Brian Tamaki was arrested for breaching his bail conditions on Monday 17 January. His supporters have been protesting outside the Mt. Eden correctional facility since he arrived. Video / David Fisher / Brett Phibbs
Supporters of Brian Tamaki barricaded the entrance of Mt Eden Corrections Facility on Thursday night in a standoff with prison officials over claims of hygiene products being withheld.
A Facebook live video showed a group of Destiny Church followers lined up across the entrance to the facility, linking arms and blocking vehicles from entering or exiting the site.
A police officer asked permission for supporters to allow a number of cars through their barricade to attend to police call-outs.
The Facebook post said the issue concerned Tamaki's "hygiene items". The post also accused prison and police representatives of "lying" to the Tamaki family.
"The family were advised that Apostle Brian Tamaki had received his personal hygiene items as was discussed and agreed," the post read. "However when the family received one of their phone calls from Apostle Brian, it was revealed that this had not happened.
"Church representatives are advising that because the prison/police had lied about their actions and still have not complied with their agreement, disruptive action would be taken in protest. The barricade will remain until they received a call directly from Apostle Tamaki notifying that the agreement was acted upon correctly."
After a few hours of negotiation between Tamaki's son-in-law Caine Warren and police and prison officials, the group disbanded.
Brian Tamaki supporters block the entrance to Mt Eden Remand Centre.
Signing off the Facebook video after speaking to the prison manager, Warren said: "That's a successful outcome. Obviously, they've got some challenges inside their internal organisation.
"Thank you very much for tuning in. It's been peaceful and that's the way it will remain."
Tamaki was remanded in custody at Mt Eden Corrections Facility on Monday and faces charges of allegedly breaching Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
The 63-year-old had already been charged three times over his attendance at Auckland Domain lockdown protests. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges, including allegations he violated the conditions of his bail.
Just after 8.30pm, a police officer told protesters the prison manager was on the way from their house to discuss the claims with supporters.
A police officer asked permission for supporters to break their human chain so a number of cars could go through to attend to police call-outs.
Police at Mt Eden Remand Centre.
Brian Tamaki supporters link arms as they block the entrance to Mt Eden Remand Centre.
A police officer with an image of a toiletry bag shown to Tamaki supporters.
In the video on Facebook, a police officer could be seen discussing the hygiene items with a member of the group, saying that the situation was being addressed.
A police spokesperson said they had been monitoring the behaviour of those present at the gathering outside the Mt Eden Corrections Facility.
"Police recognise the lawful right to protest," the spokesperson said.
In a later statement, police said no one was arrested. "Police were monitoring the gathering and there were no arrests or issues."
In a statement, a Corrections spokesperson said they were unable to comment on the specific management of individual people.
"All people in prison are managed in accordance with the provisions set out in the Corrections Act 2004 and our international obligations for the treatment of prisoners.
"Every person in prison is provided with the minimum entitlements set out in the Corrections Act 2004."
Police talk to Brian Tamaki supporters.
The spokesperson said remand and sentenced prisoners were provided with a number of items, including meals, clothing, essential health, sanitary and hygiene products.
"In addition, people can purchase goods and grocery items through the prisoner canteen, and can have approved personal property sent to them by friends and family.
"We respect people's right to protest, however we are mindful of the impact on our neighbours and regret any inconvenience for them," the spokesperson said
Tamaki will likely be separated from other inmates for 14 days and routinely tested for Covid-19, along with all newly arrived prisoners at Mt Eden Corrections Facility.
