Progressive selects Vladimir Bell for Rongotai

The Progressive Party has selected Vladimir Bell as its candidate in the Wellington electorate of Rongotai where he will be campaigning for party votes in this year's general election.

"I am very proud to announce that Vladimir Bell will be flying Progressive's colours in Rongotai this election. Vladimir is a first class candidate for our party and I am very confident he will raise the party vote tally for Progressive this year," says Progressive deputy leader, Hon. Matt Robson MP.

"Born in 1958 in Russia, Vladimir graduated from Omsk University with a Batchelor of Science but emigrated to New Zealand in order to build a better life for his family.

"Vladimir, a student at Bowerman School of Design, also takes a leadership role helping new settlers adjust and better contribute to their new society in New Zealand. A former secretary of the Wellington Refugee Council, Vladimir is currently chair of the Wellington Russian Club Charitable Trust.

"Progressive candidates are campaigning for peoples' party vote this year as your pro-economic development and anti-drugs insurance policy," Matt Robson said after the selection meeting.

"If you support increased investment in higher education, favour the economic development of our regions and want politicians to take the tough decisions on youth binge drinking and other youth drug problems, then our candidates' message is Party Vote Progressive".

RONGOTAI - VLADIMIR BELL (04 934 8702)

Vladimir Bell lives in the Rongotai electorate. Born in 1958 in Russia, Vladimir graduated from Omsk University with a Batchelor of Science but emigrated to New Zealand in order to build a better life for his family. Currently enrolled at Bowerman School of Design, Vladimir is also a community worker, a translator and interpreter, a sometime relieving teacher, as well as artist, musician and actor. Vladimir, a keen fisherman and hiker, was baptized Vladimir Zvegintsev in Russia but changed his name by Deed Poll to Ross Bell after coming to New Zealand, although most people still call him Vladimir or Vladimir Bell.

The Progressive Party is a partner in the coalition government first elected in 1999. Its leader, Jim Anderton, is the third ranked Cabinet Minister with responsibility for Economic, Industry and Regional Development and the government's campaign to reduce the harm caused by drugs.

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