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Regional | Green Party

Day of resignations as Norman and Sabin stand down

It was a day of resignations at Parliament with Green Party co-leader Russel Norman and Northland MP Mike Sabin stepping down from their respective positions.

However, speculations surround Sabin's departure following an alleged police investigation against him.

Mike Sabin has said that he has personal issues he needs to address outside of Parliament, however that's where an explanation ended, leaving speculations circling.

The Prime Minister has been tight-lipped over the Mike Sabin debacle and today wasn't much different.

Indeed John Key wasn't about to disclose when he knew about the allegations surrounding Sabin, he also wasn't keen to answer if this issue came up prior to the elections.

The Northland MP was forced to resign amid a police investigation into a complaint against him.  Now discussion over a by-election is underway.

Ngāti Hine descendant Willow Jean-Prime contested for the Northland seat for Labour in the last elections.

Back at the Beehive it was a different mood as Russel Norman announced his resignation.

Norman says, “It’s a good time to find a new challenge for myself. It’s also a good time to spend a bit more time with my family and I think it’s also a good time for new leadership in the Green Party.”

Some voters didn't like the fact Norman is originally from Australia, but he says it wasn't a fundamental issue.

Metiria Turei will stay on as female leader, while Kevin Hague is said to be the favourite.  However, Ngāpuhi and Te Roroa descendant David Clendon may also put his hand up.

Russel Norman's resignation will come into effect at the Green Party AGM in May, where the new co-leader will also be announced.