02 June 2000

Media Advisory Green Party Conference

The Green Party annual conference starts today in Turangi with the boost of a 60 per cent rise in membership since the last election.

Green Party co-leader Rod Donald said 900 people had joined the party within the last six months.

"I think the influx of new members shows that people find our honest approach to politics refreshing. Our conference will be no different - there'll be plenty of honest and open discussions over the next four days."

"This is very much a working conference; focusing on policy-setting processes, party structure, 2002 election strategy and planning for next year's local body elections." 130 delegates have registered for the conference.

Co-leaders Jeanette Fitzsimons and Rod Donald will speak on Saturday morning, and two new party co-convenors will be elected on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday morning the party's five new MPs will each report on their first six months in Parliament.

Australian Green MP Lee Rhiannon will be the key note speaker on Saturday evening. The conference will close Monday at midday.

The conference is being held at Turangi Holiday Park, Turangi (07) 386 8754. Most sessions are open to the media - please call the Green Party media office for an agenda.

Gina Dempster will be in Turangi for the conference: 021 1265 289 Jonathan Hill will be in the Wellington office on Sunday afternoon: 021 110 1133 or 04 470 6719

Rod Donald MP: 04 470 6660 or 025 507 183 Gina Dempster, Press secretary: 04 470 6723 or 021 1265 289

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