18 March 2008

Kedgley to stand in Wellington Central

Green Party MP Sue Kedgley has been selected as Green Party candidate for Wellington Central.

Ms Kedgley has been a Wellington-based Green MP for eight years and was the Green party candidate in the previous two elections. A born and bred Wellingtonian, she was previously a Wellington City Councillor for eight years.

"We intend to fight in a vigorous campaign in Wellington Central," Ms Kedgley says.

"Wellington Central is the highest polling Green electorate in New Zealand, and we hope to get 20 percent party vote this election."

Wellington needs strong Green representation, to give substance and voice to the Council's commitment to making Wellington the world's first Green capital, she says.

"The Greens have had a significant influence on Wellington over a number of years. We have helped to save the trolley buses; stop the Johnsonville line from being ripped up and various heritage buildings from being bowled. We have also vigorously promoted public transport. If Wellington is to become carbon neutral, we need a strong Green voice in the capital."

Ms Kedgley predicted that climate change, the impact of rising oil and food prices and transport would be significant issues in this election.

"A key election issue will be whether Wellington opts to invest in light rail and improved public transport or to build yet more tunnels and roads.

"Another issue will be the future of the public service in Wellington, and the impact that severe cuts in the number of public servants in Wellington could have on the quality of public services throughout New Zealand. John Key has already indicated that a National Government would slash the public sector but voters in the capital will not be fooled into questioning the important work public servants do in developing and delivering public services. Wellingtonians need to be aware of the impact slashing public servants would have on the Wellington economy."

Ms Kedgley said the Green Party valued the public service and regretted the fact that its workers had become the latest scapegoats in the election campaign.

ENDS

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