A word from the new General Secretary Chris Flatt

Jenny Michie | 14th October 2009 | 9:29 pm

It was my great honour to be endorsed by the recent Annual Conference as the new General Secretary of the Labour Party.

First may I take this opportunity to thank the retiring General Secretary, Mike Smith for his hard work and commitment to the Party over the last ten years. He leaves the Party in good heart.

I have been a member of the Labour Party for over 15 years and have had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful Party members during this time. I am constantly amazed at the passion and energy our members have for ensuring New Zealand is a land of social justice and fairness. And we will need all of this passion and energy as we fight back against the National Government's increasing attacks on worker rights, public services and the Kiwi fair-go.

But the Labour Party fight back has begun and there are many ways you can be part of it. We are currently involved in a large membership drive around the country and we would appreciate any support or help you can provide (or just renewing your membership if you haven't got round to it yet). Just call 0800 4 LABOUR if you can help. We also have a number of fun and easy fundraising projects happening over the next few months, including the Labour Weekend Party and the "RED White Wine" Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009. Read on for details about both of these great projects.

Finally, may I take this opportunity to pass on my best wishes to you all. I am honoured to be the new General Secretary of the oldest and greatest political party in New Zealand and I look forward to meeting many of you over the next few months as we work towards victory in 2011.