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Elevate Magazine
October 22, 2024

Darleen Tana Removed from New Zealand Parliament Following Waka-Jumping Vote

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Image source: Terry Feuerborn

Darleen Tana, former Green Party MP, has been officially removed from New Zealand Parliament following the Green Party’s invocation of the waka-jumping legislation. Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee confirmed her removal today (October 22, 2024), marking the first time in New Zealand’s history that this legislation has been used to formally oust a Member of Parliament.

The decision follows months of internal strife within the Green Party, sparked by allegations that Tana had knowledge of migrant exploitation occurring at her husband’s business. These claims, which emerged in March 2024, led to an independent 116-day investigation by the Green Party. The inquiry concluded that Tana had breached the party’s code of conduct by failing to disclose her involvement in the business, which held serious implications given her role in holding the party’s small business portfolio.

Tana was suspended from the Green Party in March and formally resigned from the party on July 8, 2024, but chose to remain in Parliament as an independent MP. Her refusal to leave the House prompted the Green Party to invoke the controversial waka-jumping provisions under the Electoral Act 1993, which allows parties to remove MPs who have distorted parliamentary proportionality by resigning from their party but continuing to serve as independent members.

The Green Party convened a special meeting on October 17, 2024, where 185 delegates unanimously voted to pursue Tana’s removal. In a statement following the meeting, co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick expressed frustration over the prolonged process, saying the party had done “all we can to navigate the situation with our values as the guiding star” but emphasised the need for accountability. She said the party had gone “above and beyond” the requirements of the legislation, acknowledging the party’s longstanding opposition to waka-jumping but highlighting the necessity of restoring proportionality in Parliament.

Brownlee, in a formal gazette notice issued on October 21, confirmed that Tana’s seat had been declared vacant, paving the way for her removal from Parliament. Tana had previously challenged the Green Party’s investigation in court, alleging that the process was flawed and that she had been unfairly pressured to resign. However, the court ruled against her, determining that the inquiry was conducted lawfully.

The removal of Tana sets a significant precedent in New Zealand’s political history, as she becomes the first MP formally ousted under the current version of the waka-jumping legislation. The current version of the law, which was introduced in 2018, has been a point of contention, particularly for the Green Party, which originally opposed the provisions. However, the party’s leadership defended its decision to use the legislation in this case, citing Tana’s continued presence in Parliament as undermining the party’s electoral mandate.

Tana’s seat will now be filled by Benjamin Doyle, the next person on the Green Party’s list. Doyle is expected to be sworn into Parliament in the coming weeks, restoring the Green Party’s representation and bringing a slight increase in parliamentary funding due to the regained seat.

Despite the circumstances, the Green Party appears to be moving forward, with Swarbrick declaring the conclusion of the Tana saga as an opportunity for the party to refocus on its grassroots principles and policy goals.

As for Tana, she has not issued a public statement since her removal, and her future political plans remain unclear. However, reports suggest she may still be pursuing an appeal of the High Court’s decision. For now, her brief but turbulent political career comes to an unprecedented end, with her removal from Parliament making New Zealand political history.