CHNZ Media Release - 03 August 2005

Party Leader for Pakuranga

Christian Heritage NZ announced today that party leader Ewen McQueen would stand for the Pakuranga electorate. McQueen says he is excited to be standing in an electorate which has shown in the past that it is open to new ideas and candidates from non-traditional parties. He noted that Pakuranga elected a Social Credit MP twice in the 1980s - even before the advent of MMP.

McQueen also pointed out that the electorate with 55 churches had an abundance of Christian/family values voters and yet its incumbent MP Maurice Williamson had a liberal voting track record on legislation such as lowering the drinking age, euthanasia, giving legal recognition to homosexual and de-facto relationships and decriminalising prostitution. McQueen said:

"I doubt very much that the electorate is as liberal as the incumbent MP, so I think there is a real opportunity for Pakuranga to exercise its independent spirit once again and elect someone who will be a strong voice for Christian/family values in New Zealand politics. If they do so, they will not only get me, but may also open the way for other Christian Heritage MPs to be elected from our party list. That means their vote will have far greater potential for impacting Parliament. Put simply - they will get more MPs for their vote."

In April this year the CHNZ leader launched the party's key policies at a forum held by the East City Elim Church. McQueen noted that the positive ABC message being promoted by the party (Affirming Marriage, Building Families, Celebrating Life) was very well received by the several hundred who attended the forum - many of whom would be Pakuranga voters. At the forum McQueen also spoke of the need for Christian voters to consecrate their vote and step out in faith. He later commented:

"Some would say politics is the 'art of the possible'. I see it as the duty of advocacy, and letting God's message touch the electorate in a way that opens new possibilities. And yes I believe there is room for miracles - even in politics!"

Ewen McQueen - Personal Profile

Professional Background

Ewen graduated from the University of Auckland with an MA (Hons) in economics in 1990. Since then he has worked as a project manager and analyst in the health sector in Auckland. In recent years he has been part of the Facilities Management team at the Auckland District Health Board where his work has included negotiating utilities contracts, economic analysis of capital investment proposals, and managing various facilities related projects.

Political Involvement

Ewen first joined Christian Heritage NZ in 1992 and since then has represented the party in five general elections and one bye-election. He was the deputy leader in the mid-nineties but stood down from that role after the 1999 election. In 2003 he was elected the party leader at a national conference of delegates held in Nelson.

Personal Background

Ewen has been married to Rachel for fifteen years. They have four young boys, whom Rachel home-schools. The McQueen family live in the central Auckland suburb of Mt Eden and are active members of Valley Road International Church. Both Ewen and Rachel occasionally contribute to the preaching and Rachel also leads the church's thriving children's ministry.

ENDS

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