The Green Party is currently grappling with significant internal strife following the resignation of key Pasifika leaders and ongoing debates about the treatment of MP Darleen Tana. The recent events have highlighted deep-rooted issues within the party, including accusations of cultural insensitivity and double standards.
What's Happening in the Green Party?
The Green Party is experiencing major internal conflicts after three senior Pasifika members, Marie Laufiso, Alofa Aiono, and Vasemaca Tavola, resigned in protest. Their resignations were announced at the party's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Christchurch and were accompanied by a strongly worded open letter criticising the party's leadership for their handling of cultural issues and the treatment of wāhine Māori MPs. The letter emphasised feelings of being "culturally unsafe" within the party and accused the leadership of disregarding Pasifika cultural practices, especially following the death of former MP Fa’anānā Efeso Collins.
What Did MP Darleen Tana Do?
MP Darleen Tana, who has recently started using they/them pronouns, became the centre of controversy after a report implicated their involvement in alleged migrant exploitation at their husband’s business. This led to Tana's departure from the Green Party, and they have since been sitting as an independent MP. The Green Party's leadership has initiated a formal process to remove Tana from Parliament under the party-hopping legislation, arguing that their continued presence distorts the proportional representation in Parliament and affects the party's budget and operational capabilities.
What is the Double Standard and What's an Example?
The resigning Pasifika members accused the Green Party of operating under a double standard, particularly in its treatment of wāhine Māori MPs compared to other MPs. An example highlighted in their resignation letter involved the treatment of Professor Elizabeth Kerekere, a wāhine Māori MP who faced significant internal party criticism and was pressured to resign. In contrast, other MPs, particularly those who are Pākehā or non-Māori, were not subjected to the same stringent scrutiny or consequences for similar or lesser offences. This perceived inconsistency in applying disciplinary measures and support has fuelled accusations of hypocrisy and favouritism within the party.
What's Going to Happen Now?
The Green Party has given Darleen Tana 21 working days to respond to the request for their resignation, as part of the process to potentially invoke the party-hopping legislation. This process will culminate in a Special General Meeting (SGM) on September 1, where approximately 200 party delegates will convene to decide whether to proceed with Tana’s removal from Parliament. A 75% majority vote is required to move forward with the party-hopping legislation.
In the meantime, party members are expected to engage in extensive discussions within their branches to consider the implications of this decision and any defence Tana might present. Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has emphasised the need for a thorough and reflective process, aiming to ensure that the party's actions align with its values and principles. This period is seen as critical for the party to address internal conflicts and work towards a resolution that upholds its commitment to justice and equity.
As the Green Party navigates this challenging period, the outcome of the September 1 meeting will be crucial in determining its future direction and cohesion. The party's ability to handle these internal issues transparently and fairly will be essential in maintaining the trust and support of its members and the public.
Comments