Green MP lives up to eco image

By AUDREY YOUNG and NZPA

New Green list MP Mike Ward spent Saturday morning "opening a composting bog [toilet] at an eco-festival and wandering around shaking hands" after his elevation.

"The lovely thing is that I sense the real enjoyment of my community in the news," said the four-term Nelson City councillor, who has also entered each Coast-to-Coast multi-event race and won the "Man Unleashed" section of the last Wearable Arts award in Nelson.

He was not sure what responsibilities he would have within the Green Party.

He said he understood the lists of spokespeople on various portfolios had already been drawn up, "so perhaps I'll be in for an easy ride ... No, I'm sure they'll find plenty to keep me occupied".

Mr Ward said he had been involved in community affairs for the past 20 years, and arts and local government were two areas of special interest.

He was also a passionate supporter of finding alternative methods of transport and of creating stronger neighbourhoods.

He said that he would take every opportunity to advocate good lifestyles that reflected appropriate, sustainable values.

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