30 June 2014

Green MP Holly Walker to step down from party list

Green Party MP Holly Walker has decided to withdraw from the party’s list in the upcoming election and will not seek a second term in Parliament. Ms Walker was number 12 on the Green Party list.

“Unfortunately, a recent unexpected change in my family life has made it very difficult for me to continue as a Green MP. Under these circumstances, I have chosen to put my family first and withdraw myself from the Green Party list,” said Ms Walker,

“It has been extremely rewarding to combine parenting and politics, and a challenge I have enjoyed. Unfortunately, a recent unexpected change in my family life has made it very difficult for me to continue.

“Even with great support from the Green Party and colleagues, changes in my family life meant I would not have been able to do justice to my role as an MP. Under these circumstances, I have chosen to put my family first.

“I am gutted to be leaving politics so soon. I came to Parliament to stand up for what I believe in and to make real change happen.

“While there is much more I wanted to do in my time in Parliament, I am proud of what I have achieved. I’ve worked hard to help put inequality and child poverty on the political agenda. I’m very proud that these issues are squarely at the heart of the election campaign in 2014.

“I’ve been an advocate for transparency and open government through my work on the Lobbying Disclosure Bill. While the bill did not succeed, the lobbying and donations dramas of recent weeks have made it clear to me that there is still an urgent need for far greater transparency around this area.

“I will continue to be an active and enthusiastic member of the Green Party and will continue as the Green Party candidate in Hutt South,” said Ms Walker.

“Holly has been a fantastic first term MP and a highly valued member of the Green Party caucus. We are all very sad she won’t be back as part of the team after the election,” said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei.

“We respect Holly’s decision to put her family first. Parliament can be a tough place for young mums with the long hours and regular travel.

“Holly is an incredibly smart and capable young woman. I am sure that her decision to stand down from our list does not mean it is the last we will hear of her in public life. Her commitment to the environment and passion for tackling child poverty will continue,” said Mrs Turei.

As a result of Holly Walker coming off the list all candidates will move up one spot. Wellington Central candidate James Shaw will take Ms Walker’s spot at number 12 and 21 one year old Te Tai Hauāuru candidate and Paekākāriki Community Board chairperson Jack McDonald moves up into the top 20.

The updated Green Party list is here https://www.greens.org.nz/people/candidates

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