BISHOP BRIAN TAMAKI

DESTINY CHURCHES NEW ZEALAND

PRESS STATEMENT FOR RELEASE

10 MAY 2011

Maori King & Maori Political Leaders accept Bishop Brian Tamaki’s invitation to Destiny Church Conference 2011

The Maori King, Te Arikinui Tuheitia Paki and key Maori political leaders have accepted invitations from Bishop Brian Tamaki to attend events at the Destiny Church Annual Conference being held over Queens Birthday Weekend, 3-5 June 2011.

The Maori King and delegates of the Kīngitanga movement will attend a special church service celebrating the inaugural occasion at 10am, Sunday 5th June.

At a separate event, Bishop Tamaki has invited key political leaders to address the church ahead of this year’s General Election, given the fact that unlike prior elections, Destiny Church does not have a stakehold in any political party.

The political forum will take place at 7pm on Saturday 4th June, and will feature:

• Hon Georgina te Heuheu QSO, National’s Associate Spokesperson on Māori Affairs

• Hon Shane Jones, Labour’s Associate Spokesperson on Māori Affairs

• Hone Harawira, the new Mana Party leader

• Hon Dr Pita Sharples, Māori Party co-leader and Minister of Māori Affairs

The events will include Pōwhiri lead by Destiny’s Kapa Haka group and will each feature a relevant address from the Bishop

“This is a unique occasion in bringing the spiritual, political and royal realms of Maoridom together, particularly at a time when the political aspirations of our people are at a crossroads. I believe Maori aspirations are better realised with us all together than apart, and look forward to hosting these influential leaders at our event,” says Bishop Tamaki.

In addition to those mentioned it is expected that there will be prominent Maori leaders from around the country in attendance to share in the occasion

“I am particularly honoured to have The Maori King, Te Arikinui Tuheitia Paki joining us on Sunday morning, and believe this is another significant occasion in the life of the Destiny Movement. It’s certainly a time when spiritual matters need to become a part of everyday life for our people,” Bishop Tamaki adds.

Bishop Tamaki descends from the Ngati Maniapoto Iwi and Ngati Ngawaero Hapu within Tainui and is a direct descendent of Princess Te Puea Herangi. He has previously spoken at the Coronation Celebrations of the late Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, mother of the current Maori King.

ENDS

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