Liberal Publication Launched To Promote "Dialogue And Debate"

An exciting new political document is being launched today by United New Zealand.

'Wide Awake' an e-zine will be launched on the website www.wideawake.co.nz this morning. The interactive publication will include a range of articles on current issues. The magazine will have a broadly liberal focus.

United New Zealand leader, Hon Peter Dunne, says the objective of Wide Awake is to promote dialogue and debate on liberal issues as well as providing useful information for readers.

"We will be actively encouraging readers to correspond by sending in letters to the editor or submitting their own articles. We are aiming to promote an interactive concept - something people can react to and put forward ideas to," says Mr Dunne.

He says 'Wide Awake' will be edited off site to ensure it retains a non-parliamentary focus. "We are determined it does not become a gossip sheet about parliament or be to strongly associated with parliamentary issues at the expense of broader societal themes. Liberal issues will be to the forefront.

"We see a gap in the marketplace for a publication that encourages such debate and with the recent success of liberal parties in Europe, such a publication will draw on international themes in addition to the New Zealand perspective.

"While United New Zealand is the principal sponsor of 'Wide Awake' its broad focus on liberal focus should ensure it has a readership beyond the environs of Wellington politicos. We will ensure this through the issues being promoted and its independent editorship this is achieved," says Mr Dunne.

Wide Awake will be published on-line two monthly with the second issue due in early July. Contributions can be e-mailed to editor@wideawake.co.nz or by fax to (04) 499 7266.

"We look forward to ensuring 'Wide Awake' is a success and welcome all feedback," concludes Mr Dunne.

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