by frog
As you may have heard, Rod Donald died suddenly last night.
As Jeanette has said, this is an incalculable loss to the Green Party and to the country.
Arrangements are being made for his funeral and memorial service, I’ll let you know the details as soon as I’m aware.
Please consider this to be the condolence book for Rod.
Published in Parliament by frog on Sun, November 6th, 2005
Tags: environment
on the trolls and those who are unable to keep on topic
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your work was invaluable……and i don’t know them..but my thoughts are trying to be with your family..and the sorrow and loss they will be feeling..especially your children…
their loss is also our loss….the green party and new zealand….you are a man who left your mark….
i hope you rest in peace…
phillip ure
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respectfully
BJ
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Cya Rod, you’ll be missed
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You’ll be missed Rod.
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Only after the last tree has been cut down, Only after the last river has been poisoned, Only after the last fish has been caught, Only then will you see that money cannot be eaten.
Cree Prophecy
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My condolences to Rod’s family. He will be missed.
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Rod has done a lot in his life in such a sort time.
God be with Rod and his family.
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Rod, I remember, wasn’t too fussed. The party was mainly for the benefit of the press gallery, and as he’d ensured there was plenty of Founders organic beer on offer, he knew there wouldn’t be any complaints.
Cheers Rod. I admire your passion, but moreso your principled pragmatism.
You will be missed.
Matt Nippert
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A talented guy but fate has it’s way. He’ll be very well missed.
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“‘Tis the gift to be simple, ‘tis the gift to be free,
‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain’d,
To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed,
To turn, turn will be our delight
‘Till by turning, turning we come round right.”
Perhaps Rod did die too young, but I’d hope he never felt far from the “valley of love and delight” of a life properly lived with honour and grace according to the light of principle. God know there are too many of us who will live an age without being able to say the same.
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Oh no, Rod!
We send our love to all of you who loved him.
David and Dianne Gatward
East Coast Bays
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On a parliamentary note, what’s going to happen leadership wise? Jeanette as sole leader and Sue Bradford as deputy? Sue Bradford as co-leader? No replacement?
And Jeannete being 60 means she may want to retire some time in the not-too-distant future. Make note.
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Mar a tha
Mar a bhitheas
Gu brath
Ri tragadh
‘S ri lionadh.
They shall be remembered for ever,
They shall be alive for ever,
They shall be speaking for ever,
The people shall hear them for ever.
You inspired me, Rod, and you made me laugh. Thank you.
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RIP Mr Donald
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Thank you!
” “I’m ready,” he said at last. And Jonathan Livinston Seagull rose with the two starbright gulls to disappear into a perfect dark sky.” Richard Bach.
Arohanui
Be at peace and God bless.
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Rod, thank you for never putting a tie on and being true to what you believe, I will never ever forget you.
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Unfortunately it is only since his death that I have learned how extraordinary he really was and what a difference he made in the communities he served.
A sad loss to New Zealand- if only there were more in parliament with his passion and integrity.
Best wishes to the Greens and his family.
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Though he is gone, he will not be forgotten.
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It’s hard to find a politician with such an unblemished political career.
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You were greatly respected by many and you made a difference.
Its sad for you to have been cut down in your prime.
A great loss to one and all.
Sincere condolences to family and friends.
Rest in Peace Rod.
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My condolences to his family
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We will feel his loss and can only hope to continue his work.
His mana is strong, long live his spirit, we will miss him.
This is a sad day for our country, we can only hope it is recognised as such.
Good on you Ron. For giving so much and for being an inherently good person.
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so sad so sad so sad
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Pegasus Bay Coast Care
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In my experience, Rod was unfailingly good humoured, energetic and generous. He was a kind friend to me and my daughter whenever we met.
I might not have agreed with all of Rod’s politics, nor his tactics, but I had a huge amount of respect for him as a leader. The brilliance of the Green’s co-leadership set-up meant that his strengths and weakenesses complimented Jeanettes. His drive, charisma and intelligence will be a hard act to follow.
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Rod will be missed, and his memory will not be forgotten.
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Hhe was both intelligent and principled, neither of which quality figures in abundance in Helengrad’s corridors of political power. A sad day indeed.
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My sincerest condolences to your wife and children. I’d sure their sorrow is beyond description.
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Dave West
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His drive, intelect and rational thinking will be missed. I wish his family and his co-workers well.
You will need to keep the green movement alive not to make his loss in vein.
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In Rod’s memory, I will do what I can.
Catherine May
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Much love and respect,
Julia Espinoza
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Kia Kaha Rod,
Thank you for everything, Mother Nature would be proud.
Bel
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Much too young, with so much more to give us!
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Paul Harris
IFES Yemen
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Your memory, work, and thirst for life and justice will continue to guide and inspire us in more ways than we can imagine.
We will endeavour to honour your legacy by continuing this fight and carrying this torch, with the Green flame burning bright.
On behalf of the Campus Greens at Auckland Uni, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude for all you’ve done, for the countless individuals you’ve touched and inspired, and for showing us that humanity can have a heart, soul, and face.
RIP, Rod.
Our thoughts and condolences too go out to Rod’s partner Nicola and his three daughters.
- Shawn Tan
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I support Greem policies generally, and I don’t agree with all of the politics that he espoused, but:
I admired his commitment.
I admired his honesty.
I admired his enthusiasm
I admired his determination.
I admired his strength.
I admired his ability.
Rod demonstrated, by his life and work, that it is possible to deliberately step aside from the selfishness and self-centeredness that defines our current version of “civilisation”. He demonstrated that an honest man can, by example, show us a better way to live, to care for the environment, and to look after each other. He showed us that here is a better way to live.
I draw strength from his example. I am inspired by his life and works. I am reduced to tears by his passing.
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Rest in Peace Rod.
Terence
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This man has left his mark, he has left this country a better place for his being here. I for one am going to go away and have a long hard think about the extraordinary example he has left us.
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Aroha
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Quote”
Rod demonstrated, by his life and work, that it is possible to deliberately step aside from the selfishness and self-centeredness that defines our current version of “civilisation?. He demonstrated that an honest man can, by example, show us a better way to live, to care for the environment, and to look after each other. He showed us that here is a better way to live.
I draw strength from his example. I am inspired by his life and works. I am reduced to tears by his passing.
Unquote”
*nods*
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Condolences to his family.
He will be missed.
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My heart & prayers go out to his wife & young daughters, & they should know they are in the thoughts of many NZers tonight.
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My condolences go out Rod’s family and the party. You will be missed by all of New Zealand.
We will never forget a man as great as you.
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I worked with Rod closely on the National Executive of the ERC from 1988-91. Rod was one of those people I looked to as a role model and would often fiund myself asking “What would Rod do?”.
A treasure. A giant. A great person. A seeker of justice, protector of the environment and champion of democracy.
A huge hole left. A big job still to do for the rest of us. But so much already done.
Thank you.
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Kennedy Family
North Shore
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He is a loss to Parliament, and not just the Greens.
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By
W. H. Auden
——————————————————————————–
Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead.
Put crepe bows round the white necks of public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East and West.
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever; I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
Although I knew him little…..what I did know of him means that more than anything his impact on the world will be a huge loss…We once shared a goal and although a small goal with limited contact to achieve it his passion, direct nature and his energy was inspiring. His courage and determination of his views are things I aspire to and hope that in some way I will use his sudden and tragic death to kick me in the bum to move on with some of my own goals……. Goodbye. Will miss your smile in the local supermarket……..best wishes and extreme sorrow and condolances to his partner and children. A tragic waste……. Sally
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My thoughts and prayers are with Rod’s family, his many friends and the Green Party.
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All the Free Trade/Tibet smiles
All the Hope, the Integrity, the Strength,
All the dodgy pa systems on all the campuses
All the banners, the marches, the supporters
All the love
All the negotiations
All the friendship
All leads to this moment
All of us must pass through
Arohanui Rod, haere ki te po.
Much love to Nicola and your daughters, Rod was one of nature’s true gentlemen, you have been blessed by his love, please accept our love and blessings as you travel this last hard journey with him.
Kerry Tankard
and my children, Louisa, Stephen and Georgina, tha banner bratz of the anti-war marches
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Boot & family
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You will be sorely missed.
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My thoughts and prayers go to his family, colleagues and friends.
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But what a darned shame. I didn’t always agree with Rod on everything, sometimes he annoyed me heaps, but I have known him since 1975 in Values Party days. I quoted him several times in my book Healthy Money Healthy Planet and I guess he never lived to read it ( – or the writings of a lot of other people who quote him either.)
I once organised a meeting with him on community banking in Wellington and it attracted a huge audience. He was so good to work with.
Then I think Rod lived every day with so much enthusiasm. He achieved so much in his 48 years there is nothing to regret! His daughters have every reason to be very, very proud of a life of dedication to justice and a better world for all children to inherit.
A big hug to you Rod for being such a good man and a good leader who did what he could do. And Nicola I will be there on Friday in Wellington. Kia kaha you wonderful woman for supporting him in his chosen political career.
Deirdre Kent
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Rod was a man of principle, integrity and vision, and had the ability to communicate all three with tremendous enthusiasm. While not all his policies were to my taste, I always admired his strength of character and his refusal to cater to political expediency.
We truly are the poorer for his absence, but can console ourselves that we have been enriched by the time we shared.
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Rod – “Facing the future”.
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You were an inspiration to us all. Life and New Zealand will never be the same without you. You are and always will be an induring reminder of what it means to give a damn about something.
We will miss you
Tara
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when i read the news on the internet i had to do a double take thinking there must have been an error.
my ciondolences for some reason go out to jeanette, the green party, the labour party, his family and friends.
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An inspiration to us all.
Condolances to his family, friends and the Green Party.
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He will be missed sorely.
Kia kaha to his whanau.
Rest in Peace Rod
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Very sad.
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The times that I met him I was only ever given respect from him even though he was an important and extrordinarily busy man he always patiently and enthusiastically gave me his attention and a thoughtful response.
This is a huge loss to the Green movement and party.
I will genuinely miss him deeply.
And to his family:
Rod was a truly wonderful man who will be missed by thousands of people. You have every reason to be immensely proud of what he has done and how has done it.
My deepest deepest sympathies.
Zane Gilmore.
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My condolences to all those mourning. Do not be too sad, but celebrate his life, as he celebrated life.
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sustainability. He probably gave far too much of himself at a cost to his
family and in the end to his own self. I well remember the warm way
he welcomed me to the Greens when I moved over from New Labour.
We will all miss him very much. I extend my condolences to his family.
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My condolences to his family, and to the Green Party for losing a great leader.
Harrison
London
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To lose such talent makes us all poorer.
I suppose we must be thankful that Rod gave us so much and was so inspiring but it is so cruel that he was taken so early. Oh if only….
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Words can’t express the loss :,(
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A crying shame and a sad loss. Indeed, a mighty tree has fallen.
He cannot be replaced.
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Kia Kaha to his family in ChCh and the Greens everywhere.
Tom
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From the Wellington Trade Aid Trust
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Kia kaha Rod. We will keep up the good fight.
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All my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues.
Alison
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Only The Good Die Young
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We all owe him a huge debt of gratitude for what he has offered our beautiful country, and will each have to work twice as hard toward the future he envisaged.
Peace
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I had watched him prior and through out the elections and what stood out most was Rod Donald’s integrity. He was a person who appeared to walk his talk and talk his walk, then meeting and speaking to this great man….and as I told him, BRAVO! He smiled and blushed alittle and said brightly, thank you.
New Zealand aND the world is a better place because of Rod Donald being born. The universe was smiling when he came through.
My Condolences to his family, his party and all the New Zealanders he served.
BRAVO! Rod BRAVO! A life well spent.
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Karen Summerhays
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It was to soon and so mean to see young people to die so young.
He has made a inpact in the contury in the past and what he has planned for the future will not sit there and be wasted I am sure they will happen,
Thank-you Rod for what you have done for NZ.
My condolences to family and friends and colleagues my thoughts are with you all
God Bless they family and friends and colleagues RIP Rod
McPherson Family
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My deepest sympathy to Rod’s family who can be so proud of him.
Now let the tears flow…let the songs be sung.
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As an impassioned believer in the sanctity of our planet and the value of ourselves, I am sad to lose one who so clearly and effectively espoused many of my beliefs. Deepest sympathies to Rod’s family and friends. Rest well Rod.
- Cam
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Rod impressed me with his incredible drive, energy, enthusiasm and commitment to his principles and to the party, yet he always combined this with an unfailing humour and friendliness which made him so approachable and warm. To have lost him so young and in the prime of his career, is an incomprehensible tragedy.
I shall miss his lovable grin, the warmth of his greetings and hugs, the interest he took in all the details of the party and its work, and of course the extraordinary contribution he made to the work of the Green Party.
I wished many times that he would slow down and take a break, but that was not Rod’s style – he loved the cut and thrust of politics and the excitement that each new day brought. Rod loved life, and loved people, and loved the environment, and he was – and always will be – greatly loved by so many.
This is a terrible and cruel blow to his family, to the party, to his many friends, and to the country. Thank you Rod for your friendship and for your tireless commitment to the cause of promoting peace, justice, and humanity.
Rest in peace mate, I will miss you terribly.
Michael Pringle
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condolences to the family, and to all green party members. our thoughts are with you.
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Rod, by all appearances, appeared to be a great man of strong conviction who stood as an example to all of what a true leader of this country should be. He remained a man of conscience in a world that is continually striving toward greater heights in the me-me culture or turning to more cynical or apathetic perspectives.
Thank you Rod for your services to our country, and well done for remaining true to your character and living your life to help others live theirs better.
You will be missed.
Dorking Road Flat
Brooklyn
Wellington
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I am so sorry.
Rod,
We will miss you sorely.
The essence of your inspiration, vision and “style” will live on.
In the Aoraki Greens we must see that it does.
Kathleen Guy
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This is a huge loss…
I hope his focus on fair trade, human rights and Buy NZ will gain further support in his passing.
Peter Russell
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When I read the news this morning I was deeply shocked. Rod’s death is a loss to New Zealanders and New Zealand.
I did not agree with Rod’s politics, but shared many of his underlying ambitions for New Zealanders and people generally. Hopefully we can use his inspiration to improve the living standards for people across New Zealand and across the globe.
May Rod rest in peace. May his energy and spirit live on.
Lukas Schroeter
Fukuoka
Japan
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So sorry.
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A devastating day for Rod’s family and for NZ.
We have lost one of the few politicians ever, with integrity and vision, who was motivated by economic and ecological wisdom and not by power and self interest. He was a peace-loving dynamo who gave everything to his ideals. His struggle is now over and we have to proceed without him.
This world has a chance of being a better place because leaders like Rod Donald have influenced enough people to start making changes for the better.
Like a lot of Kiwis I personally feel the loss of nature’s politician. He was an intelligent statesman with drive and a sense of equity and humour. He did not hold expedient principles. He was a highly principled person with a demanding agenda. He shouldered a big workload. He appeared to have good relationships with most other MP’s plus the Media.
Thanks Rod for your dedication to the green movement and the people of NZ, and thanks for your leadership which has seen the gradual improvement of NZ’s environmental outlook.
John Brooks
Matamata
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my deepest sympathy and condolences. I wish these two words could somehow say more; to somehow lessen your pain by showing that it’s shared by so many. For Rod’s gift of himself to public life did touch many – friend and foe alike. If you could accept hugs from a stranger, I offer them. Thankyou for sharing this man with us – we will remember him with pride.
To the Green Party:
As a recent prodigal returnee, I voted for the first time in New Zealand this last election [the first time EVER actually...]. The Greens turned up in Opawa with the Peak Oil video and Rod spoke. At 39, I finally began to sit up and take notice. In giving myself a crash course in social, political and environmental history I discovered that I actually wanted to make a difference – and Rod [as my local candidate] was there as an [almost daunting] example of how one person can stand up in this country, and with the courage of their convictions REALLY make a difference. Take heart from the knowledge that because of people like Rod and yourselves, other New Zealanders are waking up to this too.
Every day, you draw a thin green line in the sand, and ask us not to cross it. Every day, it seems, the line gets drawn deeper into the heart of New Zealand. But people are beginning to prick up their ears. Every election, regardless of the vote tally, more people HEAR what you have to say. Keep saying it with the clarity, integrity, and tenacity that Rod brought to our parliment; keep it rational; keep it clean – and more will come to understand what this line that you would hold really stands for.
Respect to you all. Shock and grief will give way to courage and resolve.
We should honour our fallen by LIVING.
To all of New Zealand:
Though many may not realise it, or prefer only to see the bicycle-wielding caricature, Rod Donald has actually left New Zealand a legacy of positive belief, thought and deeds that will last for generations. Imagine if each of us could have the same said about them.
Rod GAVE a shit, New Zealand – so should we. With him gone there’s a helluva lot of slack to be picked up.
Cheers Rod. Have one for us from time to time – ’cause we’ll certainly be having one for you.
Jamie Fergus : – ) >
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Verica
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Let New Zealanders the world over continue Rod’s work with the simple idea that we CAN make the world a better place.
Arohanui to Rod’s family, friends and party from Syracuse, New York
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A rousing Hear, hear! to Clairenz’s comment above that “New Zealanders the world over continue Rod’s work with the simple idea that we CAN make the world a better place.”
My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and fellow travellers.
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Once again our thoughts go out to his family and his political family.
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Our sincere and gentle thoughts to his loved ones.
So much has been written here, of truth, respect and love. We agree.
Kia kaha. Joy & Paul. Taranaki.
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Kia kaha
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My condolences to all who knew him.
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Peace,
Galen
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I loved the “Not made in China” badge and how he was so hands-on with everything. An absolute inspiration and his torch of integrity shown brightly in Parliament.
Let’s keep Rod’s Green Dream alive…
Arohanui,
NICKY WILSON-KELLY
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My sincerest condolences first and foremost to his family and to his friends and colleagues at their great loss.
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Aroha nui,
Lisa
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Cheers Rod,
Geoff
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He is a truly great loss to humankind. May we all carry on his fight and continue to let his light illuminate our lives. What a great loss.
The Donald family and the Green Party are in my thoughts and prayers.
Arohatinonui,
Luisa
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Hana
Wellington
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Arohanui
Jeremy
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I know that other members of the party and supporters will carry your inspiration onwards. Your loss touches us all, and calls us to stand in our own power, inspired by your example
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I was captivated by Rod’s genuine enthusiasm for all that is sustainable and good about New Zealand.
Rod invited my to TVNZ for the finance debate and then to Wellington for the ‘business meets the greens’ talks……this could have been the best rappoachment of any country ever: where the means of production are moderated by common sense of a sustainablility dialogue.
We owe it to Rod’s memory to ensure the Green vision continues to infiltrate the mainstream subconscious of all New Zealanders.
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that are not of utopia,
but of fairness and true humanity.
Sad day for all New Zealanders,
Immeasurable loss to the world.
You may be gone,
but you will always inspire us,
The dreams remain.
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Thank you Rod for your leadership and your passion about all things green. You are truely inspirational to us all.
Nick and Selina Hayes Baker, Karen, Fraser, Ajala, Maitreya and Sanjia Palmer Hesketh.
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Rod, you will be sadly missed. What can be said, is that as more time passes, the more the Greens are being seen to be right (mostly, unfortunately, in a negative way- climate change, working conditions, species extinction etc). It is good to know that people such as Rod are prepared to stand up to all the closed minded “the world is flat” mainstreamers out there to make the world see sense. Ka kite ano.
Jared (London).
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But most of all, I hope that the Green Party can move on to finish what he started
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The saddest thing is that his vision and leadership will be especially missed in the years to come.
Tane Woodley
Wellington
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He was a man with humility, humour and the rarest of things: an easy-going sincerity. A mixture of talents and warmth that allowed him to accomplish all he did.
Such sad news. A good man gone.
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We are left in the hole his absence creates. Where to from here?
Condolences
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Lisa and Rob
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I found him an inspiring and humorous speaker, a man with dedication and integrity, who stuck to his principles and who was always polite and optimistic.
I feel grateful that he has given NZ so much, though sad for his family who perhaps missed out on seeing him as much as they would have liked.
What a tremendous loss for the Green Party and for NZ politics in general. What big (NZ made) shoes to fill for whoever takes on the co-leader role.
My condolences to his family.
Alison.
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I am posting a link to a video of a 12 minute TV appearance Rod did in Los Angeles, during his trip here in 2003. It has him explaining to an American audience, how MMP works, as well as him offering a Green perspective on U.S. foreign policy.
The video shows Rod’s brilliance in a way I am sure we all will remember.
I also am the web master for the international Green news web page http://www.greens.org/media and I will be posting links to many of the articles and press releases about Rod there.
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http://www.feinstein.org/greenparty/Rod_Donald_in_California.mov
I also have some video material from a forum at our local Santa Monica Greens office that Rod did on that same trip. I will be digitizing that and uploading it as well, and will post the URL here.
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He initiated my support towards the Green Party, although I am a foreign citizen with no voting rights.
His voice spoke for current and future generations of all living beings. His death is a big loss to New Zealand.
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Nga mihi aroha ki a koutou, ka whawhai tonu koutou mo te huarahi tika.
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I join with so many others when I say he will be sorely missed.
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A great loss to NZ politics, the environment and humanity…
Now more than ever the greens need our support…lets not let all his hard work and vision for a better planet come undone!
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No one has to save the world, but if no one does…
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To use your loving heart for all of us,
………………………..till it is all used up.
What bigger sadness than to take an unused heart to the grave.
May we not only miss you
but bring to the fore the Rod in all of us.
Endless thanks to the family for allowing Rod to pour out his Love and Caring,
and to the Greens for giving him the platform, for all of us to see, that
politics can have integrity and heart.
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Although I never was fortunate enough to meet this man, he felt like someone I knew and cherished. His honesty, integrity, compassion and belief shone out of him like sunlight and we will miss him. His family must be bereft and my heart goes out to them. The Green Party and indeed the whole country has lost a great man – we were all richer for his prescence and are now poorer for his passing.
Aroha tinonui Rod.
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I now wonder how real that strength was and whether some of the stress and barbs sunk deep.
At times we argued… inevitable when you work at Parliament. But with the Greens, it’s more as mates than employer/employee. My young daughter bought me, as a birthday present, a giant blow-up pink hammer to hit Rod with. I used it on him next day, telling him why. We laughed, and hugged. My daughter taught me something important then. So did Rod.
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His legacy is a shining example, his infinite empathy and compassion heartwarming and his dedication to making the world better for the rest of us, immensely humbling.
I will miss his goofy jokes, his ubiquitous smile and his warm and gentle presence. Much love to him on the next stage of his journey.
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We’ve lost a great, wonderful man who could articulate so well the vision of the world we hope for, and work tirelessly to achieve it.
We will miss him very much.
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I was born in london I grew up on a very violent council estate before moving to aotearoa in 74 aged 21 .
I spent 5 yrs in the nelson region before moving back to auckland a couple of years ago due to health issues. I have missed that special land every waking and non waking moment. it is my Spiritual home too.
Im going back to Nelson in january and over the hill to golden bay, forever
because life is just to precious and to short. I will think of hiim while I am there, and be with people, like him that share a special connection to that land ,god bless
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Condolences to all of us New Zealanders. Hope the Greens will remain on the course he helped to chart.
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Let us all remember Rod as a true champion of democracy.
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>>As a Decree of Almighty is issued, so is the Command obeyed. Those who are sent, come, O Nanak; when they are called back, they depart and go. ||1|| (Guru Granth Sahib, p. 1239)
Gurtej Singh
on behalf of New Zealand Sikhs Society Wellington
http://www.sikhs.wellington.net.nz
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Manaaki Whenua, Manaaki Tangata, Haere whakamua
Care for the land, Care for the people, Go forward.
He leaves this challenge to all of us.
Arohanui,
Anna Santure, Dunedin
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My deep condolences to all his family and friends.
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You did so much good and led such a worthy life, I promise to continue your battles to make the world a better place.
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Rod was a fantastic man and really stood up for what he believed in, that has to be admired.
He will be sorely missed.
Z. George
Project Hope Youth
http://www.projecthope.biz
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May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
What a terrible shame, he will be missed greatly. Nz will not be the same without you Rod.
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my wish to Robs Family
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With what we see in politics it’s enough to drown us in our own cynicismm, but he stood out like a jewel, he possessed commonsense, warmth, and love for others.
E tangi matou – ko te rangatira e Rod, haere ki te po, haere, haere haere …
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My thoughts are with Rods family and friends, who will miss Rob and feel his absence on a personal level. I’m so sorry for your loss. A remarkable man.
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The man in your life was a hero to my two boys who met him at a meeting in Kapiti to save Whareroa Farm from development. He told them he was working as hard as could to make sure their children had a great place to live. He wanted to know that when he was gone his descendants would be able to enjoy the unique lifestyle he knew as a child. (It felt abit like we were all his descendants). I had to explain that brilliance like Rod’s is unusual in a politician as is the fantastic outcome for that land which is now safe in public hands due to his quick response to the first leaders debate. Small mission complete.
Aotearoa will mourn and miss him but our hearts reach out to your loss as we consider the huge hole left in your lives. Thank you for your roles in making him the incredible man he was. Arohanui.
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His passing touches those of us who never even knew him personally
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Thanks for the environmental work you did Rod. Very sorry to see you go.
Naku na,
Rob
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Greatly missed
Lara
‘You may say that I’m a dreamer/But I’m not the only one.’-Imagine
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To Nicola, Holly, Emma and Zoe……….Thanks you so much for sharing your wonderful partner and father with us. God bless.
Milton and Anna Osborne.
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I am so sorry that I am not with many of you in the Parly office. Know that I am thinking of you all, along with Rod’s other family and friends.
With love, Anna
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The labour and the wounds are vain,
The enemy faints not, nor faileth,
And as things have been they remain.
If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars;
It may be, in yon smoke conceal’d,
Your comrades chase e’en now the fliers,
And, but for you, possess the field.
For while the tired waves, vainly breaking,
Seem here no painful inch to gain,
Far back, through creeks and inlets making,
Comes silent, flooding in, the main.
And not by eastern windows only,
When daylight comes, comes in the light;
In front the sun climbs slow, how slowly!
But westward, look, the land is bright!
- Arthur Hugh Clough
An inspiration to us all to do our bit for those who have not the power or the voice. Thank you and Godspeed.
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This is a huge loss for New Zealand and the Greens too, condolences and all my support to the MPs and hard working staff and volunteers who worked with Rod. I wish I’d met him: he always seemed such a down-to-earth and decent guy.
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First and foremost, Rod’s family will miss him the most. My heart goes out to them.
We have to take up the challenge even more of strengthening all that Rod stood for and supported us all in trying to do.
Kia kaha nga kakariki.
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from The Lorax by Dr Seuss
When Rod came and spoke at my school (a few years ago now), he said this was one of his favourite books.
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@ the end of my street
that was once just another road
i & my boy – tho he is still 2 small 2 talk
say thank u rod
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A true testament to his impact on New Zealand and the political scene is the number of phone calls and emails that have come in from non-Greens today offering thoughts, sympathies and accolades. Across the political spectrum Rod walked, while not always winning their vote, he won their respect. That is something missing from politics in many cases. He frustrated me, but he inspired me, his warm grin shone through in all situations. He stood up and said what he felt and practiced a philosophy that I share, it is easier to beg forgiveness than to seek permission. While some were frustrated by his charge ahead ways, without them the Greens would be in a very different place. Thank you Rod, for everything. I am still expecting that you will be at the next meeting or conference telling me to organise this or that or set that up or take that down. And because a legacy like yours will always be there, in some ways you will.
I hope your new journey is as fulfilling as your last
Arohanui
Richard Green
Auckland
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First my deepest condolences to Rods family, friends and co workers.
Rod was a man so full of life and love for our country he will always be an inspiration for me and i know many others as well.
… how i wish you were here cos we are just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl year after year..
Pink floyd
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Kia kaha
Jess
Wellington
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His passing is not only a great loss to NZ but to all of us around the world working for a fairer, sustainable and more just world. My condolences especially to the Donald family and the New Zealand Greens for this tragic loss. Rod was far too young to pass away.
Andrea Reimer
Green Party of Vancouver
http://www.andreareimer.ca
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I never met you, but you meant a lot to me. You meant a lot to everyone. I hope your work continues.
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The Ship
I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!”
“Gone where?”
Gone from my sight. That is all.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says:
“There, she is gone!” there are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: “Here she comes!”
And that is dying.
~Henry Scott Holland
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He mihi aroha ki te whanau pae mate i roto i to ratou mamae kia pangia ratou e te aroha o te tini me te mano e whakaaro ana ki a ratou me to ratou matua rangatira.
He pounamu kua ngaro i te motu whanui.
Haere, haere, haere atu ki te po.
Ara
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Aroha, my man, Aroha….
/Blair Anderson.
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Kia ora
We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rod Donald, whom our members had the honour of knowing personally. In addition to all the many other tributes, we would like to add our appreciation of his courageous contribution towards upholding economic rights as a vital aspect of any sustainable society and environment. In the early days of the existence of our organisation as an educational charitable trust, he made a bold speech to Parliament on the Social Security Amendment Bill No. 5, 1998, saying:
“Where is the leadership from this Government at a time when we need vision; at a time of recession when there should be innovative solutions to share the existing wealth more equitably; at a time when proposals like unconditional universal income should be looked at?”
Rod Donald was instrumental in promoting a Universal Income Proposal for the Green party’s economic policy. His progressive thinking, social conscience, inner wisdom, kind and compassionate heart, will be sorely missed in New Zealand politics and by all those who had the fortunate pleasure to have known him.
All the members of the Universal Income Trust wish to send their love, respect, and deepest condolences to his family; considering the sorrow and loss we feel, it is almost impossible to imagine the sorrow they are going through.
His spirit lives on
Patrick Danahey
Chairperson Universal lncome Trust
uitrustnz@xtra.co.nz
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Dave Chowdhury
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I’d also like to pass on my love to Bronwyn in the parliamentary office. I’m thinking of you, Bronwyn, and I know you must be hurting a lot. Kia kaha.
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I admired Rod as politician who showed – who acted with – repect for people and for democracy. And the world, and humanity, and justice…
I still admire him.
We are all poorer.
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Dick Keller
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T Gibbs
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RIP Rod
Aly Cook
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Rod thank you, you made a HUGE DIFFERENCE.
You were a shining example for us to follow.
My sincere love to your partner and family and also your extended Green family and Jeanette
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We remember all the visits we had from Rod, both on Green party business and to support our local events. Most notable was the great Battle of Oamaru a few years back when Rod, Nandor and Keith led a Green/Republican rabble to glorious defeat against Her Majesty’s loyal Alfs Imperial Army troops at Oamaru Harbour – perhaps the world’s first non-violent, organic battle.
Rod also supported our other events such as the Organic Festival, Victorian Fete and Mask Festival and we loved his boisterous and jovial presence often with the company of his delightful family. We enjoyed many pints of Emersons ale (especially organic Pilsner and Oat Meal Stout) at the Criterion pub with Rod who was always generous in shouting us. He enjoyed many musical treats at the Penguin Club often dancing the night away – I treasure seeing him on the dance floor with his daughter.
Especially important to the local community was the support he and Jeanette gave to the campaign to save the Waitaki River from Project Aqua.
He was always supportive of local businesses and creative people and I enjoyed his interest and support (and advice, of course) in my own little traditional woodworking business.
I feel honoured to have been at the conference in 1995 when we elected Rod as co-leader and have never ceased to be impressed by his energy and enthusiasm for promoting Green policies ever since. It is inexplicable that he has been taken from us so soon and I am aware that he was so good at his job that we took him for granted. Now that he has fallen it becomes obvious what a vacuum he leaves. I hope his and his family’s sacrifice will inspire more people to get active and help fulfill his green vision.
Bill Blair, Oamaru.
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“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Although perhaps Rod, with his sense of humour, would have appreciated the following more:
“If stupidity got us into this mess, why can’t it get us out of it?” – Will Rogers
Rod’s death is keenly felt even on the other side of the world.
James Shaw, London
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Somehow you convinced me that I could make a difference.
You were my hero then, and you still are.
Good bye Rod, and thank you.
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Lots of love to everyone,
Michael Joyce
London
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The words that came to mind as I saw the outpouring of grief and which expressed my feelings too, was `You don’t know what you’ve got until its gone’ (and the rest of that song is worth listening to again on this occasion). Rod Donald struck me as one of those gems of people who was both charismatic and self-effacing. I know that sounds an impossible combination but he managed it.
I cannot imagine how painful this must be for his family. They have my heartfelt sympathies.
Henry Barnard
Kottayam, Kerala, India
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Everyone was thrilled to hear from a real Green elected to Parliment. You realize we Greens have a much harder time of it in the U.S. with our winner-take-all system.
Lisa
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I was so distraught to hear that Rod passed away recently. It is devastating news and I am beside myself. Anyway, I am sure everyone in New Zealand is at a loss over this sad event so please pass my condolences to his family and all at the Green Party and all involved.
Deepest sympathies.
Henry Olonga
London
The passing of Rod Donald is indeed sad. I was sitting in the Parliamentary chamber of the Victorian Parliament on Friday talking with the Former Deputy Premier of Tasmania about the legacy of David Lange. We also talked about the recent death of former National Cabinet Minister, John Falloon. On relfection, the conversation held even more meaning because here we have the passing of three great politicians from different parts of the political spectrum in the space of only a few months. Whether you agree or disagree with what each of them stood for, they each left (leave) a legacy much larger than the one they may have left had they not been members of parliament.
We should be celebrating what Rod has done for us and what he has acheived. As an absentee New Zealander, I know that when I do return home to live in the next few years I will be returning to a much better country than the one I left.
Rod Donald, David Lange and John Falloon can each be thanked, in their own way, for giving us a better country than the one we once knew.
Ka Kite Rod…..
Matthew Tukaki
Managing Partner & Head of Government Policy
Sanseman Government
Chair of the Federal Chief Information Officers Council
Australia
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All the hatchets have been buried now
And all of birds will sing to your
beautiful heart
Upon the bough
And no more shall we part
Your chain of command has been silenced now
And all of those birds would`ve sung to your beautiful heart
Anyhow
Lord, stay by me
Don`t go down
Rod, you wielded your command with such a light and deft touch, huge jandals to fill.
Arohanui
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Amber Tyrrell
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Steve, Anna, Reuben Collett
London, UK
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I’ve only slipped into the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,
speak to me in the easy way,
which you always use.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laugh,
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort,
without the ghost of a shadow on it.
life means all it has ever meant.
It is the same as it always was.
There is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of your mirror,
because I am out of your sight?
I am waiting for you,
for an interval,
Somewhere very near,
just around the corner.
All is well.
By Scott Hollands
Dean of St Pauls
EnglandI have been amazed over the last couple of days reading the many tributes that people have made via the condolences book on the website. Rod captured the minds of so many people from all walks of life and political backgrounds. Whilst many did not agree with him on many issues there is an overwhelming respect for Rod as a person and in particular his integrity.
Rod recently made comment as to his parents disappointment that he chose not to attend university. Many others also commented on his choice of clothing at different events.
Perhaps Rods perception on life is that neither education nor the cut of his clothes maketh the man.
To Nicola, Emma Holly, Zoe, David and Joyce. You have had the experience of knowing and loving a partner, father, son, soul mate, best friend, and a man of honour and integrity to all those that met him. Although saddened in your grief be warmed in your hearts that Rod will live within you forever and take with you his passion and drive to make this world a better place for all.
I pass on our condolences from all your cousins from the North Island.
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A large hole is left in the fabric of things.
These tears …
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“Truth alone triumphs”, and “Love conquers all.”
| Peace |
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Although there are others to carry on your work, it won’t quite be the same.
Kindest wishes to Rod’s family and of course to Jeanette, Sue and Sue, Keith and everyone else left behind.
Steve McKinlay
Wellington
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illuminating the way for those who cannot see
a guiding light for those travelling your path.
Inspire us to carry on your work and help fill the void left by your passing.
Shine on Rod.
Shine on New Zealand.
Love and strength to your family.
Sian Clement
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i feel incredibly sad and shocked. i have only heard this news yesterday so i don’t think it’s really true for me yet. wow, i believe we go when it is our time but sometimes it just feels like, how can it be the time for this person?
my deepest mihi, wairua and aroha to rod’s whanau, that being his partner, children, relatives but also the wider whanau in aotearoa to whom rod was a leader, friend and inspiration. Nga mihi aroha ki a koutou…kia kaha.
to rod- lie in peace and rest brother. you will be greatly missed and this is a huge loss for all your friends and whanau but also aotearoa and the world. know you have done wonderful things for this whenua o aotearoa and may it be the responsibility of all of us to continue in your steps towards a just, equal and peaceful life for all, where local communities thrive and smiles are abundant.it was a pleasure to meet you this year, you have touched my soul and just thinking of your face and smile makes me smile through my tears. peace.
arohanui nga kakariki-this will be a very hard time for you to continue on with parliamentary and daily life. the grieving time will linger. my thoughts and blessings are very much with all of you. arohanui, kia kaha.
to all who have left beautifull messages here and are touched by this tragedy..it’s great to know you are out there and we can greive and celebrate his wonderful life, together as family.
Arohanui…peace,
katrin…otepoti, te wai pounamu.
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JonL
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He has left us far too soon. It is clear that we will be much the poorer without his compassion, energy and optimism – and yet, even now, Rod is inspiring others to renew their commitment to making a better world. This “pragmatic idealist”, as Tom Scott has described him, embodied the best of New Zealand.
Rest in peace, Rod.
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Jane Hurley
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I watch from distant shore, read and weep a little, despite not having lived in Aotearoa for 7 years. I never met Rod, his family or colleagues but have always voted for the Green Party because of their unmatched ability to set sights on and take action to reach places that are the very best for the majority of people over the long term.
Rod might not be here in the physical now but he is here and he hears, as we hear. What Rob has done is to inspire deeply, through manifesting in behaviour, in action, the love knowledge of the timeless, of the always.
His passing can be considered loss but can also be considered an urging call to personal action in the here and now, for all who hear the chant and calling of timeless love.
Rod had no fear and led through love. Let us who are capable of hearing the quiet, urging call of the always now take affirming action. We may be few among many but are many among ourselves! (Bridget Janse)
RIP Rod – Men like you make it easy for men like me to be proud to be a man. Thank you SO MUCH for your awesome powerful inspiration.
Love to all your loved ones. Wipe your gentle tears and enjoy the blessing to have known such love.
Bryce New
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best wishes to all
Yenwen Peng
Taiwan
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Patrick Crewdson
Herald on Sunday
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Very sad today with our loss of Rod. All sympathy to his family, relatives and friends. Rod was the first NZ Green MP to come across as having views that could bring into the party a wide range of people. Green is the only way to go that fits the science we know.
Three years of retirement and time to think I’ m only just beginning to get a grip on politics. Green Party members know Rod wouldn’t want the Party to fold with his departure. All the best to them for their efforts to get more on board.
Martin Toop
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pam henson
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We were saddened to hear the news but feel comforted that Rod will always be with us through the legacy he has left behind and the work he has contributed to.
Kia kaha!
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Matthew Harvey Chair
John Maurice Secretary/Candidate
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New Zealand and the world are a better place for Rod having being here.
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Rod’s energetic and enthusiastic role as spokesperson in the campaign for MMP was important in the eventual success of that campaign. As an MP, particularly on the Justice and Electoral Committee he continued his interest in the details of elections and in encouraging young people’s interest and participation. He was deeply interested in and enthusiastic about the work and goals of the Electoral Commission. His abscence will be very noticeable.
We send our condolonces to all those who face a huge gap in their lives now that he has gone.
Helena Catt, Electoral Commission
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The successes of the New Zealand Greens have always heartened us over here. Rod’s death is truly a loss for us all.
Sylvia Hale, NSW Greens MP
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Godspeed, Rod…our thoughts and prayers are with Nicola and the girls.
Ian and Heidi Wishart
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Your memory is a golden one – however serious the issues you dealt with, you were cheerful, however tragic the stories behind pollution or human suffering or logging old growth forests, you encouraged others to join the movement with a smile.
Can’t imagine how the press gallery will manage to know “the real news” without you glued to your cellphone, Rod!
Thanks for all the encouragement and friendship.
Let’s honour your memory by sticking with the issues, not giving up.
Arohanui to Nicola and your three daughters.
Celia W-B
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Our thoughts are with his family and close friends at this time. It is such a tragic loss to lose someone well before what you would normally expect.
Rod Donald would have been happy with acknowledgement of his lifes work from the group that I represent in the form of the Humanist Society of New Zealand. Our humane and scientific outlook has many similarities with his own world view.
We also remember Rod as a man who could reach accross to different people of differing beliefs. He was an excellent bridge builder and we will not see his like again.
Kent Stevens
Humanist Society of New Zealand
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I had the personal privilege of briefly working with Rod as a Greens campaigner and activist in Sydney and as a candidate for the Australian senate in last year’s federal election. He left a lasting impression of integrity, humour, brilliance, drive and humanity.
At a very busy time in the NZ electoral cycle he called me just before our federal election with his best wishes and his very accurate analysis of the preference flows in the senate race. No doubt the free giving of such concern and compassion is typical of Rod. For me and those in the campaign, it was a very moving reminder of the importance of generosity and warmth in politics.
Our local group, the Waverley Greens, passed a condolence motion on Monday night, sending our love, wishes and tears to the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, to Rod’s friends and to his partner and daughters.
John Kaye
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Phil Etheridge
Greens member
PN City Councillor
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I think that his humility, integrity and drive and focus is an example for all of us Greens to follow. We may be down without Rod but we’re not out.
Mark Harvey
Greens member
Auckland
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I thank you for my children and their children to come also, for your husband/father has made this world a better place to be, by his being and all he contributed. I am sad for the times you had to miss him, while he worked for our shared beautiful vision, one I hope the rest of us can continue to walk towards. He is an inspiration and I although I never had the honour to meet him in person, his mana has touched me from a distance. My love to you, and may you have time, space and support to go through your depths.
To Jeanette and fellow MPs, I greive for your loss of a friend first and foremost. I wish you strength for juggling your grief amongst carrying on as our leaders. Kia Kaha. You are all as wonderful as each other and have trully been an incredible green team. I thank you deeply for what you all have done and continue to do for mother earth and all of us with the honour to live here. Thank you, thank you, thank you
To friends and other colleagues of Rod, love to you all also through your sad loss, you are all lucky people it would seem to have had him in your lives. I have been greatful to an oppotunity to ‘get to know him’ in some ways by the sharings people have made here and in tributes. My thoughts are with you also.
Rod, you will be remembered.
May you Rest in Love, Peace, and all things wonderful.
Rod, Have just re-read your yummy organic apple cake recipe and cried and cried and cried. Thank you, you special man, thank you for all your personal sacrifice, for all your dedication, for all your commitment, your wisdom, your vision and all the long hours, upon hours of neverending work you have done for me my family and all of us.
We all share a vision and the vision is growing. We will get there. One mighty tree at a time.
We will plant a mighty totara in your honour as well as 20 or more other native trees and grasses at 10.30am today (10/11/05) in Rotorua, and hope that like many other great forests, where you have fallen there will be a rise and growth of many other new trees in your place, to carry on with our shared work.
Ka Kite Great Man, Father, Husband, friend, leader and inspiration to us all.
Love and condolences to all of you who know and love him intimately.
Arohanui
Ana Navidad, Kevin Hewer and Lorien, Noah and Reuben.
Rotorua
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Both of you are my inspiration to contribute to a beautiful and peace filled world.
Namaste
Ana Navidad
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I remember taking your cheque to join the Greens, straight after 1993 election,
just as we in centre right were positioning ourselves, and I said to the others,
“if I bank this man’s cheque, we can say goodbye to centre right within Green”
and i did bank it, and it was goodbye to centre right,
a few weeks later things were changing,
sometimes now when I would pull Holly’s leg down at the shop,
I am soon in the corner again, with her determination,
and i think good grief there’s more of him,
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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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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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“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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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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My condolences for all those who were close to you, especially your family.
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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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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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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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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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Bye Rod
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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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My condolences to his family and also my thanks for lending New Zealand this wonderful person.
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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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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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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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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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