4 October, 2004

Bradford becomes first confirmed Green candidate

The Green Party has begun selecting candidates for next year's election, with Sue Bradford the first to be confirmed.

Ms Bradford, who entered Parliament as a list MP in 1999 and was ranked third on the Green list in 2002, was selected as candidate for the Northland electorate at a regional meeting in Kaitaia over the weekend.

"Northland is my home and I feel really honoured to have been chosen to represent the Green Party in the electorate," said Ms Bradford, who lives near Kaitaia. "I've been fighting for Northland since I've been in Parliament, but this is the first chance I'll get to raise local issues, such as the restoration of surgical services 24/7 to Kaitaia Hospital, on the campaign trail.

"Like all the Green candidates, I will be urging voters to make the most of MMP by giving me their party vote."

Ms Bradford stood in the Rodney electorate in the previous two elections.

The Greens hold their second candidate selection meeting on Sunday October 10th, with Co-leader Rod Donald expected to be confirmed as candidate for Banks Peninsula.

"While we are campaigning exclusively for the party vote, selecting the right local candidates is essential to achieving that goal," said Mr Donald. "The Greens have been well-served by the calibre of our candidates in the past and we're looking at standing a very strong team again this election."

Of the current nine Green MPs only one, Ian Ewen-Street, is not seeking selection in 2005. The Greens will close their party list in December and will vote on the order of the list in the new year.

ENDS

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