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.”
August 5th, 2006 at 4:30 pm
Well – that came from out of the, err, green. Good on Ian. Has he indicated that he wants to stand for Parliament again, or does he simply want to contribute as a member?
August 5th, 2006 at 4:34 pm
Mate, if you think Islam treats apostates somewhat harshly then watch for the response from the left at this news.
August 5th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
Have to say, I was expecting a press release like this – except with Stephen Franks’ name on it instead!
August 5th, 2006 at 4:53 pm
He always seemed better suited to another party.
August 5th, 2006 at 5:00 pm
um…he was pretty much a non-event on every level….when he was in the greens…
and there weren’t even pretences at ‘crocodile tears’ at his departure..
so..seeing him pop up with don and nick is no surprise..really..eh..?
like finds like…eh..?
(mind you..he could make the don look charismatic..eh..?..that could be a bonus for you natties..eh..?)
and aaron..of course he’ll want to be on the natty list…
phil(whoar.co.nz)
August 5th, 2006 at 5:02 pm
ha ha ..the ‘tau henare’ of the green party..
now you see him here..now you see him there..
phil(whoar.co.nz)
August 5th, 2006 at 5:47 pm
Phil – yeah, so much of a non event the party ranked him number 9 (or so) on the list, so he was a Member of Parliament for you…
total non-event ahy….!
August 5th, 2006 at 6:54 pm
um..chris…as for him getting in….it was a matter of him being in the right place at the right time..eh..?
and that he was there at all..and at nine..is in part explained by the sth island domination of the party…
and the need for a green ‘working farmer’..
(tho’..(ahem)..investigations as to the efficacy of the ewen-streets farming endeavours could prove to be somewhat..um..embarrassing.?)
and his role as party whip in parliament was almost a make-job…
he wasn’t really (ahem) suited for any other role..
so chris..my contention stands…
but hey..!..you’ve got tau henare…!
and so one thing you have proved..is..that you sure as hell ain’t fussy..eh..?
shine on..you crazy diamonds..
phil(whoar.co.nz)
August 5th, 2006 at 8:52 pm
I think this is an interesting move Fitzsimmons has been turning tricks for Klark since the death of Rod Donald and given us a fine impersonation of a lap dog, I believe we will have a very interesting result at the next election, irrelevant of who is at the helm of the National party. To The Don’s credit he looked very comfortable with the press release and the subsequent
interview.
I’m no greeny but the use of 10/80 has got to stop, I’ve witnessed the results and don’t agree with its use at all.
It may be time to start blogging internationally about 10/80’s indescriminant use in this country, once NZ’s tourist market is tainted then the politicians and users of this crap may look for alternatives.
August 5th, 2006 at 9:15 pm
Does Don believe in global warming and Kyoto?
“Dr Brash also spelt out the criteria for National’s decision on whether it would retain New Zealand’s membership if it led the next Government.
In order for National to justify participation in the protocol, it would need to be convinced that global warming was occurring and that the sacrifices were commensurate to any potential gain. ”
NZ herald 22-06-05
At least labour and National agree on genetic engineering but to the anti thesis of the Greens.
DPF says I E-S will be helping write nationals enivironment policy. Poor Nick Smith, cant convince a lion to become a vegetarian so he gets a turkey to help him
August 5th, 2006 at 10:22 pm
Cheer up you still have Commrade Keith.
Unless the mothership has finally shown up.
August 5th, 2006 at 11:09 pm
There are a lot of small business owners in the Green Party so it must be frustrating for them to be a vehicle for the hard left.
August 6th, 2006 at 12:33 am
actually..ewen-street leaving the greens and going to national brings to mind muldoons’ old joke about kiwis moving to aussie…eh..?
phil(whoar.co.nz)
August 6th, 2006 at 10:48 am
For Phil … biting well in the true tradition of poodles. Methinks you protesteth too much.
August 6th, 2006 at 11:18 am
ross miller…um..just who’s poodle am i…?
if you are insinuating it is the greens..i’m sure many of them could put you straight on that..eh..?.
tho’ i am curious as to the markers you use to evaluate poodledom…please advise..!
(or do you not evaluate..?..is that just one of your favourite cliches/catchphrases..?..probably..eh..?..)
i’m just having fun..ross millar…chuckling over this new added wrinkle in/to (your?)national party dysfunction…
now..what other retreads should the nattys recruit..?
hang on…i don’t think the awatere-huatas are that busy these days..
why don’t you give them a call…?..see if they are up for a ‘conversion’ to the the ways of the don..eh..?
it’s amazing what the sniff of another parliamentry (padded) seat will do..
it will turn many a head…eh..?
phil(whoar.co.nz)
August 6th, 2006 at 12:20 pm
“Does Don believe in global warming and Kyoto?”
I hope not because global warming is a farce and Kyoto is an expensive farce.
August 6th, 2006 at 2:21 pm
You don’t have to ‘believe in global warming’ to be concerned about the environment. I am delighted at the way ‘rich’ countries are cleaning up their act. It must have been amazing when fish returned to the Thames. I want all countries to operate in clean fashion – so I want to open up trade and spread education and skills and democrocy and peace to as many countries as fast as they can take it.
BUT global warming is PC nonsense and that fact that you have to ‘believe’ in it speaks volumes. No-one ‘believes’ the earth revolves around the sun – we know it.
August 6th, 2006 at 4:01 pm
So Phil … can’t I have my fun too? Really enjoy when those on the left bite back because it can’t be to much fun being ‘one of them’ now days … you know, having to defend the undefensible and all that (TFF et al).
The similarity between wots happening with your mob and the dying days of John Major’s Conservative Government is somewhat striking aLthough I must admit you haven’t sunk to level of selling off peerages as per Tony B (you know, the person ‘She’ likes to champion)but, no doubt if you hadn’t done away with Sirs and Dames the thought just might have crossed Mike Williams’ (or Trevor Mallard’s) mind. Now, that should get you going on a cold wet afternoon.
August 6th, 2006 at 6:10 pm
You people are all ignoring the real issue here!
Does Don believe in the tooth fairy????
August 7th, 2006 at 8:39 am
um..ross..as an exercise in bear-baiting…that one rated 2/10…(and that 2 is for effort..)
the only thing it got me ‘going’….was deciding now was a good time to get ‘going’ to make a cuppa..eh..?..and maybe have a yawn/bum-scratch at the same time…eh..?
phil(whoar.co.nz)
August 7th, 2006 at 8:40 am
Why would this be *good* news? That anybody who was once a Green MP has anything to offer the National party is just an example of how stupidly desperate the nats must be to jump on the PC bandwagon.
This guy will most likely be a poison rather than a potion. Good God, Nats…. surely you can formulate policies of your own with people of your own…?
August 7th, 2006 at 9:19 am
Aaron said:
“Have to say, I was expecting a press release like this – except with Stephen Franks’ name on it instead!”
Interesting. I heard him give Don Brash’s immigration speach a month or two back. Wondered if there was a link.
August 7th, 2006 at 9:43 am
I think Stephen would make an excellent contribution to National should he wish to join.
How-ever former MPs going from ACT to National is not a huge surprise. Going from Greens to National is far more so.
August 7th, 2006 at 10:01 am
David, “will me helping write the party’s environmental policy!”
Not meaning to pry (and arriving at this thread a little late) just what is your background in environmental policy? It doesn’t seem to shine through as an issue on this blog and your roles in market research and for InternetNZ seem good cover for a hitherto hidden talent.
I would rather National dusted off Simon Upton, who I am a pretty big fin of. I would go so far as to say he was the best Min of Env. the country has seen and it would help your credibility if he could be persuaded to contribute to your policy.
August 7th, 2006 at 10:12 am
Noddy – it is Nick Smith being quoted as writing the environmental policy, not me.
August 7th, 2006 at 11:23 am
David, oh, thanks for clarifying. Your opening sentence reads: “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!”.
I think I misunderstood the typo.
August 7th, 2006 at 11:25 am
“BUT global warming is PC nonsense ”
Our climate scientists are really sure it’s real. Nice to know that you know better.
Do the maths. Take the nonsense that non-experts like Auer spout when they claim that anthropic global warming isn’t real, check his sources, spend half and hour reading up on the carbon cycle, and do the bloody maths. And then you’ll see that doubters like Auer (or Fred Singer, since Auer’s arguments are all copied verbatim from Singer) are talking crap. And if you are incapable of doing the maths and checking up these claims yourself then either:
(a) learn
or
(b) trust the experts, who conclude that anthropic global warming is real
or
(c) decide that global warming is a farce because it’s trendy for right-wingers to believe it’s a farce, and to hell with science.
August 7th, 2006 at 10:18 pm
Brian
Mate, if you think Islam treats apostates somewhat harshly then watch for the response from the left at this news.
In response JF has posted this on the Green site:
Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons wishes Ian Ewen-Street well in his newly chosen home, the National Party.
“I’m not surprised by his choice. Ian was increasingly at odds with our caucus over recent years. He wanted to support National Party legislation, and their moves in select committee to water down environmental initiatives. He also wanted to support Labour’s legislation on the Foreshore and Seabed, and was uncomfortable with the Greens’ commitment to the Treaty.
“I do wonder how he will get on with the National Party’s endorsement of genetic engineering, an issue he did care deeply about, and with their denial of climate change.
“MPs sometimes do change their political affiliation. We wish him all the best, and hope he can find some issues in the National Party that he wants to work hard on.”
August 8th, 2006 at 12:23 am
Logix:
Well, sorry in advance if this offends some people, but the Greens fundamentalist attitude toward genetic engineering is suspiciously close to the US religious right’s blanket anathema on stem cell research. I’m sure Ewen-Street is going to be involved in some (to put it politely) free and frank exchanges of views on envirtonmental policy, but he’s a big boy and am sure he can tell the difference between a broad-church political party and a cult.
August 11th, 2006 at 8:52 am
I figure Ewen-Street has his work cut out if Brash’s latest statements reflect National’s environmental policy (http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00139.htm ).
Far too many of this country’s rivers have been sacrificed to hydro dams. Perhaps Ewen-Street can point this out.
August 16th, 2006 at 1:19 am
Not only is this good news, it’s interesting too. The National Party seems to have decided to recruit high calibre candidates and party members from a range of sectors and other organisations. These recruits have helped tobring a range of new expertise to the partyin general and the parliamentary party in particular. The process appears to emanate from Judy Kirk and I believe began with the recruitment of Don Brash. Others in this mould are Tim Grosser, Bob Clarkson, Alan Peachey, Tau Henare and now Ian Ewen-Street.
Who else might be comming? Perhaps Kiwiblog could set up a poll/betting forum on this?
Possibles include:
John Tamihere (if he learns to control his tongue)
Merepeka Raukawa Tait (if her religous afiliations don’t get in the way)
Jerry Matepaerae (once he leaves the army), Mark Weldon (CEO of the NZX)
Muriel Newman (if Act doesn’t cry),
June McCabe
Alison Quesnel(if she steps back from the EEO and the Small Busines Advisory Group).
David, it could be good if you started a thread on this theme so we could see some ideas and see what people think.
August 16th, 2006 at 1:20 am
Not only is this good news, it’s interesting too. The National Party seems to have decided to recruit high calibre candidates and party members from a range of sectors and other organisations. These recruits have helped tobring a range of new expertise to the partyin general and the parliamentary party in particular. The process appears to emanate from Judy Kirk and I believe began with the recruitment of Don Brash. Others in this mould are Tim Grosser, Bob Clarkson, Alan Peachey, Tau Henare and now Ian Ewen-Street.
Who else might be comming? Perhaps Kiwiblog could set up a poll/betting forum on this?
Possibles include:
John Tamihere (if he learns to control his tongue)
Merepeka Raukawa Tait (if her religous afiliations don’t get in the way)
Jerry Matepaerae (once he leaves the army), Mark Weldon (CEO of the NZX)
Muriel Newman (if Act doesn’t cry),
June McCabe
Alison Quesnel(if she steps back from the EEO and the Small Busines Advisory Group).
David, it could be good if you started a thread on this theme so we could see some ideas and see what people think.
August 16th, 2006 at 1:21 am
Not only is this good news, it’s interesting too. The National Party seems to have decided to recruit high calibre candidates and party members from a range of sectors and other organisations. These recruits have helped tobring a range of new expertise to the partyin general and the parliamentary party in particular. The process appears to emanate from Judy Kirk and I believe began with the recruitment of Don Brash. Others in this mould are Tim Grosser, Bob Clarkson, Alan Peachey, Tau Henare and now Ian Ewen-Street.
Who else might be comming? Perhaps Kiwiblog could set up a poll/betting forum on this?
Possibles include:
John Tamihere (if he learns to control his tongue)
Merepeka Raukawa Tait (if her religous afiliations don’t get in the way)
Jerry Matepaerae (once he leaves the army), Mark Weldon (CEO of the NZX)
Muriel Newman (if Act doesn’t cry),
June McCabe
Alison Quesnel(if she steps back from the EEO and the Small Busines Advisory Group).
David, it could be good if you started a thread on this theme so we could see some ideas and see what people think.
August 16th, 2006 at 1:21 am
Not only is this good news, it’s interesting too. The National Party seems to have decided to recruit high calibre candidates and party members from a range of sectors and other organisations. These recruits have helped tobring a range of new expertise to the partyin general and the parliamentary party in particular. The process appears to emanate from Judy Kirk and I believe began with the recruitment of Don Brash. Others in this mould are Tim Grosser, Bob Clarkson, Alan Peachey, Tau Henare and now Ian Ewen-Street.
Who else might be comming? Perhaps Kiwiblog could set up a poll/betting forum on this?
Possibles include:
John Tamihere (if he learns to control his tongue)
Merepeka Raukawa Tait (if her religous afiliations don’t get in the way)
Jerry Matepaerae (once he leaves the army), Mark Weldon (CEO of the NZX)
Muriel Newman (if Act doesn’t cry),
June McCabe
Alison Quesnel(if she steps back from the EEO and the Small Busines Advisory Group).
David, it could be good if you started a thread on this theme so we could see some ideas and see what people think.