Were they individuals or was it the Exclusive Brethren?

I think it is a nonsense for the Exclusive Brethren to claim the church wasn’t involved in politics, just a number of individuals. It may be true in a very narrow technical sense, but it ignores the reality. It’s a bit like King Henry asking “Who will rid me of this turbulent priest” and then claiming he never ordered the Archbishop killed.

There are three reasons why one can only conclude that the church at a minimum encouraged, if not mandated, political involvement.

1) They have got involved not just in NZ, but all around the world. This can not be a coincidence, but implies central direction.

2) The seven Brethren who paid for the pamphlets were senior members of the church, not just seven ordinary members.

3) All over NZ, hundreds, maybe thousands, of Brethren offered assistance with delivering letters etc.

You can not take all of the above, and then claim oh it is just a few “over-enthusiastic members”.

The NZ Herald article suggests the Brethren will not be involved in politics in the future. Good.