Church wants to set up 'Destiny City'

The leader of Destiny Church says plans are underway to create a self-contained "Destiny City" for its followers in the middle of South Auckland.

Self-styled Bishop Brian Tamaki made the announcement at the church's 10th birthday conference, held over the weekend.

Mr Tamaki said donations of more than $2.4 million had already been collected for the creation of the city.

The church was three weeks away from securing an eight-hectare plot "in the heart" of South Auckland, TV3 News reported.

Plans for the city include a 5000-seat church, maraes, medical centres and schools - eliminating the need for residents to ever leave.

"Every child of every member of this church will never go to a state school again," Mr Tamaki said.

He urged the church's 7000-plus members to sell their homes and move to his city "for the purpose of God".

TV3 News said it had been contacted by a man whose mother planned to sell up six properties in order to donate the money to the church and secure a spot in Destiny City.

The church could not be contacted for comment tonight.

NZPA