Bishop selling up and seeking new pastures

Brian Tamaki appears to have a new destiny. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Controversial Destiny Church head Brian Tamaki is selling up.

Tamaki, a self-anointed bishop, has his $1.2 million hilltop mansion with sweeping views of the Hauraki Gulf on the market.

Located at Maraetai Beach, 45 minutes' drive from Auckland city, the three-storey house has wraparound decks on two levels.

The house - which Tamaki shares with his wife of 29 years and fellow pastor, Hannah - has four bedrooms, a three-car garage, a boat shed and purpose-built boat ramp. It boasts a lift, spa, outdoor entertainment area with built-in barbecue and heated pool.

Hannah's personal assistant and close friend Tania Pene is also listed as an owner on the certificate of title. Her own house, just 400m away, is not up for sale.

Church spokeswoman Janine Cardno would not answer a list of Herald on Sunday questions, including why the house was for sale and whether church funds helped pay for it.

She also refused to comment on whether the Tamakis were selling the property at 61 Maraetai School Rd to build new homes on land in South Auckland - last year, media reports suggested the church wanted to establish a walled city on the land. At the time, Cardno said these reports were false but confirmed plans to expand the church's medical, social services and school offerings.

Maraetai residents don't seem bothered by the Tamakis or their move, saying the Tamakis kept to themselves. One man said "heavies" would turn up on Harleys but cause no trouble.

Destiny Church's Auckland headquarters in Mt Wellington was bought in 2001 and is now worth $3.75m. The property - with auditorium, offices, early childhood centre and cafe and steps flanked by two lion statues - is owned by Simpatico Holdings Limited, whose directors are Hannah Tamaki, Tania Pene and Caine Warren.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY