Destiny Church: Relative of abuse victims says she considers it a cult

NZ Herald23 Oct, 2026 04:00 PM5 mins to readFormer Destiny Church disciple Kiwa Hemi Tamati Edward Hamiora-Te Hira admitted sexual abusing six male victims hundreds of times over more than five years. Photo / Jason OxenhamA woman with two family members who were abused by a Destiny Church disciple says the organisation deliberately targets vulnerable families, and she considers it a cult. Brook* says worshippers often referred to leader Brian Tamaki as “spiritual father” and his wife Hannah as “spiritual mother” while attending Destiny-aligned