Destiny New Zealand
Destiny New Zealand | |
|---|---|
| File:DestinyNewZealandLogo.png | |
| Leader | Richard Lewis |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Dissolved | 18 September 2007 |
| Ideology | Christian democracy, Conservatism |
| International affiliation | None |
| Colours | Red, black, white |
| MPs in the House of Representatives | 0 |
| Website | |
| Destiny New Zealand | |
Destiny New Zealand was a Christian political party in New Zealand centred on the charismatic/pentecostal Destiny Church. The party described itself as "centre-right". It placed a strong focus on traditional family values and argues that the breakdown in this area is a primary cause of many of New Zealand's problems. It announced its de-registration as a political party on 18 September, 2007, and was removed from the register a month later.[1] It did not hold any seats in Parliament.
History
Destiny New Zealand first formed early in 2003. By June 2004, the party claimed to have around three thousand members, and indicated an intent to stand candidates in all electorates. The party takes a strongly conservative stance in most policy areas. It has repeatedly criticised what it sees as the permissive nature of modern society, with Brian Tamaki saying that New Zealand "has moved so far away from God that anything goes now".
The party's political leader, Richard Lewis, has spoken out strongly against the current Labour-Progressive administration, saying that the nation "simply cannot afford to spend another term under the dictates of an anti-marriage, anti-family and anti-Christian government." Destiny New Zealand has also condemned the existence of "fatherless families", saying that lack of male leadership contributes to social ills. In 2002, Tamaki reportedly stated that having female political leaders (as New Zealand currently has) formed part of the "Devil's strategy", although Tamaki says that reports have taken his remarks out of context.[citation needed]
2005 general election
In 2003, Tamaki announced that Destiny Church would rule New Zealand by 2008. However, in the 2005 elections, it received just over 14,000 votes (out of over 2 million nationwide) or 0.62% of the vote--enough votes for one seat, but well short of 5% threshold required to enter Parliament without winning an electorate. This was the highest vote of any party not to make it into Parliament.[2] Polling before the election consistently showed the party was well short of the threshold. None of its electorate candidates were a serious factor in their respective races (Lewis had the best showing, gaining 1,111 votes for a distant third in Manukau East).
Links with Destiny Church
Some confusion exists as to how closely the Destiny New Zealand party overlaps the Destiny Church itself. According to both Brian Tamaki (leader of the church) and Richard Lewis (leader of the party), the two remain quite separate, with the teachings of the church merely having inspired the party. Tamaki describes the situation by saying "the way I preach has stirred something in their hearts and they've decided to do something", and describes himself merely as "a spiritual adviser". Lewis similarly denies that the church controls the party. Others, including several former church members, see this paradigm as just an illusion, and say that Lewis actually just serves as a "frontman" for Tamaki. Groups such as Cultwatch, a multi-denominational Christian group that targets what it perceives as cults, have attacked both the party and the church. Both the church and the party dismiss these criticisms as merely attempts to undermine the movement.
Deregistration and stalled merger
On 18 September 2007, Brian Tamaki announced that Destiny New Zealand would be deregistered as a political party[3]. In its place, a new Christian political party will be formed, with Richard Lewis as the co-leader[4]. The second co-leader was not announced, however former United Future New Zealand MP Gordon Copeland announced that he was the other co-leader of the party[5]. On 20 September Copeland announced that he "could not work" with Richard Lewis, and would remain an independent MP[6]. In October, it was announced that Destiny New Zealand would instead put its support behind a new Family Party, to be led by Lewis and former United Future MP Paul Adams.[7]
See also
References
- ^ Electoral Commission - News Releases & Resources - Destiny New Zealand removed from party register
- ^ [1]
- ^ "Destiny Church widening political scope". Newstalk ZB. 17 September 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-17.
- ^ "New Party to unify Christians". The Dominion Post. 17 September 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-17.
- ^ "Copeland announces he's co-leader". Newstalk ZB. 17 September 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-17.
- ^ "Speed wobbles hit Christian party plan". The Dominion Post. 20 September 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
- ^ "Joint Christian party officially dead, as two new parties emerge". Radio New Zealand. 17 October 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-17.
External links
- Destiny New Zealand - official website
- Is Destiny destined to rule? - (from Rick Ross)
- New Zealand Cult List - report on Destiny Church