Greens MP Ricardo Menéndez March is refusing to throw his support behind James Shaw for the co-leadership role, instead wanting to let the process play out.
He said he won't personally be throwing his hat into the ring and wants to have a proper caucus meeting to discuss the fallout of Saturday's bombshell leadership vote.
More than 25 percent of Greens delegates at an annual meeting on Saturday voted to reopen nominations for the co-leadership position held by Shaw. Nominations will remain open for about a week, with Shaw so far the only one to put his name forward.
Some Green members and delegates have expressed dissatisfaction with Shaw's advocacy, calling for a more progressive leader.
But Shaw, the current Climate Change Minister, said on Monday what he's achieved as minister "dramatically" outweighs what else has been done on climate change over recent decades.
Menéndez March said some members are "clearly feeling that they want more action on climate change" and that the recent vote was a call to action for the caucus to have difficult conversations.
He said environmental NGOs have been raising with the Greens "for quite some time the concern that perhaps we're not representing the grass roots movement as strong as we can".
"That feedback has existed for some time".
When asked if he had confidence in Shaw as co-leader, the MP said: "I have confidence that together, alongside James, we will find a way forward to ensure that all of our members feel confident in the work that we are doing".
Pushed on that, Menéndez March said it was MPs' role to make sure the party process is followed.
But he did say Shaw has been doing hard work balancing his ministerial role with his co-leadership work.
He said all Green MPs are excellent people and could be excellent leaders. It was up to them to choose if they wish to stand, he said.
On high-profile MP Chlöe Swarbrick - whose name has been bandied about as a possible contender and who is yet to comment - Menéndez March said she has done amazing work.
"I understand there is appetite from some members for this."
Green MP Eugenie Sage told Newshub on Monday morning that she "strongly supports" Shaw as co-leader and won't stand for the position. Golriz Ghahraman also confirmed she won't stand for the role. Dr Elizabeth Kerekere said she will likely put out a statement after caucus meets on Tuesday.
