Media Release: Keep MMP
Sunday November 6, 2011

NZ's best known and loved writers add their support to keeping MMP

As support continues to grow for keeping MMP in the referendum on November 26, a group of top New Zealand writers have added their voice to the campaign.

Author Philip Temple, a spokesperson for the Keep MMP Campaign, says "It is brilliant that so many of our best known and loved authors have been willing to support the campaign to keep MMP, the most democratic voting system available to elect our governments."

The writers on MMP’s top twenty list include authors from Auckland to Central Otago, a mix of young and old, of men and women. It includes authors writing in all genres, from revered children’s author Margaret Mahy to internationally renowned novelist Witi Ihimaera. From honoured poet C.K. Stead to historical novelist Jenny Pattrick.

Philip Temple says, "The range of writers here reflects how MMP is so representative of the country we live in. Most of these authors have been honoured, not only for individual books, but also by the state for what their books and wider work have contributed to the country and community"

The writers join former All Black captain Anton Oliver, singer Don McGlashan, film maker Gaylene Preston, Bishop of Waikato Archbishop David Moxon, former test batsman, coach and selector Glenn Turner and others in supporting the retention of MMP.

The writers are:

Tessa Duder, Auckland.
Fiona Farrell, Banks Peninsula.
Maurice Gee, Nelson.
Patricia Grace, Porirua.
David Hill, New Plymouth.
Lynley Hood, Dunedin.
Witi Ihimaera, Auckland.
Fiona Kidman, Wellington.
Anna Mackenzie, Hawkes Bay.
Owen Marshall, Timaru.
Margaret Mahy, Christchurch.
Vincent O’Sullivan, Wellington
Jenny Pattrick, Wellington.
Neville Peat, Dunedin.
Emily Perkins, Auckland.
C.K. Stead, Auckland.
Vanda Symon, Dunedin.
Brian Turner, Central Otago.
Peter Wells, Napier.

More information about the campaign is at www.keepmmp.org.nz

Ends.

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