Thursday, 5 August 2004

Democrats Gather for Conference

New Zealand Democratic Party delegates from across New Zealand will gather in Christchurch this weekend for the Party's 51st annual conference.

While Leader Stephnie de Ruyter noted the conference would focus on core policy development & election campaign strategy, topical issues such as fluoridation, infrastructure funding options, rising debt levels and binding citizens initiated referenda would also get a thorough airing.

Controversial agenda items include a remit proposing a written constitution and another advocating the abolition of the Maori seats.

"Guest speaker David Tranter's address on rampant bureaucracy, with particular emphasis on the health sector, will certainly give delegates plenty to think about", Ms de Ruyter said.

"Debate will be lively. Robust discussion is always a feature of Democrat conferences, and this one will be no exception."

"The Democratic Party offers much needed solutions to New Zealand's recurring economic and social problems. We are excited and passionate about taking our message of real reform into the public arena, rather than simply revisiting the tried and failed policies voters have experienced for the past 30 years. This conference will be the trigger for positive change for our country and all its people", concluded Ms de Ruyter.

ENDS

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>