DECEMBER 2005
New Zealand Green Party co-leader has died
Rod Donald died 5th November at
around midnight at his home in St Martins, Christchurch.
Mr Donald had last week been ill with a chest infection.
It was first believed that a heart attack had caused his
death. However, an autopsy has ruled this out. Further
tests are being done to establish the cause of Mr
Donald's death.
Mr Donald was well known for his honesty and honourable nature – a man true to his principles and was seen by many as this new Parliament's man of human and community ideals. Mr Donald is survived by his partner Nicola and daughters, Holly, Emma, and Zoe.
Maori Party Statement on Death
of Rod Donald
Sunday, 6 November 2005, 6:19 pm
Press Release: The Maori Party
Maori Party Statement on Death of Rod Donald
Kua hinga te rakau nui i te waonui a Tane. Kua hinga tetehi poutokotoko mo te taiao. Ahakoa tenei mate ohorere, e te rangatira, haere, haere haere atu ra.
Kia koutou te whanau pani, me te Pati Kakariki, nga manaakitanga me te aroha ki runga i a koutou, me ki, tatou huri noa i te motu.
The Maori Party today expresses its sadness at the tragic death of Green Party Co-leader, Rod Donald.
"Our first thoughts were immediately with his partner Nicola, and his three daughters, Holly, Emma and Zoe" said Tariana Turia, Co-leader of the Maori Party. "To lose a loved one, at such a young age, will be a huge shock for all his family".
"Rod and I entered Parliament at the same time, in 1996" stated Mrs Turia. "although it would be in the last two years that we have worked closely together".
"I totally respect the significant imprint Rod Donald has made in the history of this nation. His passionate and fearless advocacy for environmental and human rights issues earnt him our utmost admiration".
"The Maori Party expresses our sincere sadness at the loss of such a principled and dedicated man" said Dr Pita Sharples.
"Rod absolutely believed in the values and principles of the Greens - as being in the very best interests of the nation. His loss will be enormous".
Press Release: Global Peace And Justice Auckland:
Rod Donald – Loss of Social Justice Campaigner
Rod Donald’s death early today is a loss to the progressive movement and Global Peace and Justice Auckland sends our heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Most recently GPJA worked closely with Rod and the Green Party in the campaign to stop the Black Caps cricket tour to Zimbabwe.
Rod was tirelessly principled in the fight for human rights. He was active in the campaign against the 1981 Springbok tour and followed that through with initiating and supporting campaigns for human rights in many countries – including China, Myanmar and Hong Kong.
When other politicians in pursuit of so called “free-trade” agreements turned a blind eye to human rights abuses Rod was there to expose their shallow, shabby motives.
He was a true internationalist as opposed to the unthinking, unprincipled “globalists” who abound in parliament.
Rod was also strong supporter of social justice here in New Zealand for the most vulnerable New Zealanders.
Rod’s loss will be felt keenly in many areas. Perhaps the greatest loss will be for those around the world whose plight he helped to bring to New Zealanders’ attention.
Haere ra e hoa, Haere, haere haere!