Email issue

Celia Wade-Brown responds to email concerns

Celia Wade-Brown today responded to concerns that her campaign had sent unsolicited e-mail messages.

“Over the last decade, I have received an extremely large number of e-mail messages from Wellingtonians, covering a vast number of issues, sometimes copied to a large number of people”, said Celia Wade-Brown. “As part of my campaign, volunteers have e-mailed some of those people to ensure they know the election is coming up and asking if they would like to be a part of helping elect me as the next Mayor of Wellington. Some enthusiastic people have also forwarded the message onwards to their own networks. All “@wcc” addresses were removed before any emails were sent. E-mails were not sent using Council facilities.“

“E-mail is a normal part of any election campaign conducted in the Internet age”, said Celia Wade-Brown. “E-mail is now the dominant form of communication between elected officials and the people they represent, and sending an e-mail is as much part of the social media revolution as ‘friending’ someone on Facebook or subscribing to a Twitter feed.”

“I have received many positive responses and some “unsubscribes”. I believe we have ensured our e-mail communications are fully compliant with the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007, administered by the Department of Internal Affairs”, said Celia Wade-Brown.

“Respondents have sent me some good policy suggestions and thoughtful questions which I am addressing either on my website or as individual replies.”

“People are able to opt out of any communication they receive from me, either by replying to the message or via their web browser – as is laid down by the Act. I have advice that they are compliant with legislation”, said Celia Wade-Brown. “However I’ve taken the step of re-briefing the volunteers who have been doing this work on my behalf to ensure they are aware of our obligations, and that all our campaign communications are being handled professionally.”