Niu FM parts ways with under-fire Bailey Palala after Destiny Church-linked library protest

Niu FM radio personality Bailey Palala was seen attending the Destiny Church-linked protests at the Te Atatū Community Centre on Saturday. Photo / Michel Mulipola

Pacific Media Network (PMN) has parted ways with Niu FM host Bailey Palala after he was lambasted for appearing at a Destiny Church-linked protest that turned violent.

In a statement released this afternoon, CEO Don Mann said “the employment relationship between PMN and Bailey Palala has concluded”.

Radio hosts from Niu FM previously acknowledged their co-worker was among those involved in the Destiny Church-linked protest last weekend.

About 50 people linked to Brian Tamaki’s Destiny Church swarmed the Te Atatū Community Centre to protest a children’s show hosted by a drag artist on Saturday, leaving library staff and organisers fearing for their safety.

Video circulating on social media appeared to show Niu FM radio personality Bailey Palala wearing a “Real Men” shirt among a group of protesters gathered outside the library.

Palala is a group leader at the Destiny Church-affiliated group The Radical Youth.

“PMN upholds principles of inclusivity, respect, and professionalism in all aspects of its operations,” Mann said.

“Our team remains dedicated to fostering a positive and respectful platform for all voices, while ensuring a safe and supportive environment for our staff.

“The relationship with our community and the wellbeing of our team are our priorities, and we will continue to take steps to provide a safe and supportive working environment,” he added.

‘Love and support’

Palala’s co-workers Monica Ah-Young and Regan Roell previously addressed the rumours on air, promising their audience they “love and support” the LGBT+ community.

“It’s not secret about what’s been going on here at the station, but I feel like not saying anything to our listeners live on air would be a disservice to everyone,” Roell said.

Roell confirmed that an “event” over the weekend “involved someone who is a part of our team”.

“We are doing things behind the scenes, and things are happening contractually and legally. We can’t really talk about what’s going on,” Roell said.

Palala had not appeared on Niu FM’s The Morning Shack since the incident.

The pair’s speech was posted on The Morning Shack show’s social media with a message: “To our rainbow community, we are sorry, as Pasifika broadcasters who have the privilege to be on this platform we will learn and seek to do better to serve and protect you”.

Niu FM radio personality Bailey Palala could be seen holding a toddler on his shoulder amid Destiny Church-linked protests at the Te Atatū Community Centre on Saturday.

Roell and Ah-Young expressed sadness that the LGBT+ community was targeted by the protesters.

“All the hard work that we’ve done prior shouldn’t be taken away from one person’s choice or their beliefs,” Roell said.

“Don’t let that cloud your judgement on what the good people are trying to do in the sense of what we are still here fighting for our people. We’re so sorry that there are people in our community that face these sorts of things on a daily basis,” Ah-Young added.

“What we will do, and continue to do, is advocate for the LGBTQ community and continue to love and support anyone and everyone from different backgrounds and diversities,” Roell continued.

Library staff and organisers were forced to barricade themselves and the children inside the venue.

Police are investigating allegations of assault after a teenage girl suffered a concussion.

Michel Mulipola, an illustrator and popular social media personality under the username @bloodysamoan, posted a series of videos showing Palala’s involvement in the protests.

Palala was seen attending the Destiny Church-linked protests at the Te Atatū Community Centre on Saturday. Photo / Michel Mulipola

“He is an accomplice in the assault and siege of the Te Atatū library, which has resulted in a 16-year-old with a concussion and a 20-year-old with bruised ribs,” Mulipola said.

He claimed every person that “entered that building against the wishes of the kaitiaki of Te Atatū library ... is an accomplice in the harm and the violence in the assault that occurred”.

Palala’s Instagram, Facebook and TikTok accounts were deactivated.

Former MP Tau Henare had previously told the Herald if the reports were true, Palala “should lose his job”.

‘Crossed a line’: Police investigate allegations of assault

Inspector Simon Walker, acting Waitematā police district commander, said they assault allegations during the Te Atatū incident were being investigated.

“Police strongly condemn the actions of [the] group. The group’s actions caused considerable distress and concern among tamariki, library staff and visitors.

“This protest crossed a line. Freedom of speech and the right to protest are fundamental principles of a free and democratic society under the rule of law, but nobody, especially children, should ever be made to feel unsafe.”

Auckland Council community director Rachel Kelleher said the council was working closely with police.

“While it is ongoing, we have advised kaimahi if they were assaulted, that they can contact the police directly, and encourage members of the public to do the same.”

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