GUEST BLOG: Damon Rusden – Campaign Diary

Next up was a migrant who recently gained residency, and had moved into Napier two months ago. He works with farms about nutrient output/input on farms. He agreed entirely with our farm managements plans – Work with farmers to reduce herd numbers and value add products. His colleagues said to vote National, but after listening to me (and we discussed Metiria as well) he said he’ll consider us. According to various apps Green is his families preferred party anyway.

Last night a lovely lady I had talked to days ago rang me and said that after hearing about our rivers in the news she had decided to vote for me and the Greens.

A few days ago I sat down with EIT social worker students who were passionate, committed and some first-time voters who said they are certainly considering Green.

I did some calling for the Greens a few days ago. Ended up talking to an old Hastings student now in Auckland. She said at the beginning that she was “70% supportive” of the Greens and had pledged allegiance until TOP came along.

After about 10 minutes of discussion of our policies and general TOP/Green differences, she laughed and said I had done a great job and she was now around 85% supportive.

One of my highlights so far has been working with a South African family that FIRST UNION put me in contact with. I saw the heartbreak in the family, when through no fault of their own they were told they were staying here illegally. An educated, hard-working family who even had a job ready. I contacted our immigration spokesperson Denise Roche and we went to the media. And now, they’re allowed to stay! The minister came back with a positive response. I would like to thank all those involved, including but not limited to FIRST Union, Lawrence Yule and Craig Foss.

I have many other stories, most quite funny. A lot of support for Meyt, although I’m sad to report some Greens put off. I think, on scale, more have a lot of sympathy and may switch close to the election. It’ll be interesting.”