The Green Party has made the decision to move its 2022 AGM online. Members of the party will not be gathering in Christchurch this weekend.

The following can be attributed to the co-leaders of the Green Party, Marama Davidson and James Shaw.

“From the beginning of the pandemic the Green Party has applied strong health and safety protections to meetings and events. We have taken the path of caution in the face of uncertainty, and make every effort to look after all members of our communities while doing so.

“The Green Party has a proud history of creating safe and welcoming spaces for everyone to contribute to the running of the party and our members have been working incredibly hard to make an in-person AGM as safe as possible. However, it became clear that asking our members to travel to Ōtautahi Christchurch from around the country and the risk they may face as a result would be a barrier to everyone participating at the AGM on an equal basis. The risk of North Island members testing positive and having to isolate in Ōtautahi Christchurch away from their families, as well as the additional burden this could place on the health system, was also too great.

“Moving this year’s Green Party AGM online is the right decision. We are well practiced at running open, accessible meetings online where everyone can participate safely, on an equal basis. When we know we can take steps to protect people, particularly those most at risk from COVID-19, it would be wrong not to do so.

“The decision to move the AGM online was taken by the Green Party’s Kaunihera (council). The decision is in line with our ongoing call to prioritise the health and wellbeing of those most at risk.”

© Scoop Media