Jeantte Fitzsimons

23 February 2009 - Jeanette Fitzsimons' contribution to New Zealand politics has been considerable and will be acknowledged both for her strong and enduring voice on "green" politics and for the integrity with which she acted, says Labour leader Phil Goff.

Jeanette Fitzsimons today announced she would step down from the post as co-leader of the Green Party in June.

Mr Goff said Jeanette Fitzsimons has worked tirelessly for the Green Party since she was elected its co-leader 14 years ago.

"The sad and untimely death of her co-leader and friend Rod Donald several years ago placed considerable additional weight on her shoulders and the way she went on to carry the torch without him further reflected how capable and talented a politician she is," Mr Goff said.

"The Green Party and the Labour Party have regularly worked together, both formally and informally, during the period of Jeanette's co-leadership and she has advocated persistently and with absolute determination to get her issues on the table - both politically and in the public arena, during this time.

"Jeanette has never been afraid to call a spade a spade and she has been prepared to weather sometimes weighty criticism in order to advance debate about the issues she feels passionately about, such as climate change.

"As a politician she is respected across the House for the dignity and integrity with which she has conducted herself and the affairs of her party.

"Jeanette will be missed as a co-leader, but she will be able to step down from the role assured that she has made a significant contribution to New Zealand politics; and helped secure policy wins and a greater public understanding of environmental issues along the way," Phil Goff said.