The Green Party co-leader, Jeanette Fitzsimons, announced that she will step down from her position as co-leader in June, and leave politics altogether at the next elections. She has been co-leader of the Greens for 14 years.

The Green Party must have one male and one female leader so the party will choose another female leader. Two other female Green Party members, Sue Bradford and Metiria Turei, are interested in being the new co-leader. Sue Bradford is well-known as she was responsible for the anti-smacking law. People who do not like this law probably do not like Sue Bradford. However, she is very experienced in politics. Metiria Turei is a Maori from Dunedin. The Greens might choose her because she is Maori and also from the South Island.

Jeanette Fitzsimons was co-leader with Rod Donald before he died suddenly three years ago. They were both very popular leaders. They were always pleasant and polite, with clear arguments. Jeanette Fitzsimons was a lecturer in environmental studies at Auckland University before she became an MP. She has always been very concerned about global warming and other environmental matters. She and her husband have an organic farm in the Coromandel.