Co-leader James Shaw pays tribute to controversial Metiria Turei at Green Party AGM

August 18, 2018
Dr Shaw says NZ is becoming more informed about what mitigating climate change effects, but needs to now act.

Green Party co-leader James Shaw counted the party's wins as he addressed the party faithful in Palmerston North today.

It's the first conference the party's held since making it into government, and Mr Shaw is pushing the positives.

As part of his annual speech, Mr Shaw talked about the country's goal to go zero carbon, green investment, and ending oil exploration.

He said it was the membership that put them there.

"It was a hell of a ride through a campaign that took its toll.

"But what got us through and delivered us back into Parliament, and into government for the first time ever, was you."

The Green co-leader thanked all of his ministers and MPs - but notably absent is any mention of the Conservation and Land Information New Zealand Minister Eugenie Sage, or the foreign-owned water-bottling plant she signed off on because her "hands were tied."

Nor was there mention of the Waka Jumping Bill, but Mr Shaw did allude to it.

"We haven't won every debate and the menu does feature the occasional deceased rodent."

Instead, he said the party was "even stronger" in government, because they were being tested every day.

"The wins we're celebrating this weekend are momentous and should not be underestimated. There is so much more to be done. But we are just getting warmed up," he said.

He said it was up to his co-leader Marama Davidson to negotiate with government ministers on issue after issue, and said she was doing that job, taking "every opportunity to make the the Greenest government ever".

Mr Shaw also thanked his former co-leader Metiria Turei, who at the party's last AGM, admitted to benefit fraud and sparked a series of events that saw the Green Party on a tumultuous ride to Parliament without her.

"It's been a year and nine days since Metiria stepped aside as co-leader.

"But what she fought for - a welfare system that treats people with dignity and respect, which offers people a decent life, at every stage of life - we now have a shot at delivering on as part of this government."

The party's AGM runs through until tomorrow.

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