04 November 08

Kiwi Greens in one last push to get out the London vote

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

With the election only days away and polls showing a close result the Kiwi Greens in London are mounting one last push to get expat New Zealanders to vote. Campaigning in the cold at concerts and cafés, the hardy Greens are hoping for a good result after a solid year of campaigning.

Candidate Rebecca Redwood was in good spirits after voting early at New Zealand house, “When I voted I was heartened to see a steady flow of Kiwis coming in, despite the inclement weather. It was very familiar, the same orange signs, the same quiet efficiency, really like voting back home. No queue, no fuss.”

“Its been a fun campaign and I've learnt a lot from talking to Kiwis over here, who have very interesting views on the political situation back home. A lot of people want to keep New Zealand as a beautiful place for when they return, a place where the environment is valued and all people are respected. I have been encouraging people to vote – New Zealanders have the right to vote if they have been back in the last three years and if they don't vote, others will decide for them.”

Rebecca’s co-candidate in London, James Shaw, faxed in his voting papers. “I downloaded and printed my papers, signed them and faxed them in – all in under five minutes. We’re incredibly lucky to live in a country that makes voter participation so easy. I really hope that we take advantage of it – with one in six New Zealanders living overseas, the expat vote could really make all the difference this year.”

Rebecca, James and the Greens will be seeing in the election on the morning of Saturday the 8th of November with a champagne brunch at the Southerner – a New Zealand themed pub in central London. All are welcome to attend regardless of political affiliation – but remember to vote.

ENDS

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