The Green Party is “celebrating” this afternoon following the release of the final election results – which saw the party gain a seat.
The party will now take 15 MPs to parliament, its best result. It will now stand as the third largest party in parliament, but on the opposite side of the House to the incoming National-led Government.
The extra MP is Kahurangi Carter, who ran in the Christchurch Central electorate and will come in on the list.
She told 1News she was with her son, who is on NCEA leave, when she found out about the final result.
Her message to the voters is that she will “always be fighting for what’s right”.
She said her goal in parliament will be to “follow the guidance of mother nature”.
Christchurch's Kahurangi Carter said she was ready to "fight for what's right" when she heads to Wellington. (Source: 1News)
“The Green Party has once again defied history. We are the only support party in the history of MMP to have grown our vote during a term in Government - and we have done it twice now,” co-leader James Shaw said in a statement.
“Our campaign inspired hope, rather than fear, and focused on thoroughly thought through, long-term policy, not just soundbites.”
He said that from opposition, the Greens would be a “strong and unwavering voice” for climate action, wildlife protection and “ensuring that every New Zealander has enough to live with dignity”.
Co-leader Marama Davidson said the Greens “will lead the ongoing fight to eliminate poverty, honour Te Tiriti, protect nature, and build a climate-resilient future for our mokopuna.”
It will also be the biggest Māori and Pasifika caucus the Greens have taken to parliament.
Davidson called it a “huge honour” to be “standing shoulder-to-shoulder with such a strong group of Māori and Pasifika voices who bring to Parliament a vast range of experiences, knowledge and skills.”
SHARE ME