Destiny Church has received $850K government funding - Bennett
The Destiny Church has received more than $850,000 government funding for community programmes, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said today.
The Destiny Church has received more than $850,000 government funding for community programmes, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said today in response to complaints that its applications were being ignored.
"Let me be clear - government funding decisions are not based on religious affiliation," Ms Bennett said.
"Organisations are funded to deliver programmes based on merit, just as funding is declined where there is no discernible merit."
Ms Bennett released part of a letter she had received from church representative George Ngatai, who said he believed there was "some form of discrimination" operating and asked whether that was the reason why it was not being given funds.
Ms Bernnett said her ministry approved $850,168 to fund four Community Max programmes run by the church's social services arm, Te Runanga a Iwi Te Oranga Ake.
"I intend to be quite transparent about the fact that Te Oranga Ake provided Community Max programmes last year and the outcomes were good," she said.
"I also intend to be quite transparent about the fact that Destiny Church has lobbied the Government regarding its complaint of a lack of funding."
The church's interest in government funding became apparent after senior Maori politicians were invited to speak at its annual conference last Saturday.
Church leader Brian Tamaki indicated it was interested in government contracts including Whanau Ora, a Maori Party flagship policy for welfare delivery.
Whanau Ora is up and running, with about 25 collectives provoding services.
Prime Minister John Key said yesterday the church could bid for contracts like anybody else.
NZPA
Wed, 08 Jun 2011
Wed, 08 Jun 2011
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Destiny Church has received $850K government funding - Bennett
15097