GREEN CHAMPION: Jeanette Fitzsimons says the Government's "creeping centralism" is a democracy issue. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM
GREEN CHAMPION: Jeanette Fitzsimons says the Government's "creeping centralism" is a democracy issue. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM
Jeanette Fitzsimons has been in Northland for a party, but not the Green Party.
The former Greens' co-leader was here this week to celebrate the gains made by GE Free Northland, local government and other groups in banning genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Ms Fitzsimons was also guest speaker at twoevents in Kerikeri and Whangarei held by GE Free Northland about GMOs and related issues. She described the Northland councils' stand "as quite a bold step".
Those local governments have effectively brought in another layer of legislation that protects their regions, even though their plans can still be challenged.
"I so admire the determination, persistence and strategic thinking of GE Free Northland and the Northland councils, including the Northland/Auckland inter council working party, who have worked so well to get this," she said.
Ms Fitzsimons said she was no longer surprised but was still concerned about the Government's refusal to listen to those calling for tougher, protective GMO legislation.
"In my view this is a democracy issue. Central government is trying to override local government on so many levels. There is a creeping centralism and anti-democracy which I think is anti-community, too," she said.
"This government sees the environment and economy as being directly opposed to each other, that if you have more of one you must have less of the other. "
Ms Fitzsimons said she no longer represents or speaks for the Green Party although she still works alongside them and supports them on some issues.
She is pleased to have left the 'politics' of politics behind.
"I'm not missing Parliament at all but I miss my friends and colleagues in Wellington, the wonderful people I worked with," she said.
"I've been so proud of Russel [Norman] and Metiria [Turei] who are doing such a good job.
"I don't think the [party's] fundamentals have changed, and we've never had factions within the party," she said of the Greens being something of an island of calm in the pre-election storm.
These days Ms Fitzsimons mainly works with non-government organisations, helping them with environmental and other policy. Her services are "totally voluntary".
"I'm an old-age pensioner, I already get paid," she said. "I'm happy to use my time and skills where they are needed."
