Media Release

For immediate release - Friday, 29 November 2002

Agreement on Public Choice

Tomorrow (Saturday 30 Nov) Dunedin Members of Parliament from both sides of the house will sign the Dunedin Single Transferable Vote poll petition. Local MPs Pete Hodgson and Katherine Rich, from the Labour and National parties respectively, will sign the petition at 11:20 am at the Otago University Students' Association office on Cumberland St.

The petition calls for the Dunedin City Council to hold a public referendum early next year on whether to retain First Past the Post voting or adopt STV. Next year local health boards will adopt STV for their next elections, and many campaigns are being run across the country to give the public the choice to adopt STV for their local authorities.

STV Action Group Spokesperson, Lyndon Weggery said "The main advantage of STV is that all significant viewpoints are represented in proportion to their true level of support." Because of this improved level of representation over FPP STV has been in use in both MP's traditional areas of support - it has been used by various trade unions and businesses alike.

Weather Warning - currently the Wellington airport is closed and may not be open in time for tomorrow's signing. Media will be advised ASAP of any postponement or alternate plans.

Further information

Lyndon Weggery (03) 477-9852 (wk) (03) 487-6008 (hm)

Sam Huggard 021-1810508 (cell)

Mark Baxter (03) 477-6974 (wk) 021-1146-753 (cell)

ENDS

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