Press Release: 6.47pm Sunday 6th November 2005
MADENZ Salutes The Great Rod Donald.
It is with the greatest of sadness that MADENZ has learned of the sudden death of Green Party Co-Leader Rod Donald.
"There is an old saying that goes something like this... 'politicians are like bananas, they start off straight and
green, but end up bent and yellow'. After ten years in politics, Rod Donald was an exception to this rule", said MADENZ
founder Judith Bell from Mount Maunganui today. "Rod was straight and there was no question to his colour."
During the build up to the recent election, Mr Donald was a lone voice in promoting a Buy New Zealand Made campaign.
"I recall the last time I met Mr Donald," said Mrs Bell. "It was one week out from the election. Rod spoke as
enthusiastically as ever about the Green Party's push to succeed in securing government approval for a Buy New Zealand
Made campaign. And he was walking the talk. Rod proudly declared that he was dressed from head to toe that evening, in
clothes and shoes made by New Zealanders, for New Zealanders."
"While Rod Donald's sudden departure from the New Zealand political landscape seems a complete and utter waste and is a
terrible loss to his family, to the Green Party and to the causes he supported - MADENZ for one, will not slacken in its
vigour to support Rods dream in regard to a Buy New Zealand Made campaign. To that end MADENZ will continue to fight
even harder to educate New Zealand consumers and politicians on the obvious benefits and importance of supporting
locally produced goods and services."
"Kia kaha. We will keep up the good fight".
Judith Bell
Founder of MADENZ