Media statement
For immediate release
Monday, 27 March 2006

Dunne: ORNZ announcement no surprise

United Future leader Peter Dunne says Outdoor Recreation New Zealand's announcement that its affiliation agreement with United Future is over is hardly a surprise.

He says that the agreement was only ever intended to last up until the time of the 2005 election.

"The election was over 6 months ago now, so all the ORNZ statement does is recognise the reality we have been operating under since that time.

"Comments about United Future's religious overtones are misplaced and inaccurate.

"United Future has no religious affiliations nor evangelistic agenda to push.

"That is the role of the church, and it is not for a political party to do the church's work for it.

"We seek the support of people on the basis of our policies, not their religious affiliation or commitment," says Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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