Brian Tamaki's Newest Disciple?

I live in Waitakere City. Bob Harvey's the mayor. I've never met him, but he seems an affable sort of guy. I don't really follow local body politics to the extent I should, so I couldn't tell you whether he's actually any good at his job. But the rates where I live aren't astronomical and we don't have much crime in my area. Of course, that doesn't mean Bob's doing a great job. But when we're content with our local environment we don't tend to grumble about our local politicians.

But Harvey's been vocal on a couple of issues recently, in circumstances where I'd rather he had just stayed silent. It is always bad news when a mayor expresses an opinion in public, unless it relates to a matter affecting his or her constituency. For example, the tirades against Maori, women and anyone of the left by the idiot Michael Laws, mayor of W(h)anganui, must be an embarrassment to any sane person living in that town (though, perversely, it may be this notoriety that keeps Laws installed as mayor).

The pledge by 700 Destiny Church members to Brian Tamaki is not a matter that touches directly on Waitakere City.I suspect the majority of the 700 were from South Auckland, where the church's support is strongest. So I was alarmed to learn Mayor Harvey had written to the Herald in support of Tamaki.

In the Herald today:

In a letter to the New Zealand Herald this week Bob Harvey compares the Destiny Church leader to the founders of the Salvation Army and Martin Luther, spearhead of the Protestant Reformation.

Harvey said he does "anything to cheer on people who are turning people's lives around".

"People are trashing, shaking and beating children at unprecedented rates," he told the Herald on Sunday.

"This guy [Tamaki] is saying 'well I've turned around 700 men'. It isn't bloody women that are doing this. It's men. It's my brothers, brown, black or whatever. That's who's doing this. I didn't see too many women standing up in the Destiny Church with their hands on their breasts saying 'I won't do it', 'cause they ain't doing it.

"I'll be sleeping easier in my bed now that 700 robbers have sworn they'll never do it again."

How do we know these people were all robbers? Or that all of them have been "turned around"? Or that Tamaki was responsible? Or that he didn't just brainwash a group of vulnerable people who were searching desperately for something to bring meaning to their lives?

Harvey clearly hasn't thought this through. Maybe he should have just kept his thoughts to himself. As a resident of Waitakere City I resent my elected officials giving any kind of support to a cult leader.

Bob Harvey may sleep easier, but so will the good Bishop. Because he's bigger than Jesus. Christ had only 12 disciples - Tamaki has 700.