What sort of people do we need in NZ Parliament and politics?

by Dr Stuart Lange | 13 Feb , 2026 | Articles, Christianity in New Zealand

It’s a timely question, because this is an election year, and in the next while all parties will be choosing and ranking candidates.

We all have the privilege of voting, and who is in Parliament does help shape our country – for good or for ill.

Regardless of where MPs may sit in the political spectrum, and whether or not they are Christians, we need MPs who are discerning, honest, and respectful, who are not driven by extreme ideologies or vested interests, who are fair-minded and reasonable, who will help protect the environment, who have a love for people of all cultures, and who seek the wellbeing of all (not just some). We need those who understand moral and spiritual issues, who have the courage to think for themselves, and who will resist the pressures towards even more liberal policies in such areas as doctor-assisted suicide, abortion, drugs, marriage, and sexual and gender education. We also need MPs who genuinely respect people of faith, and who will better safeguard freedoms of conscience.

As for Christians, we always need Christian candidates and MPs who hold firmly to God’s truth, have the courage of their convictions, and conduct themselves with much Christian wisdom and grace. We need committed Christian believers across as many political parties as possible, shining the light of Christ in very contested contexts. We need Christians to be active in helping select candidates, and in helping formulate party policies. Pray for those dedicated Christians who are already Members of Parliament. Pray for more to join them, at this year’s election.

Some relevant scriptures:

– ‘Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven’ (Matt. 5:16)

– ‘Open your mouth, judge righteously, plead the cause of the poor and needy’ (Prov. 31:7-8)

– ‘Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect’ (1 Pet. 3:15)

– [Pray for] ‘all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness’ (1 Tim. 2:2)

– Dr Stuart Lange

P.S. For those considering the possible role of Christian political parties in the mix of this year’s election, among other things you may like to consider the analysis offered here by Bob McCoskrie.

The Treaty of Waitangi, and Christian faith and values

by Dr Stuart Lange | 1 Feb , 2026 | Articles, Christianity in New Zealand

The background to the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi included a remarkable move of God among Māori, from the 1830s onward, with very large numbers embracing Christian faith, and the concern of some influential British humanitarian Christians that the British government should step up and protect Māori from the injustices and oppression of lawless and unregulated colonial settlement (which was already beginning, through the New Zealand Company, which had little or no regard for Māori wellbeing, and which was purchasing huge tracts of Māori land to sell to thousands of new settlers).

Understandably, many chiefs were extremely cautious about the proposed Treaty, and it only got over the line because of the reassurances given by missionaries, who were held in high regard by many Māori.

The English and Māori versions clearly reflect different cultural perspectives. But in both versions the Crown and the chiefs agreed to a British Governor (kawanatanga), to the retention of chiefly authority (tino rangatiratanga), lands and fisheries, and to Māori having the same rights and privileges as British citizens.

The Treaty was a civil agreement, not a sacred text as such. Nevertheless, some Māori (and others too) have seen it in covenantal terms, akin to some biblical covenants.

Tragically, under the weight of massive colonial immigration and settlement, the Treaty before long became widely disregarded and breached, especially regarding land, and Māori language and culture were increasingly marginalised.

In recent decades, the work of the Waitangi Tribunal to bring some redress, and the efforts of wider society to honour Māori as tangata whenua, are consistent with Christian principles of justice, reconciliation, and loving your neighbour as yourself.

With all the ferment that can sometimes take place around Treaty issues, it is important that Christians be guided not by politics and fear, but by the spirit of Jesus. Of all people, surely it should be Christians (whether Māori, Pākeha, Pasifika, Asian, or whatever) who are great examples of inter-cultural respect, friendship, and generosity. As James 3 says, “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness”.

Whatever our culture, it remains critically important that Christians honour and worship God alone (Exodus 20:3; Isaiah 44:6, 45:18, 21-22).

Let us pray for a wonderful, God-sent renewal of vibrant Christian faith in this land – among Māori, Pākeha, and people of every culture.