Man linked to Brian Tamaki pleads guilty to vandalising Auckland's rainbow crossing, must pay $16k in reparations

Watch: Brian Tamaki speaks at court ahead of O'Connor's appearance. Credits: Newshub

A man linked to Destiny Church has pleaded guilty to vandalising the rainbow crossing on Auckland's Karangahape Rd. 

Ford O'Connor, 31, pleaded guilty in Auckland District Court on Monday to charges of intentionally damaging the crossing on March 28.

O'Connor agreed to pay reparations of $16,093 within 28 days and was convicted and discharged.

Speaking outside court on Monday morning, Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki expressed "unwavering support" for O'Connor who is married to his granddaughter. 

The Karangahape Rd vandalism came after protesters painted over Gisborne's rainbow crossing, for which three people were charged with vandalism. 

Earlier in the month Tamaki said he didn't know who was responsible for the K Road vandalism and claimed it was a copycat of the Gisborne protest.   

The vandalism was met with criticism across the board. 

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown expressed anger over the vandalism calling it "disgraceful".  

"I've got no time for intolerance of people's differences," he said. 

"Plus, this is just another form of graffiti on other people's property that we will need to spend money fixing – which I hate." 

Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick told Newshub it was "sad and bizarre", but the behaviour didn't appear from thin air. 

"There's been quite a whirlwind of imported misinformation and hate towards our rainbow communities," Swarbrick said. 

"I mean, what compels an alleged 31-year-old man to paint over a pride flag. Pretty sad."