Religion not behind split, says Dunne

United Future Leader Peter Dunne says Christian evangelism in his party's ranks did not lead to a split with political partner Outdoor Recreation.

The two parties joined forces after the 2002 election, in which Outdoor Recreation claimed 1.4 per cent of the vote and United Future close to 7 per cent.

At last year's election, the two parties, combined as United Future, captured just 2.7 per cent of the vote.

Outdoor Recreation New Zealand (ORNZ) acting chairman Phil Hoare said the party's board had terminated its agreement of affiliation with United Future.

The party had a "very warm and constructive personal working relationship" with United Future Leader Peter Dunne, but had experienced difficulties with the evangelism of Christian members, brought on board in an earlier merger between United and the Christian Future New Zealand party.

"They have at times derailed our commitment to work for the mutual benefit of ORNZ and United members' interests.

"We strongly believe in the traditional bedrock values of our nation's heritage but we also affirm the separation of church and state."

He said some United Future members appeared to be in politics to try to convert people to Christianity.

"Despite repeated attempts to portray themselves in a secular vein, they have time and again sought to advantage themselves in a religious manner at our cost."

ORNZ would now focus on rebuilding its membership, strengthening its principles and developing sound environmental policies.

Mr Dunne said ORNZ's announcement was no surprise as the agreement was only intended to last up to the election.

"Comments about United Future's religious overtones are misplaced and inaccurate," Mr Dunne said.

"United Future has no religious affiliations nor evangelistic agenda to push. That is the role of the church, and it is not for a political party to do the church's work for it.

"We seek the support of people on the basis of our policies, not their religious affiliation or commitment."

Act MP Heather Roy, whose party is also struggling in the polls, offered ORNZ a possible new home, saying Act stood by hunters' rights.

"We hope that Outdoor Recreation's board - including former United MP Marc Alexander - recognise that Act is the only party in Parliament representing the thousands of Kiwis who enjoy the great outdoors."

Mr Alexander lost his seat as a United Future MP at the last election and was a vocal critic of some his colleagues' religious beliefs.

- NZPA