Greens welcome new MP, even stronger mandate for change of government

The Green Party is today welcoming its newest Member of Parliament, human rights lawyer Golriz Ghahraman, following the release of the special vote results, which also provide an even stronger mandate for a change of government.

Ms Ghahraman will be New Zealand’s first refugee MP, and her election increases the Green Party’s caucus to eight MPs. Labour also gained a seat from the special votes, with National losing two.

“The results released today push us closer towards the change of government that so many New Zealanders want,” said Green Party Co-leader James Shaw.

“With the Green Party, Labour and New Zealand First combined, there is now a strong majority for change across our Parliament.

“On the night of the election, I said that there was a clear mandate for a change of government. With today’s results, that is even clearer.

“I’m thrilled that Golriz is joining our caucus, and on behalf of all of our MPs, party members and supporters, I want to offer her my warmest congratulations.

“Golriz is a highly skilled lawyer, whose expertise in international law and human rights will be invaluable to our caucus and our parliament.

“I am thrilled that she will be New Zealand’s first MP who started her life in this country as a refugee.

“In a time of increasingly divisive politics around the world, Golriz’s election to our Parliament sends a strong message about the kind of country New Zealand is, and the values that the Green Party is proud to stand for – inclusiveness, open-heartedness, and optimism and hope for our future.

“The next part of that is to change the government. My team and I will be putting all our efforts into that over the coming days,” said Mr Shaw.

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