Media Release - Sunday 11 March 2001

Catherine Judd
President ACT New Zealand

Catherine Judd, newly elected President of ACT New Zealand, said today she was deeply honoured by the vote of confidence expressed in her by ACT members and by its co-founders Sir Roger Douglas and Hon Derek Quigley.

"I look forward to demonstrating through my actions that their confidence in me is well placed."

"The contest between myself and John Ormond has been hard fought but civilised and it has been invigorating for the Party. For many members it has been the beginning of a rekindling of their enthusiasm for ACT and the ideals that captured their hearts and minds when ACT first came into being.

"We now need to capture and extend that enthusiasm to broaden our appeal and build a large, effective grass roots organisation.

"ACT is the party of small businesses, strong families, a fierce striving ethic, and a compassionate, cohesive society. We need to present that reality to the wider public."

"We must in particular build constituencies among women and young people. We need to translate ACT's messages into human terms and use language and images that people can relate to, rather than just logic and argument."

Ms Judd said she would take the "high road" in ACT's journey.

"While I want ACT to grow, it must not be at the expense of our principles. We must always remember that we are a party of influence, not one of expedience."

Ms Judd said identifying, recruiting and training high quality candidates would also be a top priority.

"Our candidate quality is high, but I will seek to raise it further. I think that a sense of duty, competence, integrity and passion are key requirements for all candidates."

Ms Judd describes her leadership style as active and inclusive and said she intends to stay close to the membership.

"I know I will be helped in this task by my excellent deputy, Vince Ashworth, whose long and outstanding track record in the party will be invaluable."

ENDS