Force the government into action with new online petition platform

Greenpeace has today launched a new online platform that allows Kiwis to take the government, businesses and other decision makers to task.

"TOKO.org.nz is Aotearoa's first ever people-powered petition platform," Greenpece says in a statement. "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 says it does not run or endorse any of the campaigns that appear on the site.

Genevieve Toop, Greenpeace NZ engagement coordinator, says the organisation is hosting TOKO because it wants to provide Kiwis with the tools and support they need to take meaningful action.

"Kiwis 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

Greenpeace 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.org.nz 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," she says.

"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.