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Greens Mourn New Zealand Green MP Who Led Democratic Reforms GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES Thursday, November 10, 2005 Contacts: US Greens Pay Tribute to New Zealand Green Rod Donald WASHINGTON, D.C. -- American Greens sent their condolences to the New Zealand Green Party over the sudden death of co-leader Rod Donald at the age of 48 on November 5. "Rod Donald is a name Greens will long remember, here in the U.S. and throughout the world," said Tony Affigne of the International Committee of the Green Party of the United States. "His vision showed the way, towards real democracy, respect for the Earth's people and environments, and global peace. We will miss him very much." Mr. Donald led the national movement in New Zealand for proportional reprensentation (PR) in national elections, which was enacted after a national referendum in 1993. He had been recently re-elected to the New Zealand Parliament and was preparing to be sworn in on November 7, when he died suddenly of unknown causes. Mr. Donald also led negotiations between the Greens and the New Zealand Labour Party, which resulted in a new national government. The policy concessions exacted by New Zealand Greens include a renewable energy policy and 'buying Kiwi' (purchase of locally made goods). Mr. Donald made several visits to the U.S., where he met American Greens. The Green Party of the United States has placed PR, instant runoff voting, and various other reforms at the top of its agenda, and has called the reforms pioneered by Mr. Donald and other New Zealand Greens an inspiration. "Rod had a vision - and a plan - for a just, peaceful and sustainable world," said Lynne Serpe, a Green political organizer who lives in New York and the campaign manager for David Cobb's Green presidential run in 2004. "His brilliance, compassion and his unfailing belief that we need to leave this planet safe and healthy for future generations brought him respect and admiration across party lines." "New Zealand has lost a great leader. I have lost a great friend. I will miss him enormously," added Ms. Serpe, who worked for the New Zealand Green Party Members MORE INFORMATION Green Party of the United States
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