New party idea backed

Wellington: National Party leader Simon Bridges has endorsed the idea of a new centrist environmental party, saying it would be a ‘‘valuable’’ addition to the political landscape.

Vernon Tava, a former Green Party candidate and leadership contender who has also tried for nomination as a National Party candidate, believes the time is now right for a new centrist party.

The idea is being touted by some as a potential solution to the National Party’s dearth of coalition partners.

Mr Bridges said yesterday he had not been in talks with Mr Tava but the party would be a potentially valuable addition. It would need to be organic and drive itself, he said. — RNZ