I think I should clarify, as I think my comments may have been misconstrued. I am pleased to see Greig try to raise the profile of open source with political parties. Rodney and Nandor (sorry if i spell either wrong) have both made comments regarding open source, and therefore are logical contacts. I am not keen to see the LUG as such become political. However when you consider the millions of dollars spent on software by Government departments, and the possible effects of Spam legislation, Software patents and the like, there are real issues to discuss with those who influence policy issues. This is not being political, but rather raising issues that will affect us all in the years ahead. Also Greig very wisely suggested making Open Source an election issue. During campaigns every political party will want to promote its ideas on IT, open source, software patents, using Open V Proprietary formats, Probe, UBS V Unbundling, On-Line services ... and so on. By hosting a panel of representatives of Political parties, each explaining their views on IT issues, We get the chance to make the issue one they have to think about. Also as we can put the questions to the panel, we get to control some of the debate and show that the lug can be professional. These sorts of things well done can influence how issues are dealt with by a Government. Lindsay Druett wrote:

That's a good point actually...

Obviously it sounds like Gavin is keen to have this, but if you're really keen, firstly, Di Yates is actually a family friend of ours, and I'm quite happy to ask her if she can come to speak to us.

One what subject? If she were the minister of IT or Communications or something, then yes it would be relevant. Dianne is a local MP not an expert in IT issues. We are still a lug, and there needs to be a linux relevant issue before we really want to get involved.

Also, a friend of mine, Colin Ranby is standing in the Piako district for the Destiny party (I know, I know, ....), he has up until a couple of months ago worked for TelstraClear, and has been involved with Technology for a number of years and is actually very down to earth and is a really good guy, I'm also quite happy to ask him if he would do a presentation

again on what? Colin is a really nice guy, we have even worked together both in Communications and in Politics, but again he is not a spokesperson for the party on IT policy, and as far as I recall was not using linux when we last spoke. I think Greig has managed to walk a fine line here, and I think he has handled it well. This is not promoting any political party, but hopefully allows us to cover some of the dangers of poorly considered legislation with a number of people. If it goes well, perhaps in the future a door may be open to do a wider appeal meeting that can raise the image of the LUG as well as promote sensible debate on the issues that as IT professionals most of us have to deal with. The Lug should not be politicized but should be active in promoting discussion and debate about issues in the IT and Open Source industries. And I think this is a good start. For that reason I applauded Greigs efforts. Anything that make policy makers consider open source is a good thing. Other than that I have no axe to grind one way or the other. And I want to keep it that way. I have stated this just to keep the comment focused, and to clarify my earlier post. and by way of disclaimer I have been an Act candidate in the past , as well as CHP spokesman on Telecommunications and IT but my concern here is not political but rather the LUG and issues relating to open source users. I leave it to you to support your own political party.