Green Party Controversies 2025

The story so far

In late March 2025, Green MP Tamatha Paul stood by comments that a visible police presence can make people feel more on edge, and the coalition Government and Labour criticised her.^{26 Mar 2025} The Salvation Army and Downtown Community Ministry said they had not formally complained to her about claims that police threw away homeless people's belongings.^{27 Mar 2025} The row grew as Wellington social services defended beat teams and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon suggested the Greens were disconnected from law and order realities.^{29 Mar 2025} Paul then played songs critical of the police during a DJ set at the CubaDupa festival, and the Green Party said it had more significant issues to address than the music.^{31 Mar 2025} In September, Green list MP Benjamin Doyle announced they would leave Parliament on 3 October, citing harassment, death threats and concerns for their whānau, and the party's chief of staff also resigned.^{5, 22 Sep 2025}

Latest

A 19-year-old Gisborne man has been charged over death threats made against former Green MP Benjamin Doyle in March, and further arrests may follow.^{10 Oct 2025} Communications director Louis Day resigned in October, and former MP Kevin Hague was appointed the Green Party's new chief of staff in November.^{10 Oct 2025; 6 Nov 2025}

What's next

The 19-year-old man is due to appear in Gisborne District Court on 15 October.^{10 Oct 2025}

Key moments

1. 26 Mar 2025Tamatha Paul stands by comments that visible police presence can make people feel on edge.
2. 29 Mar 2025Luxon says the Greens are disconnected from law and order realities.
3. 31 Mar 2025Paul plays anti-police songs during a DJ set at CubaDupa.
4. 5 Sep 2025Benjamin Doyle resigns from Parliament citing harassment, death threats and concerns for whānau.
5. 18 Sep 2025Doyle's valedictory speech calls Parliament hostile and toxic.
6. 22 Sep 2025Green Party chief of staff Eliza Prestidge-Oldfield resigns.
7. 10 Oct 2025A 19-year-old Gisborne man is charged over death threats against Doyle.
8. 6 Nov 2025Kevin Hague is appointed the Green Party's new chief of staff.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.