2 November 2005

Turei appointed as musterer

The Green Party has appointed Metiria Turei musterer (whip) for this term of parliament.

She replaces co-leader Rod Donald so he can devote more time to a Buy Kiwi-Made campaign that he is developing in conjunction with the Government.

The Greens have just held a two-day retreat to discuss Parliamentary strategy and the campaign.

At the retreat the caucus agreed to support Clem Simich for the role of deputy Speaker having already announced their support for Margaret Wilson to retain the Speakership.

"We have always supported the principle of these two positions being shared by the Government and opposition parties in the same way that we are keen for select committee chairs and deputies to be shared in proportion to party size," Mr Donald says.

"Given the close election result it would be a positive move for the whole house to endorse both Margaret and Clem in these respective roles."

ENDS

Note: Mr Donald will officially hand over the whip and the crook at next week's caucus meeting on Tuesday at 10am.

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