30/1/2017 - For immediate release

Fresh Blood for the Greens in Rimutaka

The Green Party has selected French New Zealander Stefan Grand-Meyer to stand in Rimutaka for the 2017 general election.

Some of the issues Grand-Meyer will be tackling if he makes it into government will be inequality, affordable housing, water quality and climate change.

“Our government has failed to tackle the biggest challenges of our time – our democratic system should work for all New Zealanders, not the privileged few. We need to start thinking forward for the benefit of our future generations. Take climate change for example, there is little doubt it is already affecting the Hutt Valley with frequent flooding and what was once considered to be a 1 in 440 year flood in the Hutt area is projected to become 1 in 50 year in the next century, so we have to act now”.

“The Greens are the only ones with a realistic and achievable plan to tackle these environmental and social changes now without hitting our wallets too hard in the future. We want to build a better, safer New Zealand for everyone to enjoy,” says Grand Meyer.

Grand-Meyer is a strong supporter of environmental projects and has taken part in local native tree plantings and Hutt River clean-ups. The water quality of the Hutt River is also an issue that he cares deeply about.

“I love cycling along and swimming in our river, but I’m concerned about the increasing frequency of toxic algae blooms and storm water run-off. We have to pick up our game, we can do better.”

Originally from the South of France, Grand-Meyer moved to New Zealand in 2008 to pursue a career in translation. He has extensive experience in the language, immigration and education sectors. He now works in management at the New Zealand Qualifications Authority in Wellington, and leads an initiative to translate the Treaty of Waitangi into 30 community languages, including Sign Language.

“New Zealand is becoming increasingly diverse. Translating the Treaty will help build a better understanding of our founding document. The translations will be gifted to the people of New Zealand on 17 February 2017. This is a first step towards an inclusive society that embraces everyone,” says Grand Meyer.

“I am very pleased that the Green Party has selected Stefan in Rimutaka, an area where we have the potential to significantly grow the Green vote. It's important that our campaign is led by strong candidates and we are confident that Stefan will be a very effective representative in - and for - the Hutt”, said Green Party Co-leader James Shaw, who chaired the Candidate Selection meeting in the Hutt.

The candidate is also supported by long serving Hutt City Councillor Lisa Bridson and recently elected Hutt Valley Health Board member.

" As well as being passionate about the community and environment we live in, he’s very competent. I hope that he is successful in spreading the good, green message,” Ms Bridson says.

Grand-Meyer has lived with his husband in Stokes Valley since 2014.

–ENDS–

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