David Hay: Time for Metiria and Russel to go

David Hay today revealed the reason for his leadership challenge, saying that Metiria Turei and Russel Norman had betrayed the core principles of the Green Party and should resign as co-leaders and MPs.

Outside the Green Party offices in Auckland this afternoon, Mr Hay gave journalists a print-out of emails that had passed between himself and Jon Field, the party's General Secretary, following his interview for the candidate pool. A copy is attached to this release.

The emails reveal that Megan Salole, the Green Party's 2011 Campaign Manager, had recommended in her secret post-campaign debrief report that Mr Hay should not be accepted into the candidate pool for the 2014 election.  

Mr Hay said "I couldn't believe the party would allow a recommendation like that to be made, without first raising concerns with the candidate directly and trying to resolve them. I made a formal complaint, which was properly investigated. The party has acknowledged that I was denied natural justice, and has apologised." 

"But this also raises serious questions about the party's leadership.  Metiria and Russel must have read that report, and must have known about the recommendation. At no time in the past two years have they, or anybody else, attempted to discuss their concerns with me and try to resolve any perceived problems."

"Metiria and Russel's actions and omissions in this case have been contrary to the core principles of the Green Party charter principles of appropriate decision making and social justice, and the party's values."

"What also concerns me about this is the political risk they took and the folly of their actions.  I these two, with others, set a trap for me two years ago and then sprung it during the candidate selection process.  I can't understand how they thought that was going to play out. It was a stupid, stupid thing to do."

"I have completely lost confidence in Russel and Metiria's ability to lead the Green Party. I no longer trust them or believe what they say. Neither should party members, or New Zealand voters. That is the real reason behind my leadership challenge" said Mr Hay.

"The Green Party is better than this" said Mr Hay. "We have many good, hard working, people in the party who uphold its principles and values. We don't need these two any more. It is time for them to go."

ENDS

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