DESTINY A POLITICAL CALL

A new Christian political party was launched on Saturday promising a moral
vision that would make New Zealand a model nation under God's governance.
Called Destiny New Zealand, the party has been formed by members of Destiny
Church International and is led by former policeman Richard Lewis.

Hundreds of singing supporters were at the launch in Auckland, where Mr
Lewis told them he was frustrated by the "moral demise" of families, young
people and communities. He believed political leaders had been careless,
preferring to go in directions which had no godly foundation.

"This nation considers legalising cannabis, has made it possible for our
children to pursue a career in prostitution, lowers the legal drinking age,
dismantles the legal family, and pursues many other agendas that blatantly
cut across what we know in our hearts to be right and wrong," he said.

"What New Zealand needs is a strong, uncompromising moral vision ... I see
this nation under the governance of God - a model nation." He said the
party would contest the next election with the aim of gaining 10 per cent
of the vote, which would give it about 14 seats in Parliament.

- - NZPA