Former Climate Change Minister James Shaw will step down as the Greens' co-leader in March, but will stay in Parliament for the time being to support a member's bill drawn from the ballot last year.
The new co-leader is expected to be announced on March 10.
Shaw, who the Green Party called the "architect" of the Zero Carbon Act, said it had been a privilege to serve as the Climate Change Minister for six years and the Greens' co-leader for nine.
He also acknowledged current co-leader Marama Davidson, and Metiria Turei who preceded her.
Shaw's members' bill, drawn from the ballot in the last draw of the year last year, would change the Bill of Rights to include the "right to a sustainable environment". The Bill of Rights (Right to a Sustainable Environment) Amendment Bill was introduced to the House on December 19 and will face its first reading. As an opposition member's bill, it is not guaranteed to pass into law.
If the bill progresses past its first reading to select committee and beyond it's possible Shaw will remain in Parliament for some months yet.
“I’m very proud of what the Green Party has achieved over the last eight years. I would like to thank Green Party members and supporters for their incredible hard work and support over that time.
“In 2017, the Greens became a party of government, with ministers, for the first time. We also made political history by increasing our support at the end of each of our two terms - a feat no other government support partner had achieved.
“In Government, we passed the landmark Zero Carbon Act with unanimous support across Parliament, becoming one of the first countries in the world to place the Paris Agreement’s 1.5C target in national legislation."
He said it was especially gratifying to see the Zero Carbon Act "survive its first change of government".
"New Zealand can be proud that it has an enduring climate change framework, with long-term targets and institutions that will guide us over several decades and changes of government.
“Returning to Opposition, the Green Party now has the largest caucus of MPs we’ve ever had, including three electorates for the first time.
“It has taken many thousands of people, in all walks of life, to achieve what we have over the near decade I’ve been co-leader."
Shaw said the Greens' historic election result in 2023 ushered in "a new era for the Green Party" and it was time for a new co-leader to work alongside Davidson.
“The Green Party will continue to lead the fight to stop the climate crisis, restore and protect our wildernesses and wildlife, eliminate poverty, and honour Te Tiriti," he said.
It follows a torrid start to the year for the Green Party with the resignation of Golriz Ghahraman after allegations of shoplifting emerged. Last year was not devoid of controversy either - Elizabeth Kerekere also quit the party amid bullying allegations.
James Shaw has been co-leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand since May 2015. He served as a government minister for two terms, holding the portfolios of climate change, statistics, associate finance, and associate environment.
He was re-elected co-leader in September 2022, after party members voted to re-open nominations against him at the Green's annual general meeting in July.
Nominations for the role of co-leader of the Green Party will open tomorrow, January 31, and close on February 14.
Green Party members will attend local meetings, where they will vote to elect a new co-leader.
Each branch is entitled to a certain number of votes proportionate to the number of members who live in that electorate.
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