Thu Sep 12 01:44:23 UTC 2024: ## Former Green Party MP Darleen Tana Challenges Party’s Actions in Court
**Auckland, New Zealand:** The High Court in Auckland is currently hearing a judicial review case brought by former Green Party MP Darleen Tana, who claims the party’s co-leaders acted unlawfully in “ejecting” her from the organisation. Tana resigned from the Greens in March following an investigation into migrant exploitation at her husband’s business, but wants to remain in Parliament as an independent MP.
Tana’s lawyer, Sharyn Green, argued that the party did not follow its own constitution and charter when asking Tana to resign. Green questioned whether Tana’s resignation was truly voluntary and what she was actually asked to resign from – the Green Party or her parliamentary seat. She also claimed Tana was pressured to resign, with no other options available.
Green asserted that Tana was not given a written complaint about her conduct, and that the party’s co-leaders did not explicitly tell her she was being held responsible for her husband’s actions until the court proceedings.
However, the Green Party’s lawyer, Tim Smith, countered that there is no evidence showing Tana was asked to resign before she quit. He argued that Tana is attempting to avoid the legal consequences of the “waka jumping” legislation, which could remove her from Parliament, by denying her own agency in resigning.
Smith emphasized that the Greens’ co-leaders followed the proper procedures outlined in the MP code of conduct, including giving Tana a chance to respond to the allegations. He pointed to the draft investigation report sent to Tana on June 24th, which outlined the allegations and their potential impact on the party’s reputation.
The hearing is ongoing, with both sides presenting their arguments to Judge David Johnstone. The outcome of the judicial review will determine whether Tana’s resignation is deemed valid and whether she can remain in Parliament as an independent MP.
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