Chlöe Swarbrick elected new Green Party co-leader

March 10, 2024
Chlöe Swarbrick

Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick has been elected to replace James Shaw as party co-leader alongside Marama Davidson.

The Greens announced the news this morning.

"Thank you to Green Party members across the country who’ve put their faith and trust in me to lead our movement alongside Marama," Swarbrick said.

"I ask everyone to put that faith and trust in themselves too, and in our collective capacity to transform our world for the better.

"Aotearoa can be a place where everyone has what they need to live a decent life, and our natural world is restored and protected, on a foundation honouring te Tiriti o Waitangi.

"That is the Greens' vision, and one we work to see realised every single day."

Swarbrick took a shot at the current government in her statement.

"This week, the Government completed their cruel and, frankly, bizarre 100-day programme.

"They know that many of the things they have done will make things worse for people and planet and they've told New Zealanders that they don't care," she said. "We've heard from people across the country of their deep despair.

"That's precisely what this Government wants from you: to switch off. Don't."

She urged supporters not to let "this government's bully boy behaviour" silence them, and rather to "let it motivate" them.

"The Greens see you, hear you and will represent you in the halls of power. We know where our power and motivation comes from – and it isn't the vested interests of today – it's you, your kids, your communities, and our shared future on this beautiful planet."

Party member Alex Foulkes was Swarbrick's sole competition for the role.

He acknowledged her election in a statement of his own.

"I would like to congratulate Chlöe Swarbrick on her victory and overwhelming mandate to be co-leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand," Foulkes said.

"I have spoken to Chlöe and given her my congratulations on being elected.

"Chlöe will do an incredible job alongside Marama Davidson, and I would like to wish them both all the best in leading the party into the future."

Outgoing co-leader James Shaw said that there was no-one he would rather have take his place than Chlöe.

"Ever since I first sat down to coffee with her after her mayoral campaign in 2016 she has struck me as a remarkable leader with an extraordinary belief in the power of people to make a difference.

"Her passion and strength is second to none, and alongside Marama, will lead the Greens to make even more of a difference in the future."

Marama Davidson also congratulated the new co-leader.

"It is going to be fantastic to have Chlöe alongside me leading our biggest caucus ever in the fight against this government's cold, cynical and cruel agenda."

She described Swarbrick as an "incredible MP, colleague, and friend" who has "proven time and time again her unique ability to mobilise communities to push for the change Aotearoa needs".

"It has never been more important for there to be a strong voice for an Aotearoa that works for everyone, where everyone is supported to live good lives, in warm dry homes, and where we take bold action to cut pollution and protect native wildlife."

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