PRESS STATEMENT FOR RELEASE

THE FAMILY PARTY

www.familyparty.org.nz

Family Party: Celebrate Families Day

12 May 08. Only days away from its conference in Mangere, the Family Party is calling on New Zealanders to recognise the vital place and importance of the family unit in society.

The message coincides with the United Nations International Day of the Family (Families Day), which was launched in 1993 to raise awareness of issues facing families and promote the importance of the family unit. The Families Commission is promoting a week-long awareness program from 12-18 May.

Family Party leader Richard Lewis says the message is particularly timely and relevant during difficult social and economic times and is encouraging families to gather together.

“Many are doing it pretty hard at the moment, particularly in terms of putting quality food on the table, paying the bills, filling the gas-tank and paying the mortgage. But it’s in the tough times that we begin to see the inherent power of relationships that are uniquely found in families,” said Mr Lewis.

He raises concerns at the unprecedented level of state interference in everyday family life and believes this approach to families is going to cost the Labour-led Government the election.

“New Zealand doesn’t have a family-friendly Government. That’s why Australia is appealing at the moment. We can only change that picture through politicians and policies that respect and reflect traditional family values, esteem parents and understand the vital role the nuclear family plays in creating a healthy society. It’s not a particularly PC message, but it works. Break families down and everything comes down, and that’s what we’re beginning to see in our communities,” he added.

The Family Party will be holding a Conference (public meeting) this Saturday (17th May) at the Nga Tapuwae Community Centre in Buckland Rd, Mangere, where it continues to campaign strongly for the Mangere and Manukau electorates. The party will also outline some key policies.

For meeting details visit: http://www.thefamilyparty.org.nz/conference.php

ENDS

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