<\/p>\n
\nGreen Party co-leaders Chl\u00f6e Swarbrick and Marama Davidson.
\nPhoto: RNZ \/ Marika Khabazi\n<\/p>\n
The Greens’ chief of staff Eliza Prestidge-Oldfield has resigned “to focus on her health, well-being and her wh\u0101nau”, following a tumultuous time for the party.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Green co-leader Marama Davidson said Prestidge-Oldfield had decided to step away from the position after “careful consideration”.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“However, the party fully supports her decision to prioritise her health and wh\u0101nau.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Greens also acknowledged Prestidge-Oldfield’s “incredible work” which left the party “in good stead going forward”.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Julie Anne Genter apologised in May for behaving in an intimidating way in the debating chamber towards minister Matt Doocey.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The party has also been struck by tragedy: Fa’an\u0101n\u0101 Efeso Collins suddenly died in February 2024, and Davidson took time off for treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer.<\/p>\n