With Destiny Church accused of an orchestrated campaign to drive them out of business, the Church failed to have legal action against it by drag performers CoCo Flash and Erika Flash put on hold until they put up security for costs. CoCo and Erika were entitled to their day in court, Associate Judge Lester ruled. Lack of funds to provide security for costs was primarily due to Destiny Church’s overt media campaign shutting down their ‘Rainbow Storytime’ and ‘Living Library’ activities.
It is a regular legal tactic to seek a court order prior to any hearing forcing plaintiffs to make payments into court as security to cover defendants’ legal costs, should the plaintiffs’ claim later fail. This can squeeze out small fry plaintiffs, causing them to abandon their claim without ever getting into court.
Sunita Torrance who performs under the stage name CoCo Flash owns New Plymouth-based Haus of Flash Ltd.
The High Court was told Haus of Flash was forced to abandon public readings through March 2024 in Rotorua, Gisborne and Hastings after what it alleges was an orchestrated Facebook campaign by members of the Destiny Church to block performances by CoCo and Erika.
Haus of Flash is claiming just under $550,000 damages alleging conspiracy by Destiny Church.
As a first step, named members of Destiny Church, including Brian Tamaki, were ordered to hand over copies of all electronic communications detailing plans to block scheduled library readings.
Facebook pages maintained by Destiny Church members variously criticised CoCo and Erika as grooming children, facilitating perversion and child abuse, and seducing vulnerable youth.
The two complained that the only supposedly relevant documents disclosed by Destiny were the New King James Bible plus one email.
Judge Lester ruled that was insufficient.
Destiny was ordered to make full disclosure of all relevant electronic communications between named Destiny members.
Failure to comply can potentially lead to subsequent court orders for the case to proceed with Destiny not permitted to appear in its defence.
Separately, CoCo and Erika, are suing for defamation under their given names of Sunita Torrance and Daniel Lockett.
Judge Lester dismissed Destiny Church’s application that they front up with security for costs.
Their impecuniosity is due to actions of Destiny Church, he said.
The court was told Mr Torrance has moved overseas.
Haus of Flash Ltd v. Tamaki – High Court (30.10.25)
26.001