Destiny Church is lobbying for millions of dollars in Waitangi Treaty payouts to tackle social service issues.
The church, headed by controversial leader Brian Tamaki, has become an urban Maori authority, making it eligible to receive government funds to run Maori support programmes.
In 2003, the Waipareira trust, which is also an urban Maori authority, received $20 million as part of a fisheries claim.
However, vice chairman of the Destiny Church's new authority, George Ngatai says money was never a factor in the decision.
George Ngatai says they will be working alongside seven other urban Maori authorities representing more than 10,000 Maori.
Ngatai says it won't be forcing people to join the church.
The majority of Destiny Church's 7000 members are Maori or Pacific Islanders.
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