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Mojo Mathers - Source: ONE News -
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The Green Party is celebrating the election of Mojo Mathers as their 14th MP after special votes took their share of the party vote and number of MPs to a record high.
The Green's share of the party vote increased from 10.62% on election night to 11.06% at the final count.
Co-leader Russel Norman said it's a proud day for the Greens and they are "ecstatic" to have 14 MPs.
"The 2011 election has delivered us an historic result that cements our place as the third party in New Zealand politics," said Norman.
Mathers said she is delighted, proud and humbled at the result. The mother of three will be New Zealand's first deaf MP.
"I know for deaf people and disability in general that progress can often only be made when they've got direct representation in Parliament," she said.
"There are many barriers to democratic participation for disabled people. I hope my presence in Parliament will result in improved accessibility and access to political information for everyone, including those with a hearing impairment.
"The recent Human Rights Commission review of Human Rights identifies disabled people as the most disadvantaged minority in New Zealand. As a deaf person who lives and breathes green issues, I am a strong advocate for inclusion for everyone."
Norman says Mathers will open Parliament up to thousands of New Zealanders who currently have difficult accessing it.
And the co-leader said the party will work constructively to advance its key issues of cleaning up rivers, raising children out of poverty and creating good green jobs.
"The Greens are part of an international political movement that is in ascendancy and our success in this election proves there is a desire for good green change to happen in this term of Parliament," said Norman.
He said they would also provide opposition leadership on issues such as assets sales, welfare reform and charter schools.
Norman said the Greens are also pleased the public have voted to keep MMP and proportional representation.
"We look forward to the review of MMP and hope it strengthens and further improves our voting system."