Rosetown Community Church in Te Awamutu, the Lake City Church in Rotorua, City Church and then Destiny Church in Auckland.[7]

On 18 June 2005 kaumātua and Destiny Pastor Manuel Renata[13] ordained Tamaki as bishop of the Destiny Church movement[14] (which at the time totalled 15 churches throughout New Zealand and Australia).

Tamaki advocates prosperity theology, which has been criticised as immoral and potentially dangerous.[15]

In 2017 Brian Tamaki and Hannah Tamaki moved into a 234 square metre house in Drury, South Auckland. While it is the residence of Brian Tamaki and his family they are not legally connected to the home and only reside there. In response to criticism that moving into a house of such size was an overreach of his wealth, Tamaki responded "Jealousy is part of the promotion of god".[16]

In mid-April 2018, it was reported that Tamaki had sustained two second-degree burns to his face and body after a botched attempt to burn rubbish. Tamaki announced to members of his congregation that he was recovering and praised his wife and hospital staff for aiding his recovery.[17][18]

In February 2021, The Otago Daily Times noted that he was being styled "Apostle Bishop" and that church members who paid various fees could be styled "Apostle's Sons".[19]

In late July 2022, it was reported that Tamaki was facing a charge of careless driving after crossing the centre line and colliding with a car carrying two occupants near Rotorua on 6 May 2022.[20][21] He pleaded guilty to careless driving and was ordered to pay reparations.[22][23]

Church and politics

[edit]

In 2004, Tamaki predicted the Destiny Church would be "ruling the nation" before its tenth anniversary in 2008.[24] A year earlier, in 2003, several members of the Destiny Church started the Destiny New Zealand political party, led by Richard Lewis. The party fielded 42 candidates in the 2005 general election, but garnered 0.6 per cent of the vote, short of the 5 per cent threshold required to enter Parliament without winning an electorate seat. None of its candidates came close to being elected.[25]

Destiny New Zealand was promoted by a nationwide tour and DVD labelled "A Nation Under Siege". Tamaki features in the DVD and accompanied the tour. The DVD shows Tamaki decrying what he sees as four problems with New Zealand society: "a Government gone evil, a radical homosexual agenda, the media: a modern day witchcraft" and "the retreat of religion in New Zealand".

In his autobiography Tamaki wrote a chapter titled "Spiritual Father – a long time coming", in which he described meeting "my spiritual father", Eddie Long, in 2002. In October 2003, Long visited New Zealand after Tamaki invited him to address Destiny Church members. Tamaki wrote, "the ease of our connection and the confirmation of a date was entirely in line with Kingdom principle – when God speaks, do it".[26] Long travelled to New Zealand again subsequently and Tamaki usually met him each year at church conferences.[27]

On 23 May 2019 Tamaki launched a new political party, Coalition New Zealand, led by his wife Hannah Tamaki. Coalition New Zealand would not be an explicitly Christian party but would oppose abortion and homosexuality.[28][29][30] The name of the party was deemed potentially misleading by the Electoral Commission and was subsequently renamed to Vision New Zealand.[31]

On 23 August 2022 Tamaki launched Freedoms New Zealand, a new umbrella political party which includes the New Nation Party, Vision New Zealand, and the NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party.[32][33] On 13 May 2023, Tamaki announced that he would contest the 2023 New Zealand general election as the leader of Freedoms New Zealand.[34]

During the 2023 general election held on 14 October, Freedoms NZ failed to get into Parliament, attracting only 9,586 votes (0.33%).[35] Following the release of preliminary results, Tamaki defended the anti-abortion stance of the unsuccessful National Party candidate Simon O'Connor, describing New Zealand Christians as "gutless."[36]

Media engagement

[edit]

At the Nelson meeting of the Destiny New Zealand "A Nation Under Siege" tour, Tamaki attacked the media, the government, the Green Party and Grey Power (a lobby group for the elderly), referring to the Greens as "pagans", Grey Power as "self centred" and the media as "modern day witchcraft".[37]

In 2004 the Sunday Star-Times[38] reported that Mr Tamaki "hijacked" $450,000 from elderly couple Barry and Marian Wilson. The Wilsons lent the money, which they had received from the sale of nautical clothing label Line7 in the mid-'90s, on the understanding that it was to be used to purchase a block of land in Rotorua for the construction of a church. It was reported that after almost 10 years and countless attempts to contact Mr Tamaki and his wife Hannah, the Wilsons had given up hope of ever recovering the full amount. The Sunday Star-Times asked Mr Tamaki for a response to a series of questions regarding the loan, but he declined to respond.

In 2004 Sunday broadcast a documentary of Tamaki and of the Destiny Church. Dr Philip Culbertson of the University of Auckland said: "As far as I can tell it's a cult".[1]

In July 2005 Tamaki had directed "highly offensive abuse" at Newstalk ZB host Mike Yardley while off-air during an interview on 20 July.[39] In his autobiography Tamaki denies that the abuse happened.

In May 2006 a poll ranked Tamaki the least-trusted of 75 prominent New Zealanders.[40] In June 2006 Tamaki expressed opposition to Sue Bradford's private members Child Discipline Bill, which removed the legal defence of "reasonable force" for prosecutions of parents who have assaulted their children.[41][42]

In May 2007 the Reader's Digest "Most Trusted People"' poll again ranked Tamaki as New Zealand's least trusted of 75 prominent persons, followed by Ahmed Zaoui and Don Brash.[43] He was again ranked least-trusted in 2012 in a list of 100, this time followed by Hone Harawira and Kim Dotcom.[44]

In July 2008 TV3 broadcast "Inside New Zealand: The Life of Brian", a documentary by reporter Ross Jennings.[45]

Views and controversies

[edit]

Cult allegations

[edit]

In a Close-Up TV interview[46] on the subject Tamaki denied that his church is a cult stating that "if we are a cult then the Catholics, the Presbyterians, the Methodists, the Baptists, and the Pentecostals are all cults as well. Because we believe – we have the same actual orthodox tenets of belief."

Views on sexuality and marriage

[edit]

Radio Pacific host John Banks aired an interview with Tamaki that attacked a New Zealand AIDS Foundation's takatāpui (Māori for LGBT-person) HIV-prevention project, in which Tamaki referred to traditional Māori pre-colonial intolerance for male homosexuality, painting a picture of a society which, he states, exterminated gay and lesbian people. However, many Māori academic authorities question the basis for this statement.[47]

The broadcasting of Tamaki's preaching against homosexuality on Television New Zealand has led to numerous complaints to the Broadcasting Standards Authority.[48] Television New Zealand pulled the original opening episode of his series Higher Ground, because it "had language and phrases that did not meet industry standards of accuracy, fairness and balance".[49]

Tamaki does not recognise the sex-reassignment surgery of the transgender former MP Georgina Beyer: Tamaki referred to Beyer in his autobiography as a male.[7]

On 16 November 2016, Brian Tamaki drew controversy when he made statements during a sermon that the 2010 and 2011 Christchurch earthquakes were divine retribution for sinful behaviour including murder and homosexuality. These statements preceded the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake by a few hours.[50][51] Tamaki's comments were condemned by leading New Zealand public figures including the Mayor of Christchurch Bob Parker, Prime Minister John Key, and the Anglican bishop of Dunedin, Kelvin Wright.[52][53][54] One Auckland-based critic Aaron Smithson also organised a Change.org petition calling on Prime Minister Key to revoke Destiny Church's tax-free status.[55] On 17 November, Tamaki responded by accusing the media of bias and sensationalizing his statements.[56]

On 19 April 2018, Tamaki tweeted his support for Australian rugby union player Israel Folau's comments condemning homosexuality.[57][58]

In June 2019, he made an 'apology' in front of representatives from the LGBT community who were invited on to stage to share their stories and ask for a bridging of the divide between the LGBT community and the church. He told his South Auckland congregation that he is sorry for any past comments that have offended the gay community, saying that some of his past comments were misinterpreted. But he said that he hasn't changed his beliefs, and doesn't agree with homosexual acts.[59][60][61] This apology came only one week after his wife launched a political party Vision NZ (then called Coalition New Zealand).[62]

Views on women in politics

[edit]

Tamaki regards the perceived lack of male leadership in New Zealand, including the leadership over one's family, as "the work of the devil".[49] According to Tamaki Parliament reflects this alleged lack of male leadership. In his autobiography he defends his attitude towards women by pointing to the role of his wife Pastor Hannah Tamaki in the Destiny Church organisation, and also says "God is very specific about the role and function of men".[7] He has also said that he wants to appoint a Minister for Men.[63]

Trans woman MP Georgina Beyer confronted Tamaki at the "Enough is Enough" protest in Wellington in August 2004, charging "Your hatred is totally intolerable". Beyer also compared Tamaki to despots like Robert Mugabe in a 3 News interview.[64]

Views on Islam

[edit]

Following the Christchurch mosque shootings in March 2019, Brian Tamaki issued a Tweet protesting at Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's decision to hold an Islamic call to prayer ahead of the two minutes of silence being held for the victims of the Christchurch shootings on 22 March 2019. Tamaki also made remarks attacking Islam as a "false religion".[65][66]

Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic

[edit]

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."[67] He said that "... very ignorant Kiwis don't even realise their rights have been stolen".[68] Tamaki's remarks were criticised by infectious diseases expert Siouxsie Wiles for undermining COVID-19 containment efforts."[69] While Destiny Church held services on 22 March, they subsequently shifted to online services to comply with national lockdown restrictions.[70][71]

In mid-2020, Tamaki criticized the Government's 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.[72][73]

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."[74] The Mayor of Invercargill Tim Shadbolt stated that the Tamakis were not welcome in the South Island city.[75] 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.[76]

On 2 October 2021, Tamaki along with The Freedoms & Rights Coalition (TFRC) staged 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,[clarification needed] 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 Party leader David Seymour, Auckland Council councillors Jo Bartley and Richard Hills, and Jacinda Ardern.[77][78][79][80]

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.[81] 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.[82][83] 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.[84][85]

Tamaki attended an anti-lockdown protest in Auckland on 16 October and was subsequently arrested for breach of bail conditions.[86][87]

In early November 2021, 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.[88] 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.[89]

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.[90][91] 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.[92]

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.[92]

On 8 January 2022, Tamaki addressed an anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine mandate rally in Christchurch's 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.[93][94]

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.[95][96] Tamaki was remanded in custody for ten days for allegedly breaching his bail conditions by attending the Christchurch protest.[97]

Supporters from Destiny Church and the Freedom and Rights Coalition camped outside Mount Eden Corrections Facility for several days. On 22 January 2022, six pastors including City Impact Church pastor Peter Mortlock and pastors from the Grace Churches in 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.[98] 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.[99][100]

TFRC protests

[edit]

On 23 July, Tamaki's Freedom and Rights Coalition staged protests in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to protest against various problems in New Zealand society including rising living costs, violence, housing shortages, healthcare sector strains, and excessive government farming regulations. Tamaki addressed protesters in the Auckland Domain. Protesters disrupted traffic in Auckland and Wellington.[101][102][103] Following the 23 July protests, Tamaki announced plans to establish a new coalition with three minor parties to contest the 2023 New Zealand general election.[104][105] On 16 August, Tamaki and his wife Hannah were issued with traffic infringement notices for causing traffic disruption during the 23 July Auckland protest.[106]

On 6 August, Tamaki led another TFRC protest known as the "patriots day and march" at the Auckland Domain. The TFRC protesters were met by counter-demonstrators led by Mark Graham. Police kept peace between the two rival groups and sealed the Southern Motorway's ramps at Khyber Pass Road to prevent TFRC protesters from marching onto the highway and disrupting traffic.[107][108]

On 23 August, Tamaki led a protest march outside the New Zealand Parliament in Welligton, which attracted between 1,500 and 2,000 protesters. They were met by 500 counter-protesters led by Pōneke Anti-Fascist Coalition. According to Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell, protesters, counter-protesters and the public were generally well behaved with no reported problems, arrests, or trespass orders being issued.[109][32][33] During the Parliament protest, Tamaki launched a new umbrella political party called "Freedoms NZ" which consists of the New Nation Party, Vision New Zealand, and the NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party.[33][32]

On 28 September 2023, Tamaki and his wife Hannah led a TFRC protest against a scheduled "Agenda 2030" conference at the New Zealand Parliament in Wellington. They along with Outdoors Party leader Sue Grey addressed the protesters. Members of the Pōneke Anti-Fascist Coalition staged a counter-protest outside Parliament. The Coalition's march coincided with similar protest activities in Wellington organised by Julian Batchelor's Stop Co-Governance movement, the farming advocacy group Groundswell NZ, and a gang hīkoi protesting against the National and ACT parties' anti-gang policies.[110][111]

Response to Cyclone Gabrielle

[edit]

In March 2023, Tamaki blamed pornography, abortion, and gay rights for the devastation in the eastern North Island caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. Tamaki made these statements during an hour long sermon based on the Old Testament Book of Leviticus. He stated that Gisborne and Hastings had the highest number of pornography consumers in New Zealand. Tamaki's remarks were condemned by Mayor of Gisborne Rehette Stoltz, who described them as "disappointing, unhelpful and laughable."[112][113]

2023 Israel-Hamas war

[edit]

During the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, Tamaki led a pro-Israel rally outside the grounds of the New Zealand Parliament on 7 December, which attracted 400 supporters. Tamaki's group opposed calls for a ceasefire and submitted a petition to ACT MP Simon Court calling for Hamas and Hezbollah to be classified as a terror organisations and for sympathetic Members of Parliament to be expelled.[114] In response, members of the Poneke Anti-Fascist Coalition staged a counter-protest outside the Supreme Court building in Lambton Quay.[115][114]

Views on drag story events

[edit]

In mid-March 2024, Tamaki opposed two proposed Drag Queen Story Hour events at Rotorua and Hastings's municipal libraries.[116] Due to anti-drag queen opposition, these story events were cancelled.[117][118] On 26 March, members of Destiny Church protested outside another drag storytime event at Gisborne's library, who also painted over a rainbow crossing.[119]

On 15 April 2024, Ford O'Connor, a member of Destiny Church who is married to Tamaki's granddaughter, pleaded guilty to vandalising the Karangahape Road rainbow crossing in Auckland in late March 2028 and was fined $16,093 to cover the repair costs. During the sentencing, Tamaki defended O'Connor, saying that "he 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."[120] In mid-May 2024, Tamaki admitted responsibility for instructing his followers to vandalise the rainbow pedestrian crossing in Gisborne.[121]

On 27 June 2024, Tamaki, Destiny Church's trustees and several pastors were sued by drag performers Sunita Torrance and Daniel Lockett for inducing breach of contract, conspiracy to injure, unlawful means conspiracy, and defamation in relation to the disruption of their drag story events. In response, Destiny Church said it would continue to advocate for children's well-being and accused the New Zealand Herald of promoting crowdfunding for the drag performers' legal case.[122]

Transgender issues

[edit]

On 5 May 2024, Tamaki denounced the use of puberty blockers for transgender children and youth people undergoing transitioning, according to Tamaki they were causing "irreversible damage." He also opposed the appointment of Dr Sue Bagshaw as the Government's lead investigator on the review of puberty blockers' suitability in New Zealand. The following day, he and Pastor Derek Tait led a protest by Destiny Church members against Te Tahi Youth health service in Christchurch, which helps transgender people access healthcare. Destiny supporters were met by counter-protesters while Police monitored the event. During a heated altercation, a teddy bear was thrown at Tamaki's car.[123]

On 14 2024, The New Zealand Herald reported that Tamaki was scheduled to speak at the upcoming "UNSILENCED: Middle New Zealand on ideology" at Wellington's Tākina Convention Centre on 18 May alongside Family First New Zealand leader Bob McCoskrie and former National Party MP Simon O'Connor. The Convention Centre is owned and operated by Te Papa Museum and Wellington City Council. Protest groups Queer Endurance In Defiance and the Pōneke Anti-Fascist Coalition denounced the conference for allegedly promoting transphobia and said it was contacting the Council in order to cancel the event on safety grounds. While Wellington City Council Māori Ward Councillor Nīkau Wi Neera called for the event's cancellation, New Zealand Free Speech Union chief executive Jonathan Ayling defended the conference on free speech grounds.[124]

Following a safety review, Te Papa allowed the event to proceed, but said it would monitor the situation and expressed support for the LGBT community. Tamaki spoke at the Unsilenced conference, which was organised by Inflection Point NZ. O'Connor and British activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull (who participated via video-link) also spoke at the conference. 360 people attended the Unsilenced conference. A protest organised by Pōneke Anti-Fascist Coalition and Queer Endurance in Defiance attracted 500 people. A protester also released a bottle containing a foul-smelling substance outside the Convention Centre.[125]

Publications

[edit]
  • A Nation under Siege: A social disaster has hit our nation (2005) Directed by J Cardno. Rated M. DVD format.
  • Tamaki, Brian (2006). Bishop Brian Tamaki: More than meets the eye. Auckland: Tamaki Publications, Destiny Churches New Zealand. ISBN 0-473-11242-6

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Lineham, Peter (24 July 2013). Destiny: The Life and Times of a Self-Made Apostle: The life and Times of a Self-Made Prophet. Penguin Random House New Zealand Limited (published 1 July 2013). ISBN 9781742539164.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  2. ^ Shaw, Richard (26 August 2022). "Refusing to rule out working with Brian Tamaki, Luxon gives NZ's populist right a 'sniff of credibility'". The Conversation. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  3. ^ "Brian Tamaki's coronavirus comments slammed as 'dangerous' by Anglican vicar". NZ Herald. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  4. ^ "OPINION: Brian Tamaki can go to hell, but his followers can still be saved". Stuff. 16 November 2016. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  5. ^ "Covid-19 Delta outbreak: Experts criticise Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki's vaccine claims". NZ Herald. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  6. ^ "Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki returns to social media after being released from prison". Newshub. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Tamaki, Brian (2006). Bishop Brian Tamaki: More than meets the eye. Auckland: Tamaki Publications, Destiny Churches New Zealand. ISBN 0-473-11242-6.
  8. ^ Lineham, Peter (2013). Destiny: The Life and Times of a Self-Made Apostle: The life and Times of a Self-Made Prophet. Penguin Random House New Zealand. p. 29. ISBN 978-1742539164.
  9. ^ "Tamaki bros to expand business". The Daily Post. 25 October 2007.
  10. ^ "14 things you might not know about Destiny Church". The New Zealand Herald. 17 October 2017.
  11. ^ Lineham, Peter (2013). Destiny: The Life and Times of a Self-Made Apostle: The life and Times of a Self-Made Prophet. Penguin Random House New Zealand. p. 36. ISBN 978-1742539164.
  12. ^ a b Mulu, Mere (15 October 2006). "Bishop Brian – saved from hopelessness". Sunday News. Retrieved 8 May 2007.
  13. ^ "State religion for further debate – National – NZ Herald News". The New Zealand Herald. 20 February 2007.
  14. ^ Crewdson, Patrick (19 June 2005). "Bishop fulfils his destiny". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  15. ^ Grimshaw, Mike (January 2006). "Religion, terror and the end of the postmodern: Rethinking the responses Archived 17 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine". International Journal of Baudrillard Studies 3 (1)
  16. ^ "Destiny Church's Brian and Hannah Tamaki move into $1.58m luxury home". Stuff. Stuff.co.nz. 24 October 2017.
  17. ^ "Destiny Church founder Brian Tamaki recovering after being burnt in a rubbish fire". New Zealand Herald. 23 April 2018. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  18. ^ "Destiny Church's Bishop Brian Tamaki severely burnt in rubbish fire". Stuff.co.nz. 23 April 2018. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  19. ^ "Destiny Church: Concerns over 'Apostle' Tamaki's latest venture". Otago Daily Times. Allied Press. 5 February 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  20. ^ Makiha, Kelly (30 July 2022). "Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki charged after road crash in Rotorua". Rotorua Daily Post. NZME. Archived from the original on 29 July 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  21. ^ "Brian Tamaki facing careless driving charges after allegedly crossing centre line, crashing into elderly couple's car in Rotorua". Newshub. 30 July 2022. Archived from the original on 30 July 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  22. ^ Makiha, Kelly (11 August 2022). "Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki admits crashing car into elderly couple's near Rotorua". Rotorua Daily Post. Archived from the original on 18 August 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022 – via The New Zealand Herald.
  23. ^ Cook, Alexa (11 August 2022). "Brian Tamaki pleads guilty to careless driving charges after crossing centre line, crashing into elderly couple's car". Newshub. Archived from the original on 11 August 2022. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  24. ^ "Is Destiny destined to rule?". Television New Zealand. 3 October 2004. Archived from the original on 14 June 2011. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  25. ^ New Zealand Ministry of Justice, Chief Electoral Office. "Official Count Results – Overall Status". NZ Govt. Archived from the original on 29 April 2007. Retrieved 11 May 2007.
  26. ^ Tapaleao, Vaimoana (24 September 2010). "Tamaki link to US sex-case bishop". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
  27. ^ Ihaka, James (25 September 2010). "Sex claim against mate stuns Bishop Tamaki". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
  28. ^ Earley, Melanie (23 May 2019). "Destiny Church launches political party, promising 'politics with teeth". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
  29. ^ Henry, Dubby (23 May 2019). "Destiny Church's Hannah Tamaki to lead new party 'Coalition New Zealand'". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
  30. ^ Ensor, Jamie; Bracewall-Worrall, Anna (23 May 2019). "Hannah Tamaki to lead new political party Coalition New Zealand". Newshub. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
  31. ^ Walls, Jason (2 October 2019). "Destiny Church's Hannah Tamaki registers new political party name Vision NZ". The New Zealand Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Archived from the original on 9 March 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  32. ^ a b c "Large police presence in capital as anti-government protesters gather at Parliament". Radio New Zealand. 23 August 2022. Archived from the original on 23 August 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  33. ^ a b c Quinlivan, Mark; Iasona, Seni (23 August 2022). "Anti-Government protest ends peacefully, handful of protesters remain". Newshub. Archived from the original on 24 August 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  34. ^ "Brian Tamaki to run for Parliament as Freedom NZ leader". Radio New Zealand. 13 May 2023. Archived from the original on 24 May 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  35. ^ "2023 General Election – Official Result". Electoral Commission. 3 November 2023. Archived from the original on 4 November 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  36. ^ "Liz Gunn cries, Brian Tamaki rages at 'gutless Kiwis' after losses". Newshub. 15 October 2023. Archived from the original on 19 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  37. ^ "Tamaki attacks self-centred grey power and greenies". The Nelson Mail. 19 July 2005.
  38. ^ Sunday Star-Times (NZ)/29 August 2004
  39. ^ Crewdson, Patrick (31 July 2005). "Radio host meets his Destiny". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 9 June 2011.
  40. ^ "Sir Ed tops NZ's most trusted, again". TVNZ ONE News. 26 May 2006. Retrieved 11 May 2007.
  41. ^ Home Page – Challenge Publishing Society Ltd
  42. ^ Family Values in Jeopardy – Mass Gathering – 2 May 2007 – Parliament Grounds – Wellington Archived 21 April 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  43. ^ "Reader's Digest New Zealand: Who do you trust now, New Zealand?". Archived from the original on 24 October 2007. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  44. ^ "New Zealand's Most Trusted People 2012 | Reader's Digest New Zealand". Archived from the original on 15 August 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  45. ^ Inside New Zealand: The Life of Brian, TV3, Thursday 17 July 2008 21:30. Retrieved 24 June 2009
  46. ^ [1], Close-Up Interview TVNZ, Video.
  47. ^ Anon (8 March 2006). "Destiny's hidden gay warriors". GayNZ.com. Archived from the original on 20 June 2009. Retrieved 19 July 2008.
  48. ^ "Decision No: 2003-141-158". Broadcasting Standards Authority. 15 September 2003. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 11 May 2007.
  49. ^ a b Gamble, Warren (7 March 2000). "Breach of standards stifled minister's opening sermon". New Zealand Herald.
  50. ^ "Watch: Brian Tamaki tells followers, 'the weight of human sin' caused the Christchurch earthquake, hours before Kaikoura". 1 News. 16 November 2016. Archived from the original on 17 November 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  51. ^ Strongman, Susan (17 November 2016). "Bishop Brian Tamaki blames gays, murderers and sinners for earthquakes". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  52. ^ "Sir Bob Parker demands 'off beam' Brian Tamaki apologise to Christchurch, Kaikoura for blaming quake on sins". 1 News. 16 November 2016. Archived from the original on 17 November 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  53. ^ Strongman, Susan (17 November 2016). "Shock over Destiny leader Brian Tamaki's homophobic remarks". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  54. ^ McNeilly, Hamish (17 November 2016). "Bishop of Dunedin on Brian Tamaki: 'He's telling porkies'". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  55. ^ Akoorie, Natalie (17 November 2016). "Petition to stop Destiny Church having tax-free status gaining support". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  56. ^ "Not just gays to blame for quake, says Brian Tamaki, but all 'extra-sexual behaviour'". New Zealand Herald. 17 November 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  57. ^ "Focus: 'Cry baby gays' – Brian Tamaki tweets his support for Folau". New Zealand Herald. 19 April 2018. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  58. ^ "Destiny Church Brian Tamaki says 'cry baby gays' will go to hell". Newshub. 19 April 2018. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  59. ^ "Brian Tamaki to Gay Community: "I'm Sorry"". June 2019.
  60. ^ "Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki says 'sorry' to gay community, but still doesn't agree with homosexuality". Radio New Zealand. 2 June 2019.
  61. ^ "Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki apologises to gay community". June 2019.
  62. ^ "Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki says 'sorry' to gay community, but still doesn't agree with homosexuality". RNZ. 2 June 2019. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  63. ^ "Brian Tamaki launches Freedoms NZ's 'Time to Stop Crime' policy with a firm hand". The New Zealand Herald. 2 August 2023. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  64. ^ "Flock to Bishop – Let us pay". TV3 News. 9 March 2006. Archived from the original on 12 July 2007. Retrieved 11 May 2007.
  65. ^ "'This is not us!': Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki slams Muslim call to prayer". New Zealand Herald. 22 March 2019. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  66. ^ "Destiny's Brian Tamaki 'strongly denounces' use of Islamic Call to Prayer for victims of the Christchurch terror attacks". 1 News. 22 March 2019. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  67. ^ Andelane, Lana (15 March 2020). "Coronavirus: Destiny Church 'does not fear' COVID-19, will remain open". Newshub. Archived from the original on 28 March 2020. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  68. ^ "Brian Tamaki says 'very ignorant' Kiwis don't realise their rights have been 'stolen'". Newshub. 17 May 2020. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  69. ^ Harvey, Megan (16 March 2020). "Coronavirus: Experts slams Brian Tamaki's attitude as he vows to keep churches open". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  70. ^ Tokalau, Torika (22 March 2020). "Coronavirus: Destiny Church continues Sunday service with precautionary measures". Stuff. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  71. ^ "Destiny Church Online". Destiny Church Online. Destiny Church. Archived from the original on 28 March 2020. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  72. ^ Bhatia, Ripu (12 May 2020). "Coronavirus: Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki says Sunday service will go ahead". Stuff. Archived from the original on 14 May 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  73. ^ "Brian Tamaki to hold church service this weekend despite Level 2 restrictions". 1 News. 13 May 2020. Archived from the original on 14 May 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  74. ^ Hudson, Daisy (3 March 2021). "Covid 19 coronavirus: Te Anau locals criticise Brian Tamaki's lockdown-defying South Island travels". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 3 March 2021. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  75. ^ "Mayor Shadbolt says Tamakis not welcome in Invercargill after couple's lockdown flee". 1 News. 4 March 2021. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  76. ^ "Covid 19 coronavirus: Tamakis say they 'are not anti vaxxers'". The New Zealand Herald. 4 March 2021. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  77. ^ Palmer, Scott (2 October 2021). "New Zealanders react with rage after Brian Tamaki holds anti-lockdown protest". Newshub. Archived from the original on 2 October 2021. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  78. ^ Williams, Caroline (2 October 2021). "Covid-19: Fears of virus spread after Brian Tamaki's anti-lockdown protest in Auckland". Stuff. Archived from the original on 2 October 2021. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  79. ^ "Brian Tamaki's anti-lockdown rally draws large Auckland crowd". 1 News. TVNZ. 2 October 2021. Archived from the original on 2 October 2021. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  80. ^ "Covid-19: Ardern calls anti-lockdown protest a slap in the face". Stuff. 3 October 2021. Archived from the original on 3 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  81. ^ "Police consider charges over Brian Tamaki led Auckland anti-lockdown protest". 1 News. TVNZ. 4 October 2021. Archived from the original on 4 October 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  82. ^ "Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Brian Tamaki charged after anti-lockdown protest at Auckland Domain". The New Zealand Herald. 5 October 2021. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  83. ^ "Brian Tamaki receives court summons for organising Auckland Domain protest". 1 News. TVNZ. 5 October 2021. Archived from the original on 4 October 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  84. ^ Owen, Catrin (12 October 2021). "Covid-19: Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki pleads not guilty to lockdown charges". Stuff. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  85. ^ "Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Brian Tamaki makes first court appearance". The New Zealand Herald. 12 October 2021. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  86. ^ Dillane, Tom (17 October 2021). "Covid 19 Delta outbreak lockdown protests: Police warn prosecution of organisers imminent". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 19 October 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  87. ^ "Man charged and taken into custody over breaching level 3 rules at Auckland event". Radio New Zealand. 20 October 2021. Archived from the original on 23 October 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  88. ^ Somerville, Troes (2 November 2021). "Covid-19: Destiny Church denies making profit from protest group's anti-lockdown merchandise". Stuff. Archived from the original on 5 November 2021. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  89. ^ Porter, Nadine (2 November 2021). "Groundswell NZ denies being anti-vax after founder shuns vaccination promo video". Stuff. Archived from the original on 4 November 2021. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  90. ^ Ensor, Jamie (22 November 2021). "Brian, Hannah Tamaki: Large crowd gathers outside police station". Newshub. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
  91. ^ "Covid-19 Delta outbreak: Destiny's Brian and Hannah Tamaki summoned to appear at Auckland police station". The New Zealand Herald. 23 November 2021. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
  92. ^ a b Pearse, Adam; Leask, Anna (27 December 2021). "Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki allegedly threatens to have future mobile vaccination clinics blown up, police investigating". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 27 December 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
  93. ^ Law, Tim; Allott, Amber (9 January 2021). "Brian Tamaki attends Christchurch anti-vax protest in apparent breach of bail conditions". Stuff. Archived from the original on 10 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  94. ^ Chittock, Niva (10 January 2021). "Police investigate after Brian Tamaki speaks at Christchurch anti-vaccine protest". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 10 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  95. ^ Owen, Catrin; Anderson, Ryan (17 January 2022). "Covid-19: Brian Tamaki arrested for alleged breach of bail conditions". Stuff. Archived from the original on 17 January 2022. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  96. ^ "Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki at Auckland District Court". The New Zealand Herald. 17 January 2022. Archived from the original on 17 January 2022. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  97. ^ Owen, Catrin; Anderson, Ryan (17 January 2022). "Covid-19: Brian Tamaki remanded in custody for alleged breach of bail conditions". Stuff. Archived from the original on 17 January 2022. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
  98. ^ Burrows, Matt (22 January 2022). "Kiwi pastors pen letter urging Brian Tamaki's prison release, say his arrest is 'warning sign' for Christians". Newshub. Archived from the original on 22 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  99. ^ "Brian Tamaki walks free: Destiny Church leader wins appeal against being remanded in custody". The New Zealand Herald. 26 January 2022. Archived from the original on 26 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  100. ^ Sadler, Rachel (26 January 2022). "Hannah Tamaki celebrates husband Brian's release from Mt Eden prison after nine-day stay". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 26 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  101. ^ Swift, Molly (22 July 2022). "Police monitoring potential protest as Freedom and Rights Coalition aim to cause 'chaos' across New Zealand". Newshub. Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand. Archived from the original on 24 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  102. ^ "'Motorway mayhem': Protesters stop traffic on sections of Auckland motorway". The New Zealand Herald. 23 July 2022. Archived from the original on 24 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  103. ^ "Brian Tamaki-led protesters stop traffic on Auckland motorway". 1 News. TVNZ. 23 July 2022. Archived from the original on 24 July 2022. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  104. ^ "Brian Tamaki breaks silence after anti-government protests". The New Zealand Herald. 23 July 2022. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  105. ^ "Anti-government protesters stroll onto Auckland motorway". Radio New Zealand. 23 July 2022. Archived from the original on 26 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  106. ^ "Brian Tamaki, Hannah Tamaki receive infringement notice for motorway protest". The New Zealand Herald. 16 August 2022. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  107. ^ Williams, Caroline; Killick, Jonathan (6 August 2022). "Tensions between rival groups at anti-government protest in Auckland Domain". Stuff. Archived from the original on 6 August 2022. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  108. ^ Hendricksen, Lauren (6 August 2022). "Brian Tamaki-led Freedom and Rights Coalition demonstration met with 'FARC off Brian' counter-protest". Newshub. Archived from the original on 6 August 2022. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  109. ^ "Parliament protest concludes without arrests or incidents". Stuff. 23 August 2022. Archived from the original on 24 August 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  110. ^ Molyneux, Vita (28 September 2023). "Wellington protest: Freedom and Rights coalition march on Parliament ends, roads to reopen". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 29 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  111. ^ Iasona, Seni; Heikell, Leighton (28 September 2023). "Wellington protests: Brian Tamaki promises peace as Stop Co-Governance, Freedoms & Rights Coalition descend on Wellington". Newshub. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  112. ^ "Cyclone Gabrielle: Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki blames porn, abortion, gay rights for tragedy". The New Zealand Herald. 1 March 2023. Archived from the original on 8 March 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  113. ^ Manhire, Toby (1 March 2023). "Brian Tamaki blames porn use in Gisborne and Hastings for Cyclone Gabrielle disaster". The Spinoff. Archived from the original on 5 March 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  114. ^ a b "Pro-Israel protest organised by Brian Tamaki outside Parliament". Radio New Zealand. 7 December 2023. Archived from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  115. ^ Molyneux, Vita (6 December 2023). "Wellington braces for another day of protest action". Newstalk ZB. Archived from the original on 6 December 2023. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  116. ^ Smith, Laura (19 March 2024). "Rotorua councillors clash over Library Rainbow Storytime event". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
  117. ^ Smith, Laura (20 March 2024). "Rotorua cancels drag queens' Rainbow Storytime for kids over 'safety concerns'". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 20 March 2024. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
  118. ^ "Hastings council cancels drag queens' Rainbow Storytime after Destiny Church protest". Radio New Zealand. 26 March 2024. Archived from the original on 30 March 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  119. ^ O’Connor, Matahi (26 March 2024). "Rainbow crossing in Gisborne Main Street painted white ahead of drag-queen storytime event". The Gisborne Herald. Archived from the original on 26 March 2024. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
  120. ^ Plummer, Benjamin; Davison, Isaac; Williams, David (15 April 2024). "Ford O'Connor pleads guilty, will pay $16k for vandalising K Road crossing; Brian Tamaki supports him". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 15 April 2024. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  121. ^ "Brian Tamaki claims responsibility for defacing Gisborne rainbow crossing". RNZ. 15 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  122. ^ Blackwell, Finn (27 June 2024). "Drag performers sue Tamaki, Destiny Church seeking $2m for defamation". RNZ. Archived from the original on 27 June 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  123. ^ "Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki trans protest in Christchurch met with counter-protest". The New Zealand Herald. 6 May 2024. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  124. ^ Howwell, Azaria; Manera, Ethan (14 May 2024). "Review under way into 'anti-trans' event being held at Wellington's Tākina Convention Centre". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 14 May 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  125. ^ "Hundreds protest outside controversial conference in Wellington". RNZ. 18 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
[edit]