Media Release: The People of Nelson
Date: 6 August 2013
For immediate Release
Rally for Democracy – We Want our Democracy Back
Final plans for the 'Rally for Democracy' timed to coincide with the National Party's annual conference are well in
hand. Event spokesperson Nadine Connock says the rally will give people an opportunity to have their voices heard and
push the National Government to rethink its approach to democracy.
“People want something to hope for, and for change to happen in their communities”, said Nadine Connock. “They are
disappointed and frustrated with the National Government’s failure to listen to them on issues such as the GCSB Spy
Bill, Charter Schools and the undermining of local Council decisions relating to GE free principles.”
While giving members of the public the opportunity to highlight examples of the National Government’s disdain for
democratic principles, the Rally will be positive and good-natured. It will take place outside the Rutherford Hotel from
11am – 1pm on Saturday 10 August. There will be street theatre, entertainment and opportunities for people to
participate and have their voices heard.
Members of organisations concerned with specific issues will bear black flags representing their loss of democracy and
undermining of social and environmental rights. Organisations involved include Nelson Unions, Environmental groups,
Youth Climate Action, GE and GMO Free NZ, Beneficiary advocates, local educators, Aotearoa is Not for Sale and those
opposed to the TPPA and GCSB Bill.
The Rally will then move to the 1903 site at the bottom of the Church steps where community groups are invited to have
stalls offering up their solutions. “People will be asked to put forward their solutions for fixing our democracy and
our communities” said Nadine Connock.
Over 150 people have registered to attend on Facebook, with many more members of the community indicating to organisers
that they will participate. “We expect a positive, solution-focused crowd to attend on Saturday which will send a strong
message to the National Government that we want things to change” Nadine Connock said. "Come along and be part of the
change."
In the lead-up to Saturday's event, local people will be holding a series of entertaining actions designed to provoke
interest in the rally.
Ends