The Greens have had a shock start to their political year, with co-leader Dr Russel Norman standing down, revealing the driving force behind his decision is a newborn baby.
It's the end of a political partnership with co-leader Metiria Turei.
"Russel stepped up when we needed him most. He has led us with passion and with drive since [former leader] Rod Donald's death," Ms Turei said.
And like Mr Donald, Dr Norman leaves a big hole.
He's going in his political prime, aged just 47, and after only six years in Parliament, having never made it into Government.
Now he's likely to quit politics altogether.
He says family is a big part of his decision. He and partner Katya Paquin have a new addition, a baby girl called Stella.
"It's a big issue. I love my kids and I need to spend more time with them."
Dr Norman is saying no more, wanting to keep his family out of politics as much as possible.
Now there is a race for the male co-leadership.
The contenders are the favourite Kevin Hague, Gareth Hughes may put his hand up, and the outsider - new MP James Shaw.
His replacement will be decided in May.
Who is Russel Norman?
Russel Norman - the Aussie medical school dropout, former factory worker and one-time extreme socialist, won the hearts and minds of New Zealand's Greens – who were not even in Parliament when he took over.
There was doubt Dr Norman would be able to fill the void left after Rod Donald's death.
A kind of 'Normal Norman', he's credited with bringing the Greens to the centre.
Under him they even worked with National, but he never shied from attacking John Key.
He doesn't much like Conservative Party leader Colin Craig either, and it's mutual – Mr Craig sued him for defamation.
He's mastered the photo-op, boats to promote clean rivers, travelling to push public transport, and done legwork to oppose asset sales.
There have been bungles too.
Dr Norman was forced to apologise to the Prime Minister when his staffer was busted vandalising National Party billboards.
And he made a U-turn on his dream of printing money, which gave National ample fodder for attack.
He grabbed headlines for being grabbed by the Chinese Vice-President's security detail while waving the Tibetan flag in protest of human rights abuse.
Dr Norman's wife Katya Paquin is a former Green Party staffer and actress Anna Paquin's sister.
She was diagnosed with a brain tumour 2005 but she beat it, and the couple are focusing on their children now.
Opinion: Norman's axe blow to Greens
Video: Russel Norman on his resignation
3 News
source: newshub archive
