MEDIA RELEASE

Sunday 30 January ‘05

Democrats Welcome New President

Auckland management consultant Neville Aitchison was today appointed Party President by the Democrat Executive at its quarterly meeting.

Mr Aitchison was last year elected Vice-President at the Democratic Party’s annual conference in Christchurch and has held a number of senior leadership positions during his many years as a political activist.

“The Executive is pleased to announce Neville’s appointment to such a key position during this election year” said Party Leader Stephnie de Ruyter. “I have no doubt that he will prove to be a valuable addition to the leadership team: Neville will bring his own specialist knowledge, experience and a keen sense of humour to the role. Democrats welcome his appointment.”

Mr Aitchison succeeds John Pemberton who relinquished the presidency in favour of a role as a senior candidate for the Democrats.

“I have appreciated the calm, common sense approach to internal party politics adopted by John Pemberton during his term as president,” said Ms de Ruyter. “He saw the Party through a difficult transition phase and did a great job. I’m certain that John will be an outstanding candidate and am delighted that a man of his calibre has chosen to promote Democrat policy on the hustings.”

Mr Pemberton said his two year tenure as president had been challenging but rewarding. He said that his main focus for 2005 was to take the social credit message to New Zealanders and that he was looking forward to the new challenges that would present.

The Party’s constitution does not allow the president to hold any other position.

ENDS

© Scoop Media