MEDIA RELEASE Tuesday, 14 October 08
Rob Hamill to stand for the Green Party

Final Green Party candidate announced

Trans-Atlantic rowing race winner Rob Hamill will be calling on Taranaki-King Country to "Party Vote Green" in the upcoming General Election. While Rob has excelled in winning, his candidacy rounds out the Green Party's Final candidate list by being the last to be announced (see attached Green Party list).

In 1997, Rob Hamill and Phil Stubbs completed the Atlantic Rowing Race in 41 days, 2 hours. This feat was not only a world record, but they were also 7 days ahead of their nearest competitor. Rob has also won a silver medal at the World Championships in 1994, gold at the Commonwealth Regatta, and a world record on the indoor rowing machine. He also represented New Zealand at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. Rob is a motivational speaker and the author of the 'Naked Rower'.

"Although political ambitions have never registered highly with me, when Jeanette Fitzsimons asked me to consider standing in Taranaki-King Country to highlight the importance of a Party Vote for the Greens, I found it difficult to say no," says Rob, who lives at Te Pahu in the north of the electorate.

The Green Party List below number 30 is in reverse alphabetical order, putting Rob at 56 (out of 67). He joins Whale Rider star Rawiri Paratene, (46 on List, Maungakiekie) as a well-known New Zealander standing for the Green Party this year.

Jeanette Fitzsimons, Green Party Co-Leader says "Rob's determination, positive attitude and sheer grit in rowing across the Atlantic in a small boat have been an inspiration to us - they are the same qualities a small party needs in politics. We re delighted to have Rob on our team."

In June this year, Rob polled 13,803 in the WEL Energy Trust elections, the highest polling candidate as the broad Power Discounts Team swept ACT President Garry Mallett's Power Rebates group from office.

Mr Hamill says "It's clear that the Greens are the only Party with a commitment to driving policy towards a sustainable future. For example, serious issues like the scary implications of genetically engineered food barely register with the major parties, as they lock horns over tax and interest rate cuts.

"Likewise, when the very real benefits of organic farming are mentioned, the shutters go down. Organic farming is a win for the economy, the environment and an endorsement for our 'clean green' image internationally."

"Giving the Greens our Party Vote is essential to get any kind of long-term thinking into Parliament and Government, on behalf of our future generations."

ends

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