Rotorua's Green candidate saddened by Metiria's resignation

Rotorua Green Party candidate Richard Gillies. Photo/File

Local Green Party candiate Richard Gillies says co-leader Metiria Turei's resignation is "pretty unfortunate and sad" but it's campaigning as usual for him in Rotorua.

Ms Turei resigned last night, saying her family had come under extreme scrutiny following her admitting to historical offending while on the benefit in the 1990s.

She will no longer be on the Green Party list but will campaign for the party vote only in the Maori electorate, Te Tai Tonga.

Mr Gillies said Ms Turei still had a lot of support within the party "but she arrived at the decision and we have to move on".

"James [Shaw, co-leader] has said he will be the sole co-leader until a new female co-leader can be chosen at the next general meeting, which will be post-election."

He said Ms Turei had opened up an important conversation about poverty in New Zealand.

Whatever you think of Metiria's admissions it has ignited a powerful debate.

Rotorua Green Party candiate Richard Gillies

For Mr Gillies, it's campaigning as usual.

"We've been hitting the streets, door knocking. While the polls have been up and down, the response [from locals] has been favourable."