Take 5 Disappointed At Nick Smith’s Take On Campaign
Take 5, the new campaign that is questioning the need for New Zealand to rush into lifting the GE moratorium refutes
Nick Smith’s assertions that they are a dodgy and undemocratic campaign, as quoted in the Sunday Star Times today.
They also refute his insinuations that they are financially backed by the Green Party.
“We are a completely independent group with a single focus to get the GE moratorium that is in place extended by a
further 5 years. This will give New Zealanders more time to debate this critical and irreversible decision,” says Greg
Menendez co-organiser of the Take 5 campaign.
“We are also non-political and non-profit. No money whatsoever has been received from the Green Party. We have simply
created a forum where Kiwis wanting to have the moratorium extended can have their say”
“Clearly there is a need for such a forum. We are having to upgrade our computer servers to cope with the number of hits
and votes” says Menendez.
Menendez finds it ironic that Smith should call the Take 5 campaign undemocratic. “68% of New Zealanders want the GE
moratorium extended yet it is the government that is rushing to have it lifted. Where is the democracy in that?
Furthermore what’s the rush?”
The fact that Smith finds it sickening that a mother should care for its child is reprehensible said Menendez.
“Every mother I know makes significant changes to their lifestyle when they know they are expecting. This is all about
creating the best possible environment for that unborn child. We are simply giving expectant Kiwi mums the ability to
vote to extend the GE moratorium for and on behalf of that unborn child,” says Menendez.
Lisa Er co-organiser of Take 5 stated that the campaign is neither for nor against GE. “We are simply saying there is
not enough known to make this call. This is leaving opponents, such as Nick Smith, clutching at straws”.