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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Sincere condolences to all those close to him.