Flash new chariot for Tamaki

The New Zealand Herald/June 19, 2016

Church head splashes out on $75,000 car.

By Simon Plumb

Destiny Church co-leader Hannah Tamaki is the new owner of a $75,000 turbo-charged Mercedes-Benz.

The Herald on Sunday can reveal the latest luxury purchase of the controversial Tamaki family - the fundamentalist Christian church leaders known for urging their religious followers to shower bank notes at the feet of self-anointed bishop Brian Tamaki.

Registration records show Brian's wife Hannah, who has previously talked of owning a $90,000 diamond ring, became the registered owner of the 2015 Mercedes SLK 200 on January 25.

Capable of reaching speeds of up to 239 kph - almost 2 times the legal motorway limit - Hannah's jet-black convertible also boasts 18-inch AMG alloy wheels and heated sport seats.

The flash German two-seater was listed online though Mercedes-Benz North Shore, carrying just 1800km on the clock and at a "drive away" price of $74,990.

Hannah Tamaki would not be interviewed by the Herald on Sunday about her new wheels. Destiny Church spokeswoman Anne Williamson said: "Paster Hannah has confirmed that she is not prepared to do an interview about matters relating to hers and Bishop Brian's private life."

It's not the first time the Tamakis have spent up large on luxury cars.

Two years ago the Herald on Sunday revealed Destiny Church had bought five cars - including a luxury Audi - through one of its charities, which was more than a year overdue filing an annual return.

Financial statements filed with the Companies Office showed Te Hahi o Nga Matamua Holdings Limited bought a new $100,000 Audi Q7, to be used by the Tamakis, on a lease purchase arrangement.

The charity also bought four Toyota Aurion Sportivo SX6 3.5s valued at $27,990 each.

According to the Charities Register, the charity's main purpose is community development, religious activities and fundraising.

The news emerges a week after Brian Tamaki posted a picture of wads of $100 bills on social media - with the comment: "There was so much Gold/Diamonds/Money nd Treasure tht it tk thm 3 Days for thm to gather it all up (2 Chron 20:25) [sic]."

At last year's Destiny conference supporters showered the stage with thousands of dollars in cash.

In January Brian Tamaki posted a picture of bundles of $100 notes to his Twitter followers, with the message: "Money not placed in the hands of God will be limited in value".

This week Hannah also posted on Twitter: "People search for Gold & Silver, riches. Let us search for fugitives, those that have lost their way. So much more rewarding."

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