A rainbow storytime group targeted by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki and supporters is cancelling its nationwide tour to focus on court action.
Events in Rotorua and Gisborne were shut down amid continuous protest activity by Tamaki's supporters, which also saw Gisborne's rainbow crossing vandalised.
In a Facebook post, Rainbow Storytime NZ, comprised of Erika Flash [drag queen Daniel Lockett] and Coco [founder Sunita Torrance], said it was "very upset and disappointed" to cancel the nationwide tour planned for later this year.
"We had an entirely new show ready to go with new books and new songs and new costumes.
"We know there will be MANY sad kids and parents out there but with the current climate and ERIKA FLASH now staying on in London, we are going to press pause on everything we are doing."
The Facebook post said they would focus their energy on taking "that hateful, icky group to court to try and create more widespread change in Aotearoa".
The pair told Newshub last month they were planning to take legal action against Tamaki and are fundraising for the fight.
"This is the ultimate action in anti-bullying and the ultimate message of what our Storytimes are about so we want to do our best!"
Rainbow Storytime NZ said it was determined to do another tour next year once it had time to regroup.
"Please know that we love and adore you all, please continue to be strong, kind and confident and don't let anyone take away your sparkle!!"
Torrance told the NZ Herald she had lost everything and was focused on getting a good outcome from the court case.
"My business is my only source of income."
Tamaki celebrated the cancellation, describing it as a "victory" on X.
"What a shame! First one bites the dust...and there'll be more wins to come on this front. This makes our protest in Gisborne all worthwhile," he wrote.
Newshub
