Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew has today echoed the deep concern expressed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully in relation to the 20-year prison sentences handed down by the Government of Iran to the leadership of the Baha’i faith.

“I have met with members of the Baha’i community who live in my electorate and they have grave fears for their family members who live in Iran and for the leadership of the Baha’i faith in Iran.”

“Mr McCully has expressed New Zealand’s dismay at Iran’s failure to uphold its international human rights commitments and its own due legal processes in this case. He has said that he hopes to see the Government of Iran grant the Baha’i Yaran immediate bail, pending an appeal of the sentence, and I endorse that statement,” said Mrs Goodhew.

“The sentences appear to be based wholly on the fact that these people are members of a minority religious group. It is apparent that the trial was conducted in a manner that was neither fair nor transparent.”

“I join with other New Zealanders in calling on the Government of Iran to protect the fundamental rights of all its citizens, and to end its ongoing and systematic persecution of the Baha’i,” said Mrs Goodhew.

Media contact: Jo Goodhew  021 443 803

Posted by admin in News at 10:26

Artwork for Women's Refuge

I recently had the pleasure of painting a small canvas to raise money for Women's Refuge South Canterbury. I was delighted to deliver a speech on the evening at the close of the exhibition and I thought I would include a couple of paragraphs from the speech:

"Creating the artwork that hangs amongst so many tonight took me out of my comfort zone. It is that concept, of being out of one's "comfort zone" that I wish to now focus on.

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 10:43

Click here - or on the image - to watch my latest video update.

Survey Responses

I have been delighted with the responses to the survey I sent out to constituents in late June. I am currently working my way through the survey responses and I want to assure you that those who have written letters and asked questions will receive responses as soon as possible.

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 11:05 | Trackbacks (0)

Jo talks about three important new Government initiatives. First, changes to the employment law that should benefit both workers and employers; second, changes to the drink driving laws that should go some way to stopping the carnage on our roads caused by drivers who drink excessively and then choose to operate motor vehicles. Third, she notes the decision to allocate $9.5 million to the provinces in support of talented performers and local events as part of the Rugby World Cup festival.

Posted by admin in Video at 19:10 | Trackbacks (0)

Jo talks about three important new Government initiatives. First, changes to the employment law that should benefit both workers and employers; second, changes to the drink driving laws that should go some way to stopping the carnage on our roads caused by drivers who drink excessively and then choose to operate motor vehicles. Third, she notes the decision to allocate $9.5 million to the provinces in support of talented performers and local events as part of the Rugby World Cup festival.

Posted by admin in Video at 11:03 | Trackbacks (0)