A leader in her field
Yesterday's Stuff opinion poll allowed viewers, perhaps a little prematurely, to state their preference for a new Green Party co-leader. This followed the announcement on Monday that Jeanette Fitzsimons will step down from her position in June this year after 14 years of Green leadership.
Though it wasn't unexpected - Jeanette openly intended on resigning after the 2008 election but has continued in her role to help carry the torch in the tragic absence of the late Rod Donald - it will still be sad to see her go.
But Jeanette will not be disappearing from Parliament. By becoming a backbencher (for the first time), she will, I hope, have time to make even more progress in her specialist areas, particularly energy efficiency. I've had the fortune of meeting Jeanette on several occasions and her technical insight always impresses me as much as her modesty. A quick look at her bio gives a brief indication of the breadth and depth of Jeanette's energy-efficiency and climate-change credentials and experience.
The establishment of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) will be one of Jeanette's most prominent legacies, but a steady commitment to all environmental issues over a political career already spanning more than 30 years will ensure that her influence will be felt for some time to come.
As the Greens are the only party to fully democratically decide the party list, including leadership, the internal polling to choose a new leader will be slightly more robust than a Stuff opinion poll. The change will signal a new era for the party as a Green presence in the political arena becomes increasingly important.
Jeanette is undoubtedly a brilliant person who has made huge strides towards sustainability. She will be valued both in her continued role within the party and wherever else her passion may take her.
Sponsored links
Newest First
Oldest First
It's more than 30 years since I first met Jeanette in the Values Party (and later Rod Donald). The world has changed a lot in that time but her clarity, conviction and advocacy of her beliefs have not.
I have disagreed with her economic inclinations which I think are not well-based and tend to follow the environmental movement and the Greens into a blind and counter-productive alley which has been and remains a major handicap.
I think the future of the Greens depends on improving their economic knowledge and policies. But for sure Jeanette will be greatly missed and has earned huge respect.
Sadly, JF and the greens could have achieved much more. While I agree with most of their environmental objectives they pursue. I (like others) am put off voting for them by their far out social, economic and trade policies.
They have single handedly consigned themselves to 3 years of time out (ironic considering Sue's championing of the 'anti-smack' law), by refusing to work with the party that was consistently predicted to win the election. A poor gamble.
By contrast the Maori party have strategically aligned themselves to be inside the tent with National, they can do things for their voters. Sadly the greens have isolated themselves as an opposition party till the next election and can only throw rocks at the outside of the tent.
Effective Green parties in other countries (eg Germany) work with parties on both sides of the political spectrum for the purpose of advancing environmental issues.
An opportunity wasted (no pun intended), and a very real risk of obscurity, and irrelevance. And of course next election labour presents as a left wing opposition party and may attract would be green voters.
Whoever takes over the reins has a very big job to do convincing voters that the greens are not simply wasted vote next election.
Adele's ex-boyfriend deserves credit
From TV to a tent: Family of eight evicted
Can Paris Hilton save her image?
Earthquake stress blamed for murder
Mallard sells festival tickets online at profit
Should you take your groom's name?
Gareth Morgan: I hope Norwegian sinks
Nats to discuss Mondayising holidays
Letter: The nakedness of skateboarders
Should you take your groom's name?
Mojo Mathers gives maiden speech
Auckland, Wellington expensive for expats
NZ dollar up on strong retail spending
Reconsider Crafar farms deal, Government told
Should you take your groom's name?
Man fined for selling derogatory clothing
'Legal cocaine' may be new designer drug
iPads make learning a delight for pupils
Tapanui farm dog becomes Lotto dog
Jeanette, is a relatively unassuming, deeply intelligent, great woman, who I have had the privilege of knowing for 9 years. She leaves other politicians, particularly those in other parties way behind in her specialist topics. And in fact often knows more than the advisors to the minister/s on those topics. She will leave a huge legacy for the Green Party and will be a very hard act to follow. Her ability to work hard for the benefit of the country and the Green party and not for any personal kudos is legendary. I only wish this country had more politicians of her calibre.