Comments on: Rod Donald RIP

By: DG

DG — Sat, 03 Dec 2005 03:40:19 +0000

Written by Celia Hope & read to the Hamilton celebration of Rod’s life

Not just your average politician
with high ideals that become eroded
by the Power Fix
Politics did not tar you
with that brush of promises not to be kept.
You did not need to tell lies
to cover up actions that defied your cause.
You did not need to cover up!
You stuck to your principles, your beliefs,
kept your integirty,
Found ways to keep promises
and not offend.
You were the chamion for so many things.
Since Iheard you speak with so much logic
compassion, repect for others,
more than ever
I try to “Buy New Zeland Made:,
or products of
“Fair Trade”.
For so many things you will be remembered,
For me,
when I check a package or a label,
and more than ever
I have a voice to speak
and to be heard.

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By: Diana

Diana — Tue, 22 Nov 2005 20:51:20 +0000

I’m late to log on to this blog, but here are some of my memories.

In the mid 90s when the Greens were still part of the Alliance and Timberlands were logging on the West Coast, I was a fledgeling journo at RNZ’s glamourous Greymouth outpost. One day Rod Donald strode into the newsroom and announced that he was the ‘buddy MP’ for the West Coast. You’d think given the views of most Coasters at the time that he’d find relatively few buddies. But he was so likeable, even our crusty station manager welcomed him with amusement. And he was a buddy to me, taking an avuncular interest in my welfare and dropping by for impromptu chats. My secret nickname for him was ‘Tigger’ – he was long, lopey, gingery, and of course, bouncy. He brought possum fur finger puppets after a visit to a South Westland factory (one for me, three for his daughters). He kept in touch occasionally when I moved to RNZ Wellington – even ringing on my last day to wish me well. Last year, (living in Christchurch by now), I was roped into a fund-raising trivia night for the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) at a bizarre nautically-themed pub complete with crow’s nest and rigging. Rod was there, working the crowd. On spying me (and recognising me, to my amazement after all those years), he immediately asked to join our team (we came third). Prizes included boxes of “Peace Tea�? adorned with slogans such as “Make Tea, not War�? and “Arms are for Linking�?. An unexpectedly hilarious and unforgettable evening.

To me Rod was a true extrovert – charismatic in his idiosyncratic way, confident but not egotistical; gaining energy from his focus on others. His people skills were superb. Now he has gone I realise the comfort I drew from knowing Rod was ‘fighting the good fight’ – whether it was taking a sustainable message to conservative businesses, or his lone stand with the Tibetan flag – and that at all times he would be gracious, credible, and unflaggingly reasonable.

Sincere condolences to Rod’s family for the loss of such a vibrant man, and to the Greens – kia kaha, may the way forward, onwards and upwards become clear. As Rod’s ongoing legacy I like many others will continue to consider the political impacts of my purchases, to carpool whenever I can, and to reduce energy use and waste at home and at work.

Diana Leufkens
Landcare Research

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By: garbanzo

garbanzo — Sun, 20 Nov 2005 03:51:13 +0000

I met Rod for the first time just weeks before he died, and still find it hard to believe that such a warm, intelligent, dedicated man is no longer with us. He has done so much for us all in his short lifetime, and I hope his death will serve to rally together the people who want to shape a positive and sustainable future for this country, its coming generations, and the wonderful world we live in. My hearfelt condolences go to his wonderful brave wife Nicola and their children.

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By: Susie Brown

Susie Brown — Sat, 19 Nov 2005 10:08:00 +0000

I remember Rod asking the Greens to wear our Green badges routinely, not just prior to an election. He wanted us to be available for conversation with members of the public. While the non-Green public is still interested in Rod, I want to find my badge and wear it in his honour.
Can we produce a “Buy NZ Made” badge so that we can carry on his vision?
I am still shocked by his passing.

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By: Ryan Garland

Ryan Garland — Wed, 16 Nov 2005 09:39:54 +0000

My name is Ryan Garland. My relationship with Rod Donald extends from my membership with the Green party, most particularly in Dunedin during the GE free campaign.

Rod I found to be one of the most caring, kind hearted men I have met. I found his passion and relentless drive for the green cause very inspiring. He was both practical and idealistic, while being very outspoken on issues based on their moral and ethical basis not on the popularity it bought him.

Like many of you, I am still in shock from the news of his death. However, I felt sadness not only for his wife, family and the Greens but for humanity as a whole. Rod lived and died for a cause which in my opinion has not yet seen full fruition. A cause which has founding principles of :

Ecological Wisdom,
Of Social Justice,
Of appropriate decision making,
and non violence.

I believe, the state has a responsibility to protect us from the externalities of capitalism, the by products of corporate greed. We must protect ourselves from ourselves and learn to live within the ecosystems not against them.

The cause he was fighting for will go on, and it will grow in support and it will succeed, this is inevitable. This is only a question of time.

We will miss you Rod.

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By: crazychemgeek

crazychemgeek — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 01:26:42 +0000

I would just like to say that Rod Donald’s loss is not just a loss to his family or to the Green Party – it is a loss to all New Zealand whether they are members of the Green Party or not. His work in Parliament has been untiring and it falls to the rest of the Party to continue with his work.

My condolences to his family and also my thanks for lending New Zealand this wonderful person.

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By: Blair Crafar

Blair Crafar — Sat, 12 Nov 2005 13:44:56 +0000

My sympathy to Rod’s family and friends.

Still hard to believe he has left us. He had so much more left to do and was one of the few that could be the superb politician and the decent human being in the one breath. He has done so much for his community and that will never be forgotten.

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By: resistantsoy

resistantsoy — Sat, 12 Nov 2005 02:17:24 +0000

I like many others considered Rod a true inspiration, someone who could take on the worst of them with complete integrity. I’m gonna miss the man who made me smile in a regular basis, a true warrior for human rights and sustaining the planet we live on.
Bye Rod

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By: aarono

aarono — Fri, 11 Nov 2005 10:53:53 +0000

I feel a sense of loss with Rod’s passing that I find surprising, in the way that perhaps Rod has influenced me more than I realised. It seems to be the loss of a leader on issues for which I have a growing interest; and that, perhaps, at least in part because of Rod. He has been called a Kauri and rightly so, and he will always be a Kauri. For that, I hope his influence will endure.

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By: Joy Maskell

Joy Maskell — Fri, 11 Nov 2005 03:57:08 +0000

I will remeber Rod for his colourful humour, his quick and perceptive mind and his determination, against all opposition, to pursue his environmental and life enriching goals.

His legacy will, I’m sure, live on through those with similar goals.

Sincere condolences to all those close to him.

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By: littlemissy

littlemissy — Fri, 11 Nov 2005 03:27:22 +0000

I had the pleasure of meeting Rod when he was campaigning at Otago University where I’m studying Politics. Never have I met someone that so immediately inspired respect, admiration and liking. Out of the many political representatives that I met this year, Rod was the only one who truly took the time and interest to talk to me without his only agenda appearing to be securing my vote. His sudden death was an enormous shock, and a tragic loss for New Zealand and all those who believe passionately in ’saving the world’. Condolences to his family, colleagues and friends. RIP Rod, you will be sadly missed.

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By: Matt L

Matt L — Fri, 11 Nov 2005 03:13:19 +0000

Rod was the type of politician we should cherish: committed, sincere, articulate, humorous, and visionary. His ability to come over as decent and principled while also remaining an ‘ordinary bloke’ meant that he could reach out to people who would otherwise dismiss the Greens.

The news of Rod’s early death is all the more poignant in the UK given that the Green Party of England and Wales last year similarly lost its Principal Speaker, Mike Woodin, also at a tragically young age. The best tribute to him has been to endeavour to continue his campaigning work with the level of vigour that he frequently displayed, and I am sure Rod would have wished for a similar legacy.

Matthew Ledbury
Oxford Green Party, UK

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By: alistair

alistair — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 13:26:08 +0000

Rod! You did more than anyone to change NZ for the better, these past couple of decades. You were the driving force for MMP; and then you demonstrated how it should work. This may seem trivial, but I bitterly regret that you never had the chance to be a minister. You would have been a good one, for sure. And, though the pitfalls are many, probably a great one.

You trod that fine line between boneheaded idealism and sell-out. It’s a high wire. So few succeed in that balancing act. You were the best.

Your office asked me to help set up a meeting with French Greens; this would be four years ago, I think. I brought you home for a 24 hour rest in a busy international schedule. You bought organic icecream for my kids, and lovingly showed me photos of yours. My heart goes out to them today.

Alistair Connor
France

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By: johnston

johnston — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 06:19:44 +0000

Yes Rod died too soon but he did more with his life than many who live much longer. I was particularly impressed by his stand on Zimbabwe and the cricket tour.The loss to the country is great, that to his family greater as more personal. May he rest in peace and may those who remain continue to work for the same ideals.

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By: NADER

NADER — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 05:44:46 +0000

i’ve used hammers made out of wood
i have played games with pieces and rules
i undeciphered tricks at the bar
but now you’re gone, i haven’t figured out why
i’ve come up with riddles and jokes about war
i’ve figured out numbers and what they’re for
i’ve understood feelings and i’ve understood words
but how could you be taken away?
and wherever you’ve gone
and wherever we might go
it don’t seem fair…today just disappeared
your light’s reflected now, reflected from afar
we were but stones, your light made us stars
with heavy breath, awakened regrets
back pages and days alone that could have been spent, together..
but we were miles apart
every inch between us becomes light years now
no time to be void or save up on life
you got to spend it all..
and wherever you’ve gone
and wherever we might go
it don’t seem fair…you seemed to like it here
your light’s reflected now, reflected from afar
we were but stones, your light made us stars
and wherever you’ve gone
and wherever we might go
it don’t seem fair…today just disappeared
your light’s reflected now, reflected from afar
we were but stones, your light made us stars

Lets continue Rod’s work
Thankyou from Aotearoa New Zealand

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By: Euan Mason

Euan Mason — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 05:20:19 +0000

Rod, I agreed with much of what you stood for, and when I disagreed it was over means, not ends. I’m shocked and saddened that you are no longer with us. May we all remember your way of being in the world and aspire to treat others as well as you did.

My condolences for all those who were close to you, especially your family.

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By: moralpanic

moralpanic — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 03:20:48 +0000

Rod, you were a thoroughly decent man. I feel such sorrow for your sudden passing. My thoughts are with your family, friends and colleagues. There will be a huge gap in their lives which will likely never be completely filled.

We, who remain behind, must continue your unselfish work and redouble our efforts to reclaim justice, peace, and sustainability for our world.

Rest in peace, while we continue where you left off.

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By: iriwar

iriwar — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 02:49:32 +0000

Here’s a further tribute from another far North Greens member:

“It was on Rod’s inspiration that I first joined the Green party, and like so many others I held him in high esteem for his values, commitment and wonderful personality. This loss to his friends and especially the Green party is inestimable. We can only carry on his good work, but without our strong and steadfast friend. Farewell Rod. “

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By: frogmaster

frogmaster — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 21:49:11 +0000

another that arrived via email…

Rod Donald Reminds

not ecological perfection
but keeping square
accounts with each other
& Earth

no mystical clichés
of marvelous societies
but rubbing along well enough

anyone imagining
a deserving more
than us rest, keeping
this to themselves

& children knowing
everywhere
thriving waits …

such simplicities
yet so much urging
needed to have
them in minds

Bernard Gadd

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By: iriwar

iriwar — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 20:15:02 +0000

Far North Greens started their own condolence book: Here are the tributes so far:

After initial disbelief of the sad news, I felt angry about the injustice that out of all people it had to be Rod Donald.
Throughout the recent election campaign he was the one person I really liked listening to. Even when he and the green Party was attacked he would always have the right answers.
Unfortunately I ‘ve never had a chance to meet him personally, but I admired Rod Donald greatly.
Monika Naera, Omapere, Hokianga

Talk about leaving a hole! The loss that Rod’s death has brought to us all will be felt for a long time. We will remember him at every ripple of politics. What would Rod have said or done? So he has left us a legacy — to think that thought and to reflect on it and to act. The issues closest to his heart must remain those closest to ours. Rod’s family and friends, the Caucus, and all the workers who shared his dreams have my condolences. They also have my determination to ensure that we continue to work for a Green future.
Judy Reinken

I met Rod many times over the twenty-plus years of his and my involvement in the Values and Green parties. He always greeted me like a friend with warm hugs. Conversations were lively, amusing, serious and always thought-provoking. On at least two occasions we had long phone conversations about issues we were not in total agreement about – at least, we agreed on the substance but not the means to achieve it. He was co-leader, I was a foot-soldier, but he listened to what I had to say and acknowledged his shift in view as a result. That is real consultation!He came up to Hokianga to support me in my campaign two elections ago, stayed at our house and travelled about with me, taking me into radio stations and newspaper offices, charming them all and getting wonderful publicity for me and the Green Party. He was great company on the road and I learnt a lot as well as enjoying myself – this seems to be a classic Rod experience.Cellphones didn’t work in Hokianga then, so it was mightily frustrating for him to have to wait a day or more until we got far enough out for his phone to ring. He’d been out of range for less than 24 hours, but there were dozens of calls lined up.He was a great communicator in the best sense. I am utterly stricken that he is not with us any more.
Janine

We all need to take a leaf from Rod’s book of strength, integrity and honesty and make this country of his a better place for everything and everyone, in his memory. If we can all achieve a portion of what he succeeded in, we’ll be going in the right direction.
Hugely missed and left us far too soon just as folk were starting to understand where Green politicians were coming from., thanks to Rod.
A hard act to follow, so let’s follow it.
Love to you and your family,
Kristen Khaine & Terry Higginson
Kaitaia Greenies.
“Wai Wurri Organics”

Rod – I didn’t know you very well, but wish I’d known you better. How awesome this country would be if the Beehive was full of Rod Donalds.

Arohanui, JK

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