Meeting will get Wellingtonians up to speed on the big political issues

The Alliance Party is hosting a "3 speakers 3 issues" meeting in Wellington on Thursday 29 April. It's free and open to the public.

Transport, water privatization and local government are three areas where there are major concerns for many people about the direction of New Zealand and its current National Government.

Three expert speakers will give short presentations on their topic, followed by a brief opportunity for questions.

The aim is to catch Wellingtonians on their way home for a convenient but informative political update, and to learn about ways in which they can influence what is going on.

Transport will be covered by Alliance transport spokesperson Trevor Hanson.

Mr Hanson is the former General Secretary of the Maritime Union of New Zealand and New Zealand Waterfront Workers' Union.

He says the development of shipping and rail is the answer to the environmental and social backwardness of the National Government's moves to promote heavy trucking.

Water is a basic necessity which we take for granted. But access to water is a growing global issue.

Maria McMillan of Right to Water, a Wellington based community group, will speak about how we can stop user pays and privatization of household water supply.

Local government has been in the news lately with the Auckland "Supercity" and the replacement of elected regional councillors in Canterbury with unelected appointees. Is local democracy under threat?

Wellington regional councillor Paul Bruce of the Green Party will discuss the issues.

The meeting will be held at 5.30pm at Connolly Hall, on Guildford Terrace off Hill Street, Thorndon, Wellington on Thursday 29 April 2010.

Parking is available.

ENDS

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