It is intended to provide "a framework for the recognition of New Zealand's diverse faith communities and their harmonious interaction with each other, with government and with other groups in society.
The statement was the subject of a national process of public consultation coordinated by the Human Rights Commission, and was endorsed by the National Interfaith Forum in Hamilton in February 2007 as a basis for ongoing public discussion.
Prime Minister Helen Clark presented the statement to the third Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Interfaith Cooperation to be held at Waitangi from May 29–31, 2007.
Brian Tamaki, a Bishop of the Destiny Church stated: "That [Christianity] is the chosen religion of the Head of the Commonwealth.
This has led to some, such as the New Zealand Association of Rationalists and Humanists, to criticise the National Statement.