6 Oct 2008

Greens 'will speak out for those who can't' at election

12:07 pm on 6 October 2008

The Green Party launched its election campaign in Wellington on Sunday afternoon, saying it will advocate for those who do not have a voice at this year's election.

Party co-leaders Jeanette Fitzsimons and Russel Norman unveiled the party's advertising campaign, telling the 200-strong crowd this election is about more than just politics.

They outlined the party's successes in the last three years and pointed to similarities between the two major parties.

Outrageous Fortune star Robyn Malcolm was the master of ceremonies and the voice of the party's televison advertisements.

She says it is the first time she's endorsed a political party.

Dr Norman told supporters the Greens will speak out for those who cannot.

He says the Greens will this week release the criteria by which they will judge the policies of the other parties, and will let voters know in the coming weeks who it could work with after the election.

Ms Fitzsimons says discussions are likely with the Maori Party because it and the Greens have similar voting behaviour, though there are no plans at present for a formal deal.