Dannevirke: Life after Russel

Metiria Turei says leadership is all about working with the group of people you represent and the art of leading and following can be tricky.

Just hours after fronting television cameras alongside retiring Green Party co-leader Russel Norman last Friday, Metiria Turei was in Dannevirke and looking forwards.

In town for a Treaty of Waitangi debate at a celebration for Rangitane iwi, Ms Turei spoke to the Dannevirke News about the future without Dr Norman.

"We were close and it's sad Russel is going, but I respect his decision," she said. "Russel is leaving a great legacy and we've had two of our best general election results with him as co-leader. But nothing he's done is lost."

However, Ms Turei admitted Dr Norman's resignation might put more pressure on her.

"Russel was a great co-leader. Leadership is all about working with the group of people you represent and the art of leading and following can be tricky. In our party, the major political decisions are made by our party, but as the co-leader I lead on a daily basis."

Ms Turei said the Green Party had been lucky Dr Norman had stepped in at a time when the party needed him most after then co-leader Rod Donald died suddenly in November, 2005.

"When Russel was elected party co-leader in 2006 we had six MPs, now we have 14 and have done well in two general elections.

"Russel has sacrificed a great deal for us, but things are different when you have three children under 4. Russel built our party and we are now in a much stronger position and he has a lot to be proud of."

Ms Turei said she did not have any intention of retiring at the moment as she still relished the job, despite having a hectic life.

"I get huge satisfaction in the feedback from the community because I like to hear if I'm doing a good job, or not. Leadership of the Greens means the party always has your back and you're never out on your own. The party is incredibly supportive."