Tamaki to be ordained in internet broadcast

Brian Tamaki. File picture / Chris Skelton

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki is to be ordained as a bishop before Maori leaders, church representatives, dignitaries and 3000 followers in an Auckland ceremony to be broadcast live on the internet.

The ceremony coincides with the church's seventh birthday and will be held at the Pacific Events Centre in Manukau City on Saturday.

Destiny Church spokeswoman Janine Cardno today would not reveal details about the ceremony.

Ministers and pastors of Destiny's 21 churches -- 20 throughout New Zealand and one in Australia -- accorded Bishop Tamaki's title in February.

"Bishop is a biblical term which means overseer, so it's a recognition of the fact that he oversees 21 other churches," Ms Cardno said.

Tickets for the 3000-seat venue had already sold out but overflow rooms were available to cope with the additional people expected.

Special guests attending the ceremony include Maori Queen Te Ariki Nui, Dame Te Atairangi Kaahu, Glyn Carpenter of the Evangelical Church and former All Black Bull Allen.

- NZPA