Green Party co-leaders Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson.
Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
The Greens’ chief of staff Eliza Prestidge-Oldfield has resigned “to focus on her health, well-being and her whānau”, following a tumultuous time for the party.
In a statement, Green co-leader Marama Davidson said Prestidge-Oldfield had decided to step away from the position after “careful consideration”.
“This has not been an easy decision for her to make, given the huge contribution that Eliza has made to the Green Party over many years,” Davidson said.
“However, the party fully supports her decision to prioritise her health and whānau.”
Davidson said a recruitment process would take place “in due course”. Policy and research director Tom Haig would act in the role in the meantime.
The Greens also acknowledged Prestidge-Oldfield’s “incredible work” which left the party “in good stead going forward”.
Prestidge-Oldfield moved into the role in April last year. She replaced Robin Campbell who himself departed as part of an exodus of senior staff connected to the resignation of then-co-leader James Shaw.
The Greens have had a particularly difficult time since the 2023 election which saw the party ejected from government but with an enlarged caucus of 15 MPs.
The term has been marked by scandals and resignations: Golriz Ghahraman quit after being accused, and later convicted, of shop-lifting. Darleen Tana was ejected from Parliament amid allegations of migrant exploitation at her husband’s bicycle business.
Julie Anne Genter apologised in May for behaving in an intimidating way in the debating chamber towards minister Matt Doocey.
And most recently, Benjamin Doyle quit Parliament after facing threats of violence and abuse in response to historical social media posts. In a valedictory speech last week, Doyle described Parliament as a “hostile and toxic” environment.
The party has also been struck by tragedy: Fa’anānā Efeso Collins suddenly died in February 2024, and Davidson took time off for treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
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