BLOG: Best Ever!

Discussion Forum

United Future
Since: 2007-08-08 10:30:45.829588
Posts: 220

Posted at 2007-09-03 13:41:34.57. Permalink.

I worked out yesterday I've been going to political party conferences for about 25 years, but this last weekend's UnitedFuture conference was undoubtedly the best I have attended.

The enthusiasm, commitment, vigour and positive energy were evident from the time of the National Council meeting on the Friday, and it carried on through for the conference as well. There are many people to thank for this - our speakers, our organisers, our workers, and above all our party members who gave so much of their time to make it possible.

We've put UnitedFuture's stake in the ground as a modern centre party with the policies and people to match. Now, we simply have to persuade as many like minded New Zealanders as we can of that. It certainly is an exciting time to be part of this party!
Read the full text of this blog post.

Judy Turner
Since: 2007-08-16 08:35:37.203
Posts: 22

Posted at 2007-09-03 13:41:34.637. Permalink.

I agree. Conference was great! Highlight for me was the panel that included participants from Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Prison Fellowship, Every Child Counts, Wellington City Mission and Community Law Services.

The room was packed, the tone was positive. Roll on the 08 one in Auckland

Ian Mc Innes
Since: 2007-08-17 16:12:41.295
Posts: 15

Posted at 2007-09-03 16:11:28.536. Permalink.

I've just printed of the UnitedFuture mission statement...what a statement for aUnitedFuture in comparison to the plans of so many 'lesser' politiacl parties...in NZ & abroad

Denise Krum
Since: 2007-08-15 20:03:20.422
Posts: 34
Moderator

Posted at 2007-09-03 17:44:26.661. Permalink.

It's really refreshing to go to a gathering of like-minded people (from very different backgrounds) who aren't there to build up themselves (or even their 'brand'), but build up others. The number of community service groups represented at that conference between us all was staggering.

angryBob
Since: 2007-08-22 20:19:07.429
Posts: 12

Posted at 2007-09-03 21:49:52.682. Permalink.

It was indeed an excellent conference. (The tour of Parliament was quite interesting too.)
Chatting to some of the Grandparents (GRG) people it is great to see that at last they are getting some recognition. The way they are split off from other care givers when it comes to govt assistance is just odd and unpleasant.

Diane Vivian
Since: 2007-08-17 07:32:12.985
Posts: 2

Posted at 2007-09-04 08:31:02.262. Permalink.

How refreshing it is to see a Political party asking their constituants what they want instead of telling them what will happen :)

Damian Light
Since: 2007-08-16 23:02:21.605
Posts: 36

Posted at 2007-09-04 19:22:46.89. Permalink.

Excellent conference ! Positive and engaging dicussions and excellent speakers.

Not sure what sort of media coverage we got, but a number of people I work with heard about it on RadioNZ and wanted to know more. I was proud to be able to explain that our conference was so positive and focused on supporting groups who help others.

Bring on Auckland '08 !!

Thank you to everyone who helped make it a sucess !!

Damian Light
Since: 2007-08-16 23:02:21.605
Posts: 36

Posted at 2007-09-04 19:33:22.218. Permalink.

Robin Loomes
Since: 2007-08-15 23:29:18.513
Posts: 12

Posted at 2007-09-04 20:39:34.556. Permalink.

This conference was the best I have attended. I listened to every presentation and was impressed by them all. Together, they made a very strong statement of United Future's place in MMP politics and what it intends to achieve. In this respect, the theme "Supporting Those Who Support Others" was well chosen and wonderfully reinforced by the community service group panel discussion.

I went home feeling greatly encouraged by what I heard and full of optimism for the party's future. Members have good reason to feel reassured by the sound leadership displayed by the caucus and Board at this conference. They have given us a very credible standard to rally behind and made the party stronger as a consequence.

Well done to the organisers of this conference.

Joe Burton
Since: 2007-08-16 15:27:03.943
Posts: 34
Moderator

Posted at 2007-09-04 21:40:10.939. Permalink.

I too thought our conference was excellent. The dedication of the community groups to their respective causes was an inspiration and the need for a modern centrist party flying the flag for these groups and for the voluntary sector in general has never been more clear.

Please login to post a reply.