1 week Ago
Darleen Tana was determined to continue as an independent MP. Photo: RNZ Tana was elected as a Green list member of Parliament a year ago, but news emerged of allegations of migrant exploitation at her husband’s bicycle business. An investigation found it was likely that she knew about the allegations, but was not upfront about them to the Green Party.
She resigned but had been determined to continue as an independent MP. All party delegates voted to invoke the Electoral (Integrity) Amendment Act 2018 (waka-jumping provision). "Last week, 185 Green Party delegates, representing our thousands of members across the country, came to unanimous consensus to put this request to the Speaker," party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said.
"This, of course, went well above and beyond the requirements in the law. We have always been and remain a proudly grassroots-led party. "Throughout this process, our founding values and principles have been our guiding star, and I am proud of how we have held true to those.
This gazette from the Speaker today draws a line under the issue. "Every single day, we have continued to fight for people and planet, and hold the government to account on their cruel and destructive agenda. That mahi continues with the vigour our communities need and deserve.
" Tana will be replaced in Parliament by Benjamin Doyle, the next on the Green Party's list. - Additional reporting ODT.
