Brian Tamaki of the Destiny Church, New Zealand has been actively working against expert public health initiatives to limit the mortality and morbidity of COVID-19 by spreading false claims about the usefulness of vaccinations, mask use, and government restrictions informed by science and a consensus of expert opinion. While we support the right of all New Zealanders to express their informed opinions, Brian Tamaki and others within the Destiny Church are exploiting the frustrations and fears of all New Zealanders to further their personal and political agendas by making blatantly false claims about public health measures which have rigourously been shown to be effective at limiting the serious complications of COVID infection.

We urge Mr. Tamaki and others within the Destiny Church to stand behind their claims and act responsibly to protect healthcare workers, their families, and vulnerable members of society by publicly pledging NOT to utilise the public health system in the event of contracting COVID infection.