Russel Norman
Russel has been involved with politics all of his adult life, working as a policy researcher, assistant to Green Members of Parliament and most recently as campaign manager for the Green Party. He says that his academic background - he has a doctorate in politics - "gives him an analytical approach, which is helpful", and he singles out conservation issues as his passion. "Being an activist may seem a weird career choice" he comments "but I feel obligated to use my talents and skills to fix things where I can"
I have a long history of grassroots organising hence I have an understanding of, and commitment to, change on-the-ground. I have a good understanding of the green vision and the ability to communicate it to a wide range of audiences I have three years experience working in the parliamentary system. I know that I can do the job well. I am committed to ensuring that the parliamentary team and the grassroots stay connected.
Work and life experience
Green Party National Campaign Manager (from December 2004)
Previous employment: Green Party Researcher/Advisor 2002-4; Executive Secretary to Sue Bradford 2001-2; Out-of-Parliament Secretary to Keith and Nandor 2001; Researcher/marker for Unitec Not-for-Profit Management course 2001; Organic market gardener and native bush regeneration 1998-9; Farmhand on organic farm 1997-9; PhD Scholarship 1996-7; Gardener 1994-5; Car assembly-line worker 1990-2; Sheetmetal worker 1989-90; Nurse's Aid 1988.
Qualifications and training
BA (Hons), PhD (politics).
Political background
Green Party: Convenor and Treasurer, Magazine Board 2004-5; Member, Executive Communications Committee 2003-4; Green candidate, Rimutaka 2002; Party Representative on Caucus 2002; Co-Convenor, Auckland Greens 2001; Editor, Auckland Provincial Newsletter 1998-9. I joined the NZ Greens in 1997. Actively involved in rebuilding the Waiheke and Auckland Green organisations and in the local and national election campaigns in 1998-9. I was active in Australian Greens 1995-6.
Policy interests: Conservation (a passion); Health (I was the Green parliamentary researcher). We need MPs who have the flexibility to cover a range of portfolios. As a researcher I've covered food safety, trade, foreign affairs, housing, community sector, and more.
Community and other involvement
Wellington Forest and Bird 2002-4; Initiator and Co-Convenor Auckland GE Free Coalition and Coordinator of first big GE Free rally 2001; Member of Friends of Cactus Bay 2001.
I was involved in many environmental and social justice campaigns in Australia eg. student fees, union issues, Aboriginal land rights, peace, and native forest logging.
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