Former Green MP joins National

Wow this is good news. Ian Ewen-Street, who was a Green MP up until a year ago, has joined the National Party, and will me helping write the party’s environmental policy!

The full releases from Don Brash and Ian Ewen-Street are below.

I’m personally delighted. It is incredibly frustrating that the hard left have captured so much of the environmental brand, and this should help correct that perception.

It will be interesting to see the reaction of the Greens!

Don Brash MP
National Party Leader
5 August 2006

National welcomes Ewen-Street

National Party Leader Don Brash today welcomed the decision by former Green MP Ian Ewen-Street to join the National Party and assist its Bluegreens develop environmental policy.

Dr Brash and Mr Ewen-Street met in Nelson today after the former Green MP signed on as a party member.

“National is a broad-based party that welcomes new talent and ideas. I have identified the environment as a key issue on which we want to strengthen our policy platform for 2008,” says Dr Brash.

“Ian’s knowledge, skills and experience will help us achieve that.

“It is a misconception that environmental issues belong to the political left. Conservative politics and environmental policies sit very comfortably together.

“Ian has a strong reputation on environmental issues, particularly biosecurity and sustainable agriculture.

“We will be using his knowledge and skills in the Bluegreens as we develop policies that will ensure New Zealand’s environmental and economic success.”

Ends

MEDIA RELEASE

5 August 2006

Ewen-Street looks forward to contributing to National

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of assisting National build a stronger environmental platform,” says former Green MP Ian Ewen-Street.

“My values and passion for the environment have not changed but I have changed vehicle because more progress can be made on the substantive issues through a major party like National.

“I am frustrated by the lack of progress New Zealand is making on issues like biosecurity, water quality and sustainable agriculture. The likelihood is that National will be the next Government. I want to influence their policy making so there are gains for the environment.

“My discussions with Don Brash about National wanting a stronger environmental platform have encouraged me to join.

“Don and Environment Spokesman Nick Smith have invited me to make a contribution towards National’s environment paper due for release later this year; a role I am excited about.

“I also find that many of National’s other values and principles are ones which I support, hence my reason for joining the party.”