BISHOP BRIAN TAMAKI
DESTINY CHURCHES NEW ZEALAND

PRESS STATEMENT FOR RELEASE
30 MAY 2011

Major Maori Political Leaders to face-off at
Destiny Church Political Forum this Weekend

At 7pm this Saturday (4th June) significant Maori political leaders will take the platform at Destiny Church in Auckland as part of the church’s annual conference for 2011.

With the candidates for the Te Tai Tokerau by-election being announced by the Electoral Commission around 4pm tomorrow, this hui is shaping to be pivotal for those politicians involved, including:

• Mana Party leader, Hone Harawira
• Maori Party co-leader, Hon Dr Pita Sharples
• Labour Party Associate Spokesman on Maori Affairs, Hon Shane Jones

Hon Georgina te Heuheu QSO, National’s Associate Spokesperson on Māori Affairs, is also speaking.

The forum is in response to an invitation from Bishop Brian Tamaki to address the movement at the church’s annual conference with November’s General Election in mind. The recent development of the Te Tai Tokerau by-election has added an extra dimension.

“If there was ever a time when Maori unity and our political future hang in the balance, it is now. The gathering of these influential leaders could well be a defining moment. There will certainly be keen interest in what they have to say. I believe Maori aspirations are better realised with us all together than apart,” says Bishop Tamaki.

Unlike previous Elections, Destiny Church does not have a stakehold in any political vehicle. The events will include a Pōwhiri lead by Destiny’s 100-strong Kapa Haka group and a summary from the Bishop.

Then at 10am on Sunday morning, Destiny Church celebrates the inaugural visit of the Maori King, Te Arikinui Tuheitia Paki and delegates of the Kīngitanga movement.

Event Details:

Destiny Church Political Forum
7pm Saturday 4th June at Destiny Church
18 Allright Place Mt Wellington, Auckland

Inaugural Kīngitanga Event
10am Sunday 5th June at Destiny Church
18 Allright Place Mt Wellington, Auckland

© Scoop Media