NZ Greens Co-Leader Passes Away

Desperately sad news from New Zealand this weekend: the co-leader of the New Zealand Green Party, Rod Donald, died suddenly last night, aged just 48. Though he had been ill with a chest infection, it would seem that his death was caused by a heart attack. He is survived by his partner and three daughters.

I was shocked and deeply saddened to read news of this earlier today. 48 is too young for anyone to die. It is an especially tragic loss for his family, of course, but also for the Green Party and for New Zealand politics in general. Parliament will be a poorer place without his energy, hard work and integrity. It is a clear indication of how well respected Mr. Donald was that the comments and condolences on Frogblog (the Green Party blog) come not just from Greens supporters but from right across the political spectrum. As a politician and as a person he was clearly held in the highest esteem by a great many New Zealanders.

The Green Party's press release is here.
The relevant post from the Green Part blog, Frogblog, is here.
The Prime Minister's reaction is here.

What a crying shame. So young, and with so much left to give.

New Zealand politics
Green Party
Rod Donald