Russel Norman for Mt Albert - a message from Russel

Kia ora koutou,

I’ve just been selected as the Green Party’s candidate for the Mt Albert by-election. I wanted to get in touch with you straight away – to tell you why I’m running, and to ask for your help.

We’re putting up a Co-Leader as our candidate because a lot of what’s important to Auckland is important to the Green Party. Our vision for a sustainable, fair, peaceful, and democratic Aotearoa resonates with many Aucklanders, particularly in Mt Albert, which is one of our strongest electorates in the country.

It’s true that I’ll be the underdog, but I think we can put together a great campaign and really hold the big guys in the old parties to account on issues like healthy local democracy, a transport network that really works for Aucklanders, clean water, and every Kiwi’s right to a fair go. It’s also a chance to build our Party and reach out to Auckland more than ever before.

Should the Green Party pull off an upset win in Mt Albert, the Chief Electoral Office has advised that another list member, Dave Clendon, would join the Greens in Parliament. Getting a 10th MP, of such a high calibre, would really be the icing on the cake. It’s important for you to know that no matter who wins the Mt Albert seat it will have no impact on the Government’s majority in Parliament. And, I also want you to know that if I win, I’ll move back up to Auckland.

Next comes the ‘how’ and that’s where I need your help. To run an outstanding campaign we’re going to need the energy, passion and resources of our whole movement. Please help:

· Campaign on the ground in Mt Albert. We need people for doorknocking, leafleting, putting up billboards, scrutineering on June 13, data entry, helping at public events and meetings, liaising with community groups. Please contact Tony.Dunn@greens.org.nz my campaign manager.

· Donate to the campaign fund. We've already raised $14,000 but to run a serious campaign our goal has to be $40,000. You can contribute directly by setting up an AP or making a one-off donation to the following account:

12-3037-0366843-00 Green Party Auckland Province Reference: MAC (Mt Albert Campaign)

· Join the digital campaign. We’ve set up a campaign page at www.greens.org.nz/mtalbert which you can visit to keep up to date with the latest Mt Albert by-election news. You can also follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/RusselNorman , or become my supporter on Facebook and encourage your friends to as well!

· Build a bigger movement. Do you know people in Mt Albert who can help? Please send them this email or ask them to contact my campaign manager Tony Tony.Dunn@greens.org.nz .

We’re planning weekly updates to our Auckland Green Party members; if that’s not you but you’d like to get updates please email me Russel@greens.org.nz .

Thank you for all your hard work over the coming weeks.

Finally, thanks to the Mt Albert branch. I’m proud to be your candidate.

Russel