Rod Donald facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rod Donald
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 1st Co-leader of the Green Party | |
| In office 21 May 1995 – 6 November 2005 Co-leading with Jeanette Fitzsimons
|
|
| Succeeded by | Dr Russel Norman |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Green party list |
|
| In office 27 November 1999 – 6 November 2005 |
|
| Succeeded by | Nándor Tánczos |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Alliance party list |
|
| In office 12 October 1996 – 27 November 1999 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 October 1957 |
| Died | 6 November 2005 (aged 48) Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Political party | Green Party |
| Other political affiliations |
Labour (1982–1988) Values (1974–1979) |
| Domestic partner | Nicola Shirlaw |
Rodney David Donald (born 10 October 1957, died 6 November 2005) was an important politician from New Zealand. He was a co-leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, working alongside Jeanette Fitzsimons. Rod lived in Christchurch with his partner, Nicola Shirlaw, and their three daughters.
Contents
Rod Donald's Early Political Journey
Rod Donald was interested in politics from a young age. He was part of the Values Party from 1974 to 1979. Later, he joined the Labour Party from 1982 to 1988.
Working for Fair Elections
From 1989 to 1993, Rod became a spokesperson for the Electoral Reform Coalition. This group worked to change how elections were run in New Zealand. Because this group was neutral, he had to leave his political party.
The group was very successful! They helped bring in a new voting system called Mixed-member proportional (MMP). This system helps make sure that the number of seats a party gets in Parliament is closer to the percentage of votes they receive.
Joining the Green Party
After the success of the MMP vote in 1993, Rod joined the Green Party in 1994. He became a co-leader of the Greens in 1995. Voters first elected him to Parliament in the 1996 election. He became a list MP for the Alliance party, which the Greens were part of at the time.
The Green Party later decided to run on its own. In the 1999 election, Rod was second on the Green Party's list of candidates. He kept his seat in Parliament in the 2002 and 2005 elections.
Rod Donald as a Member of Parliament
Rod Donald was a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years. He was especially passionate about making elections fair in New Zealand.
Championing Electoral Reform
He played a big part in bringing in the MMP voting system. This system helps make sure that Parliament represents more people. He also helped pass laws to allow a different voting method called STV for local elections. His co-leader, Jeanette Fitzsimons, said that MMP was Rod's greatest achievement.
Other Important Roles
As an MP, Rod also spoke for the Green Party on many other topics. These included:
- Supporting New Zealand-made products (called Buy Kiwi Made)
- Helping small businesses
- Working on sustainable economics, which means using resources wisely
- Dealing with waste and recycling
- Supporting tourism
Rod Donald's Passing
Rod Donald sadly passed away suddenly on 6 November 2005. He was 48 years old. This was just one day before he was supposed to start his fourth term in Parliament.
Cause of Death
He had been sick for a few days with a type of food poisoning. Doctors later found that he died because of an inflammation of his heart muscle. This is a very rare problem that can happen after that kind of infection.
Remembering Rod Donald
His funeral was held at the Cathedral of ChristChurch in Christchurch. Over 1,000 people came to say goodbye. His casket arrived on an electric bus, showing his commitment to the environment.
The New Zealand Parliament showed its respect by pausing its work for a day. They also held a minute of silence in the House of Representatives. After his death, Russel Norman took over as a co-leader of the Green Party.
See also
- Contents of the United States diplomatic cables leak (New Zealand)
- List of members of the New Zealand Parliament who died in office
