Labour MP Shanan Halbert has taken action following the cancellation of a storytime event at Upper Hutt Library featuring a drag king, citing concerns over threatening behavior that led to the event’s shutdown. This development follows protests by Destiny Church opposing an upcoming reading session by drag performer Willy SmacknTush.

Brian Tamaki, leader of Destiny Church, issued a statement urging Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy to cancel the event, warning of potential disruptions by church members and affiliated groups if his demands were not met. Upper Hutt City Council’s director of community services, Mike Ryan, indicated that the decision to cancel the event stemmed from numerous threats received, compromising the ability to ensure a safe environment for attendees.

Tamaki responded to the cancellation on Twitter, stating, “We’ve just got another head on our platter!” In contrast, Willy SmacknTush addressed the situation on Facebook, expressing disappointment at those attempting to intimidate and spread misinformation about drag culture. “You can never win; our queer and trans whanau aren’t going anywhere,” SmacknTush affirmed defiantly.

Shanan Halbert condemned Tamaki’s actions, accusing him of inciting hatred and noting this incident as part of a broader pattern he has dealt with recently. Halbert plans to contact Police Minister Mark Mitchell regarding the matter, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety at such events, particularly for young people.

David Seymour, leader of the ACT Party, criticized the cancellation, denouncing it as an infringement on free speech and stating, “When people come along and actually use the thug’s veto to stop you speaking freely in any environment – that’s wrong.”

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins defended the right to host inclusive events like the storytime, asserting that parents should have the autonomy to choose such activities for their children without interference from groups like Destiny Church.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nicola Willis engaged in a public exchange with Brian Tamaki on Twitter after he criticized her attendance at a Pride event. Willis responded playfully, inviting Tamaki to try new experiences with the assurance that embracing diversity enriches society.

Rainbow Wellington issued a statement decrying the harassment and intimidation faced by drag artists and LGBTQ+ communities, highlighting ongoing challenges in combating stigma and prejudice in New Zealand.

In response to the unfolding situation, Wayne Guppy, Mayor of Upper Hutt, clarified that Tamaki never intimidated me or the staff as far as I know . Members of his church did stuff but I met with them and no issue for me. There were a large number of threats to staff and threats to fill the library and protest.The staff decided that they could not guarantee the safety of staff parents and kids at the event.

Efforts to reach Willy SmacknTush and representatives from Destiny Church for further comment are ongoing.