The Green Party’s chief of staff, Eliza Prestidge-Oldfield, has resigned from her role to focus on her “health, wellbeing and whānau,” the party confirmed this afternoon, 1News reported
In a statement, Greens co-leader Marama Davidson acknowledged Prestidge-Oldfield’s decision, describing it as a difficult but necessary step.
“This has not been an easy decision for her to make, given the huge contribution that Eliza has made to the Green Party over many years. However, the party fully supports her decision to prioritise her health and whānau,” Davidson said, as quoted by 1News.
She added that the process of appointing a new chief of staff would “take shape in due course,” and praised Prestidge-Oldfield’s work in strengthening the party’s foundations, reported 1News.
Until a permanent replacement is appointed, Tom Haig, the Greens’ policy and research director, will serve as the acting chief of staff.
The resignation comes in the wake of internal changes for the party, following Green MP Benjamin Doyle’s departure last week after controversy over their social media posts.
In their valedictory speech, Doyle criticised Parliament, calling it “hostile and toxic.”
According to a report by 1News, Doyle said, “This place is hostile and toxic, especially if you are not a cis, straight, white man with a blue suit and a briefcase, but most of all it is not fit for purpose”.
They further described the political system as “a colonial imposition” that fails to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi or protect marginalised communities.
The twin resignations mark a significant period of transition for the Greens as the party looks ahead to reshaping its leadership structure.