The Green Party is paying tribute to former MP and prominent activist Keith Locke who died yesterday.
Locke died peacefully in hospital, the Greens said in a statement.
"We are saddened to learn of the death of Keith Locke, who is both a dear friend and a leading figure in the history of our party and indeed in this country’s history of activism, co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick said in a joint statement on behalf of the Greens caucus.
Locke served four consecutive terms of Parliament as a list MP from 1999 to 2011.
"He served our party with distinction and worked extremely hard to advance causes central to our Kaupapa," Davidson and Swarbrick said.
The party said Locke worked to defend civil liberties at home but also highlighting human rights crises in other countries with a particular strong opposition to the Iraq War.
"Keith always understood the importance of, and advocated for, Aotearoa New Zealand retaining its independent voice in international affairs - we must take heed of that message now more than ever," the Greens said.
"His mahi as a fearless defender of civil liberties was exemplified in his efforts to challenge government overreach into the privacy of citizens.
'Keith worked very hard to introduce reforms of our country’s security intelligence services. While there is much more to be done, the improvements in transparency that have occurred over the past two decades are... due to his advocacy and work. We will honour him by ensuring we carry on such work.
"As a colleague and friend, Keith will be keenly missed by the Greens. He has been a shining light for the rights of people and planet.
"Keith Locke leaves a legacy that his family and all who knew him can be proud of.
"Moe mai ra e te Rangatira."
Newshub.
