Former Green Party MP Darleen Tana, who identifies with they/them pronouns, has made it clear that they have no intention of resigning from Parliament despite the party’s request. Tana was elected as a list MP and believes they are still fairly representing their voters.

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Last month, Green Party co-leaders Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson sent a formal letter to Tana, asking them to step down. They argued that Tana’s decision to stay in Parliament after leaving the Green Party was distorting the balance of representation in Parliament.

A Special General Meeting is set for September 1, where Green Party members will decide whether to use the “party hopping” law to remove Tana from Parliament. This law is designed to prevent MPs from switching parties without leaving their seat.

In their response to the co-leaders, Tana argued that they were not distorting Parliament’s balance. They emphasized that they were elected fairly and have important work to do, so they will not resign. Tana also pointed out that they have asked Te Pāti Māori to cast their votes in line with the Green Party to avoid affecting the party’s voting power.

Tana questioned the Green Party’s claim that their continued presence in Parliament was causing significant harm to the party. They argued that the situation didn’t meet the high standard required to use the party hopping law. They also noted that some Green Party members and supporters encouraged them to stay on as an independent MP.

Tana expressed that their decision to leave the Green Party was difficult but necessary. They felt uncomfortable within the party and believed that the signs of this discomfort had been there from the start. Despite leaving the party, Tana said they still uphold Green Party values and continue to vote accordingly.

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins and Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer also weighed in on the situation. Hipkins supports the idea of Tana resigning, saying it would be the honorable thing to do since they left the Green Party. Ngarewa-Packer, while taking on Tana’s proxy vote, seemed reluctant and hoped the Greens would resolve the issue themselves.

As the situation unfolds, the Green Party is considering whether to invoke the party hopping law to remove Tana from Parliament, with the support of Labour. The outcome of the Special General Meeting will be crucial in determining Tana’s future in Parliament