Press release - January 30, 2015
An online platform that allows Kiwis to take the government, businesses and other decision makers to task has just been launched.
TOKO.org.nz is Aotearoa’s first ever people-powered petition platform. It gives New Zealanders the opportunity to participate in flax-roots community action using innovative technology.
Launched today, the platform has already attracted two petitions - one campaigning against sending troops to Iraq, and the other to stop fracking in New Zealand.
TOKO is hosted and funded by Greenpeace, although the non-profit organisation does not run or endorse any of the campaigns.
Greenpeace NZ Engagement Coordinator Genevieve Toop says the organisation is hosting TOKO because it wants to provide Kiwis with the tools and support they need to take meaningful action.
“Kiwi’s have a long-standing history of standing up for change and now they have innovative technology at their fingertips to help them do this.” she says
Petitions can be started about anything as long as the issue is just, fair and sustainable.
Toop says participants will also have regular contact with a TOKO team member who can offer advice and support to improve the campaign.
“Every Kiwi has the power to win campaigns and to create positive change and we’re there to help if needed.
”Petitions can be the catalyst for conversations that change how people think, and there are some interesting and creative ways you can use them to create maximum impact.”
In Māori, the word Toko means to have feelings and emotions spring up in your mind, to grow and to start moving.
It also forms part of the word 'Tautoko' which means to agree, support, or advocate.
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For more info:
Sophie Schroder, Greenpeace NZ Media & Communications, 021 086 47450
Genevieve Toop, Greenpeace NZ Engagement Coordinator, 021 316 840