July 25, 1999
Rich Wernham, a strong local campaigner against genetically engineered foods, has been selected as the Green Party
candidate for Rongotai.
Rich, 33, a builder and health product distributor, is an active member of RAGE (Revolt Against Genetic Engineering) and
the Island Bay Organics food co-op. He is also a supporter of several environmental action groups including the
Wellington Rainforest Action Group, Native forest Action and Sustainable Wellington.
Rich is standing for the Green Party because he believes it is time to take personal responsibility for the care of our
world and our lives. His own food allergies and the experiences of illnesses to family members from nuclear testing in
the 1960s and Agent Orange spraying during the Vietnam War has drawn him to the importance of safe foods, a key Green
Party policy.
"I am very concerned that humanity is threatening its own existence through genetic tampering of our food supply," says
Mr Wernham. "As candidate for Rongotai I will be urging residents to cast their Party Vote to the Green Party, to ensure
we reach the 5% threshold and return Green MPs to Parliament."
Green Party Co Leader Rod Donald said he was excited by Mr Wernham's selection.
"It's good news for Rongotai and for politics because Rich has a passion for the GE issue and lots of innovative ideas
which will be strong assets for us in our campaign for safe foods."
Mr Donald said Rich Wernham would appeal to the many polytech and university students who lived in the area.
"It's great to see a new generation getting involved in politics. We need more people who are prepared to get stuck in
to the issues rather than standing on the sidelines, and to back up his commitment Rich brings a freshness and vitality
that is lacking in too many of New Zealand's politicians."
Rich Wernham's candidacy would also appeal to Wellington's south coast residents concerned with issues such as water
quality, sewerage treatment, and overharvesting of fisheries and shellfish, Mr Donald said.
"We are confident Rich will poll well. We have good support in the Rongotai area and the Greens polled well there in
1990, the last time they stood in their own right."
An analysis of Green voting results from the Rongotai electorate in 1990 shows a 13.7% Green Party vote in the
Airport/Breaker Bay area, 13% in Houghton Bay, 11.1% in Hataitai, 12% in Owhiro Bay, 11% in Vogeltown and 17.4% in
Melrose.