18 June, 2004

Ewen-Street to step down in 2005

Green list MP, Ian Ewen-Street has announced that he will not be standing at next year's election.

"It's been an enormous privilege to represent the Green Party in Parliament but the birth of my daughter, Ysabella, has caused me to re-assess the priorities in my life and I'm looking forward to spending more quality time with her and my partner, Sue," said Ian.

Ian entered Parliament in 1999 and served as the party musterer (whip) for three years. He has been a member of the Primary Production Select Committee since 1999.

"One of the highlights for me of my time in Parliament has been the progress we have made in advancing organic agriculture in New Zealand. This includes successful Green Budget bids and the Organics Inquiry that I initiated in the Primary Production committee, which has culminated in the introduction of national standards for organic production and a sector strategy for the industry."

Ian currently has a private member's bill on the order paper which would restore the moratorium on the commercial release of GE. He will retain his current portfolios and remain an active member of the Green caucus and Parliament till the next election.

Ian travels to the United States on Saturday to represent the New Zealand Greens at the US Greens' Presidential Nomination Convention in Milwaukee, from 24th - 27th June.

"I wish the Greens all the best at the next election and will be working constructively to help us increase our vote," Ian said.

Co-leader Rod Donald said that Ian had made a significant contribution to the Green Party and the organic movement in New Zealand.

"Ian's worked hard to realise his vision of New Zealand being an organic nation by 2020 and will leave Parliament knowing he has helped progress us towards that goal," Rod Donald said. "While we will miss Ian's experience and commitment, we understand and support his decision to be a fulltime father."

ENDS

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