Worshippers had irritated nearby residents since November by holding unauthorised gatherings, while an off-shoot of Brian Tamaki’s church, The Freedoms and Rights Coalition, has also used the square as a rallying point for anti-mandate protests on Saturdays.
“We’re hopeful the fact they haven’t been to the square for the last three Sundays means they’re giving up on it,” said Waikura Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board member Michelle Lomax.
“They (residents) were feeling really intimidated, a few had been verbally attacked for wearing masks when they ventured out so we’re really happy there don’t appear to be any church services going on.”
She had attempted, unsuccessfully, to contact Tamaki and Christchurch-based senior pastor Derek Tait to confirm whether Cranmer Square was now off-limits.
Services were advertised in Rangiora on January 23 and 30, while the coalition will hold a Selwyn mass march through the Rolleston town centre this Saturday from 11am.
Meanwhile, Christchurch City Council was still awaiting payment for the $14,117.47 they billed the coalition to cover traffic management costs associated with three gatherings in Cranmer Square in November and December.
The payment deadline was January 20; legal action is now a consideration.
Two other bills related to other gatherings - including a protest in Hagley Park and march on Riccarton Rd - are also being calculated.
Police and council staff met last month to discuss ways of preventing the church and coalition from using Cranmer Square following complaints by residents.
The council said by-laws had been breached because the only events normally allowed at Cranmer Square were commemorative, such as Anzac Day.
Destiny Church did not respond to approaches from The Star for comment.
