Greens speak out about Kerekere

Radio NZ report:

The Green MP at the centre of a party investigation, Elizabeth Kerekere, has been accused of ongoing poor behaviour – including badmouthing and undermining her caucus colleagues and staff.

Five individuals close to the Greens – including current and former staffers – have spoken to RNZ under the condition of anonymity after Kerekere accidentally sent messages to a group chat which were unsupportive of Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick.

Those spoken to by RNZ said the messages were characteristic of the Tai Rāwhiti-based MP’s behaviour since her arrival at Parliament in 2020.

Many were unhappy with Kerekere putting her own interests ahead of the party, and wanted the inquiry widened to cover her broader behaviour and for it to report back before the party list was finalised.

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, a Green insider had previously told me that Kerekere was one of the most unpleasant people they had ever met.

Now what is interesting is that the Green hierarchy still ranked her No 4 on the draft party list, promoting her four places from last time. Why?

One source told RNZ Kerekere had exhibited “bullying” and “general mean girl behaviour” throughout this term.

“Elizabeth has a tendency to call people ‘racist’ if they disagree with her,” the source said. “People walk on eggshells around her.”

Ha, welcome to the centre-right. We get called racist for daring to disagree with people on the left almost continuously. Not as pleasant I guess, when it is done within your own party.