PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

17 October 2007

Statement from Richard Lewis on Party Breakdown

Yesterday Gordon Copeland made a public statement announcing the breakdown of united efforts towards a single party for Christian values. This announcement was scheduled to be made today by a representative of the National Advisory Council (NAC). However, based on media enquiries arising from Mr Copeland’s announcements, I now have no choice but to respond.

I wish to express major disappointment at this outcome.

I have been privileged to participate in proactive discussions at senior levels within the Christian community for several years now, towards the idea of a single vehicle. And over the last five months those discussions looked to become a reality amongst the current Christian political stakeholders, including Gordon Copeland - Future New Zealand, Taito Phillip Field - Pacific group, Paul Adams – Independent, and myself on behalf of Destiny New Zealand.

The National Advisory Council (NAC), which comprised of a broad representation of senior Christian leaders, played a significant role in facilitating and guiding the five-month process. In my view, this model of relationship and cooperation between the church and political stakeholders was a major asset in forging a unity of purpose that would have greatly heartened the wider Christian community.

I have read Gordon Copeland’s announcement that outlines his personal views on why he believes the process has broken down. I do not agree with much of what he has expressed and have clearly stated my position to Mr Copeland personally and within the confines of the National Advisory Council, which I consider the most appropriate forum to handle this situation. There is nothing to be gained by playing this out in public, through the media.

As part of my message to Mr Copeland and the NAC, I said that I believed we could, if we wanted to, rise above the unfortunate circumstances of the last month to present a united front that would restore confidence in our endeavour and launch the new party successfully. The general consensus was that this was indeed achievable. However, Mr Copeland later notified the NAC that he intended to withdraw from the process and continue to set up his own party, hence his most recent announcement.

I have been asked if there are regrets in deregistering the Destiny New Zealand party in light of these most recent developments. It was not an easy decision to make having spent the last five years building with longevity in mind. Nevertheless, the deregistration reflects our commitment to “lay it down” in order for a new party to emerge.

And while there will clearly not be a new party involving Mr Copeland and myself, I am tremendously excited to announce that there will indeed be a new Christian party launched, spearheaded by former MP Paul Adams and myself.

We have named this new vehicle “The Family Party,” which will be a broadly represented Christian party with a specific family focus. We firmly believe there is a place in Parliament for a party dedicated to policies that strengthen New Zealand families from a Christian values standpoint.

Strategically, our primary goal is to be the major contender against Labour to win the Mangere and/or Manukau Electorates. We intend to draw on the experience of the last five years and maximise and build upon significant South Auckland networks for an intensive localised grassroots 12-month campaign.

More details pertaining to the official launch of The Family Party will be released in due course.

ENDS

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