Green Party Faces Turmoil as Communications Director Resigns

The Green Party of New Zealand is experiencing significant upheaval following the resignation of its director of communications, Louis Day. His departure comes just weeks after Eliza Prestidge-Oldfield, the party’s former chief of staff, stepped down. In a communication to journalists, Day expressed a desire to take a break after the parliamentary recess, stating, “I felt that now was the right time for me to move on from Parliament and take a bit of a break before finding a new challenge for my career.”

Day has been with the Green Party for nearly four years, having transitioned into the communications role in June 2024 after serving as a senior press secretary and policy adviser. He indicated his intent to finish up pending tasks before his last day on the precinct, set for next Thursday.

Marama Davidson, co-leader of the Green Party, acknowledged Prestidge-Oldfield’s exit, noting that she had “decided to step away from the chief of staff position to focus on her health, wellbeing, and her whānau.” Following this departure, Tom Haig, the party’s policy and research director, will serve as acting chief of staff until a permanent replacement is appointed.

Ongoing Challenges for the Green Party

This latest development adds to a series of challenges the Green Party has faced during a turbulent parliamentary term. Earlier this year, footage surfaced of former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman allegedly involved in a shoplifting incident, which culminated in her resignation after a $9,000 theft was reported. In the following months, the party mourned the sudden death of Fa’anānā Efeso Collins, eliciting tributes from across the political spectrum.

In March 2024, Darleen Tana faced suspension amid claims of migrant exploitation linked to her husband’s e-bike business. Although Tana’s connection to the allegations was not definitively established, this controversy led to her departure from the party and subsequent expulsion from Parliament under the waka-jumping legislation, which the Green Party had previously opposed.

Chloë Swarbrick, who became co-leader alongside Davidson in March 2024, took over leadership from James Shaw, who retired in May of the same year. His career celebrations were overshadowed when MP Julie Anne Genter was referred to the Privileges Committee for allegedly displaying intimidatory behavior towards Government Minister Matt Doocey.

In June 2024, Davidson disclosed her diagnosis of breast cancer and her decision to temporarily step away from her political duties to focus on recovery. She has since resumed her responsibilities. More recently, the party saw the unexpected resignation of Benjamin Doyle, New Zealand’s first non-binary MP, in September 2024. This followed the resurfacing of controversial social media posts that led to threats against them.

In a poignant valedictory speech, Doyle characterized Parliament as “the colonisers’ house,” highlighting issues of exclusion and power dynamics within the political arena. “This place is hostile and toxic, especially if you are not a cis straight white man with a blue suit and a briefcase,” they remarked, calling for a reevaluation of the current political environment.

The Green Party’s tumultuous period reflects broader challenges within New Zealand’s political landscape, as it grapples with leadership transitions, personal health crises among its members, and significant public scrutiny. As these developments unfold, the party’s future direction remains uncertain, with key leadership roles in transition and a need for cohesion amidst the ongoing challenges.