13 June 2006

Fitzsimons welcomes extra pair of hands

New Green Party Co-Leader Russel Norman is to take responsibility for speaking on the areas of trade, economics and electoral issues, Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says.

"Russel will add another pair of competent hands and expand the capacity of our Green team," she says.

"Russel's strengths are a good match for the portfolios that Rod used to hold and I am delighted Rod's work will continue in safe hands.

Dr Norman said he was keen to take up the reigns of trade, economics and electoral issues.

"The Green Party has consistently been the only party that has taken a principled position around fair trade. Rod was very vocal in the public domain on this issue and I intend to continue to put forward that position.

The issue is also intertwined with economics, which Dr Norman will share with Ms Fitzsimons.

"We have had Keynesian economics, we've had neo-liberal economics it's now time for New Zealand to explore Green economics," Dr Norman says.

"On electoral issues I intend to investigate ways to prevent groups, such as the Exclusive Brethren, from attempting to unduly influence election campaigns through secret million dollar campaigns," Dr Norman says.

ENDS

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