Green MP Elizabeth Kerekere has ruled herself out of the running for the party's co-leadership.
Green MP Elizabeth Kerekere. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
The long-time activist yesterday told media she was considering her options, but today said she had decided against taking a tilt.
Kerekere said she had received many messages from people asking her to stand or support other candidates.
"I have taken the time to reflect and discuss with my whānau, party members and Caucus colleagues once we were all in a clearer head space before making any decisions regarding the outcome of recent events," she said in a statement.
"Having done so, I will not be running for co-leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand in this election."
She said the caucus needed to listen to the membership who had clearly signalled a desire for accountability from the co-leaders.
"I look forward to working with the successful candidate to uphold our Green kaupapa, uplift our Green member voices, and make good Green change as a united Party," she said.
"I believe this election presents an opportunity for any and all candidates who may run to clearly state the progressive, left-wing values which are the only way to achieve the critical system shifts we need to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, address climate change and inequality, and protect biodiversity."
Climate Change Minister James Shaw is currently the only one in the running to reclaim his position - after a faction of party delegates ousted him over the weekend.
A statement from the Green Party said the entire caucus was surprised when Shaw was removed as co-leader.
Yesterday, MPs Chloe Swarbrick, Eugenie Sage and Golriz Ghahraman ruled themselves out of running for the co-leadership.