hikoi hope for democracy

The arrival of the Hikoi of Hope is a Springtime sign that people expect a more democratic New Zealand, says Greens Co-Leader Rod Donald. "When I spoke to hikoi participants in the South Island last weekend, many rightly cited lack of jobs, expensive housing and poverty as reasons for this march from the two ends of New Zealand to Parliament," he said.

"But there's an even bigger issue - the key to why people have walked toWellington, and that's the need for more democracy in this country. "Mr Donald, former spokesperson for the Electoral Reform Coalition which successfully campaigned for the MMP voting system, said New Zealand hadyet to see the full flowering of a true MMP Parliament where government was shared in a more constructive, environmentally-friendly and intelligent way, as is promised in the recently-elected German coalition with Green MPs.

"With the certainty of an early election, this scenario is very possible in New Zealand," he said. Mr Donald said the power of the hikoi was that people from across New Zealand, from across the political spectrum, from many spiritual outlooks, many races, backgrounds and positions in society had come together to take a message to politicians, and to the nation.

"That message, fundamentally, is that democracy is not working – the Government is not listening and its agenda is failing New Zealanders." Mr Donald warned the marchers that walking was not enough. "You have been walking for change. Tomorrow I invite you to vote forc hange. If you don't elect leaders who are willing to listen, who are willing to learn, who are willing to change their behaviour and make decisions in the best interests of all New Zealanders then you will find yourselves walking again and again and again."