16 November 2000

Graham Capill
Party Leader

“Future NZ’s coalition with United is a bitter-sweet victory for Christian Heritage,” explained Party Leader Graham Capill.

Mr Capill said, “Many Christians will be disappointed that Future NZ chose to work with United instead of with Christian Heritage. Nevertheless, there is now only one Christian party, ensuring a better outcome for us in the future. Last election some voters refused to vote for either Christian Party because of perceived divisions and the resulting disillusionment that neither Party would breach the MMP threshold.

“Even at the last election, the combined United/Future vote would have fallen short of delivering a second seat in Parliament, despite United having started with nine MPs and subsequently coming together with the Conservative Party and various Asian Parties. That Future’s 1.1% vote will transfer to United is yet to be seen. Many of their supporters voted for Future because they saw it as a Christian party.

“It is ironic that Future NZ made even the possibility of talks with Christian Heritage conditional upon there being no coalition, yet now they have adopted that very model for their relationship with United.

“United Future’s Organization (UFO!) is dominated by Wellington self-appointed men, which does not demonstrate the democratic ideals it espouses. It is surprising, therefore, that the launch took place in Auckland. One might have expected Hon. Peter Dunne to launch in his own electorate. One also wonders what voters in Ohariu-Belmont think of Mr Dunne associating so directly with Christians.

“United comprises people from a wide philosophical spectrum. In fact it is reported that at least one senior member is an atheist. This repositions Future NZ as just another secular party seeking power.

“If power is the main objective for the United Future New Zealand Party, it could surely be more easily achieved by joining one of the main parties. They too have Christians in them. Nevertheless, those Christians are ineffectual because they do not have the backing of the Party machine. Hence, the moral decline under both National and Labour. The same will now be true of those Christians in this new grouping.

“On a positive note, we reiterate that it leaves the ‘Christian’ constituency clear of the confusion experienced last election. There is now only one Christian party as such. We wish UFNZ all the best. We remain convinced, however, that to be effective, Christian MPs need the support of a Christian party.” Mr Capill concluded.

Contact: Party Leader Graham Capill, Direct Line: (03) 352 6720 or (021) 661 766

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