Greens Promise Strong Campaign In Wellington Central

Green MP Sue Kedgley was last night selected as the Green Party's Wellington Central candidate for this year's general election and is promising to run a strong campaign.

Ms Kedgley said this year the Greens have set themselves a target of doubling their party vote in order to increase the number of Green MPs in parliament. At the last election, the Greens achieved their second highest party vote in the country at 9.6 per cent.

"While I am primarily campaigning for the party vote this time electors will also have the opportunity to vote for me as their local MP.

"Wellington Central has always been a key electorate in New Zealand politics and the Greens have a strong and established base in the seat."

Ms Kedgley was born in Wellington and has lived in the city nearly all of her adult life. A list MP for the past two years, she has campaigned on GE, safe food, animal welfare and transport issues. She has also been involved in local Wellington campaigns to stop the by-pass and keep open space on the waterfront.

"As a former councillor on the Wellington City Council for seven years I am passionate about the future of this city and have spent many years of my life trying to foster and protect what makes Wellington special," she said.

"I have a thorough understanding of the issues facing this city and a strong record in advocating for a better Wellington."

Ms Kedgley said she believed the Green vision for sustainable, liveable cities with state of the art public transport and technology and clean, safe environments would resonate with Wellingtonians.

"In particular the Greens will promote a transport strategy built around fast, convenient and efficient light rail and other public transport, and an end to the bypass.

"Other key issues for the Greens in Wellington are preserving open space on the waterfront, in particular finishing Chaffers Park, preserving the city's heritage buildings and encouraging young people to stay here."

As well as standing in Wellington Ms Kedgley will play a leading role around the country in the Green Party's election campaigns on genetic engineering, safe food, animal welfare and public transport.

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