Tuesday 18th September 2007

Bishop Brian Tamaki
Senior Minister
Destiny Churches New Zealand

Thank You For Attending Today's Press Conference. I Also Welcome Those Who Are Watching This Broadcast On The Internet.

I Am Here Today With Richard Lewis, The Leader Of The Destiny New Zealand Party, To Make A Major Announcement Regarding The Party's Future, And Also My Future As It Relates To New Zealand Politics.

Over The Last 3-4 Months I Have Been Involved In A Series Of Strategic Political Meetings With Other Senior Christian Ministers And Leaders Derived From Churches, Denominations And Organisations Around The Country.

These Meetings Have Also Included A Number Of Christian Politicians.

The Reality Is, If We, New Zealand's Christian Community And Those Who Care About Family Values, Are To Have A Genuine Voice In Parliament, We Will Be Far More Effective Together Than We Are Apart.

Therefore, The Goal Of Our Discussions Has Been To Unite Christian Efforts For A Single Political Vehicle To Uphold Traditional Family Values In Parliament, Which Our Country Desperately Needs. I Am Very Pleased To Report That This Unity Of Purpose Has Brought About Some Very Positive Developments.

Which Brings Me To The Point Of This Announcement.

I, Together With Richard Lewis And The Team, Have Reviewed The Position Of The Destiny Party.

It Is Currently New Zealand's Only Registered 'Christian' Party. In Recent Times It Has Outpolled Established Party's Such As United Future, Act And The Progressive Party, Which Is A Fair Effort For A Party Outside Of Parlaiment. The Party Has Worked Very Hard Over 5 Years To Establish Itself And Could, If It Wanted, Continue Building On This Foundation.

However, Despite What Might Be Achieved Through The Destiny Party, I Consider The Opportunity To Unify With Like-Minded New Zealanders For The Sake Of Our Families And Future Generations, Far More Important Than Retaining The Destiny Vehicle.

Therefore, As Part Of The Process Towards A Single Vehicle, I Wish To Announce That Destiny New Zealand Will Be De-Registered As Of Today. Richard Will Have More Detail About That.

In Terms Of My Own Political Future - I Look Forward To My New Role On The National Advisory Council To The New Party. This Council Comprises Of Seasoned Christian Leaders Derived From Churches, Denominations And Organisations Around The Country, Who Are The Guardians Of The New Party's Constitutional Commitment To Christian Values.

I Expect The Leadership Of The New Party Will Provide You With A Lot More Information In The Near Future.

Finally, I Wish To Add That Although I Will Not Speak Directly On Behalf Of The New Political Vehicle I Will Retain The Ability To Speak To Political Issues In My Capacity As The Bishop Of Destiny Churches When I Feel It Is Appropriate.

Thank You Very Much For Coming Today.

ENDS

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