When a Man Up mentor falls short: The Shayne Dempster case
Shayne Dempster was a Destiny Church Man Up facilitator, a man who helped gang members step away from violence. But behind the public image, a different story unfolded. After his 35-year marriage collapsed, a dispute over goats led to convictions for assault, threats to kill, and unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm. The case raises uncomfortable questions about accountability, especially for those who preach change but fail to practice it.
What happened on the farm?
By September 2024, Dempster and his wife were barely speaking. He had moved to another house on their Northland farm, which also ran a goat milking operation. On 30 December 2024, his wife and daughter were out with the herd when she noticed Dempster loading his meat goats into a truck. Concerned he might release them into the milking stock, she told him to move the truck. He ignored her.
When she began taking photos with an iPad, Dempster ran toward her. Judge John McDonald later noted: 'You ran back towards her with the intention of getting the iPad off her. What she was doing, of course, she was actually entitled to do. You had no entitlement to take the iPad from her.' Dempster pushed her backwards several times, causing her to fall. As he walked away, he said: 'You're not leaving here alive.'
How did the justice system respond?
Police arrived and seized several unsecured firearms. Later, his wife found another weapon hidden in a hallway cupboard. It was a prohibited firearm under the Arms Act, with a magazine that could carry more than the allowed cartridges. A Whangārei jury found Dempster guilty of threats to kill, assault on a person in a family relationship, and unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm.
At sentencing, Judge McDonald noted Dempster's 'very cavalier attitude towards your firearms' and described the violence as moderate but the threat as serious. The victim's impact statement revealed she had been forced to relocate, leaving behind her family and the place she grew up. 'She is relieved the jury found in her favour,' the judge said.
What did Dempster say in court?
Dempster tried to speak in his own defence, claiming he was minding the gun for someone else and had 'no idea' what he was holding. He questioned his wife's fear: 'If she was so scared of me, why was she following me around all morning?' He then invoked his Man Up role, mentioning former Northland mayoral candidate Jay Hepi, who had gang ties. Judge McDonald stopped him, noting it was unclear how this related to sentencing.
Dempster's lawyer, Victor Heather, submitted that his client was 'not happy with the criminal justice system.' Despite this, the judge sentenced Dempster to five months' home detention, citing low risk of reoffending and previous good character. Man Up did not respond to requests for comment.
What does this mean for New Zealand?
This case highlights a troubling gap between public roles and private actions. Dempster's work with gang members was supposed to model change, yet his own behaviour fell short. It also underscores the need for stronger support for victims of family violence, especially when the perpetrator holds a position of trust. As New Zealand grapples with domestic violence rates, this story is a sobering reminder that accountability must start at home.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Dempster convicted?
He was found guilty by a jury of assault on a person in a family relationship, threats to kill, and unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm after a dispute over goats turned violent.
What role did Man Up play?
Dempster was a facilitator for Destiny Church's Man Up programme in Dargaville, which aims to help men, including gang members, turn away from violence. The organisation did not comment on the case.
What sentence did he receive?
Judge McDonald sentenced Dempster to five months' home detention, noting his low risk of reoffending and previous good character, but emphasising the seriousness of the threat to kill.