Two clear paths have emerged for the party as its members vote on a new co-leader —

The outsiders

The Green Party’s choice of a new co-leader on Saturday will come down to two contenders — a sensible, safe pair of hands or a riskier, flashier newcomer who has the potential to lift the party’s vote.

The contest to replace Russel Norman has developed into a twohorse race between the third-term MP Kevin Hague and the first-term MP James Shaw. With just a handful of local branches left to decide their vote, the contest appears to be close, with Mr Hague possibly holding a small lead.

Of the remaining candidates, Gareth Hughes is believed to be a distant third and outsider Vernon Tava is not in the picture.

In more than 40 meetings around the country over the past five weeks, they have been stating their case.

Mr Hague and Mr Shaw are both highly intelligent, well-spoken candidates who represent the “new” Greens — economically savvy, business-friendly, with relatively broad appeal.

The early favourite, Mr Hague, is the safe choice. The Greymouthbased MP has centred his campaign on his experience — both his seven years in Parliament and his “real world” experience as head of a District Health Board. The huge demands of being a party leader have been understated in the leadership campaign, he says.

“Here’s a reality check. Whoever is elected to this role, that person needs to come into the House next Tuesday, take on John Key and win. That’s not something that someone just has a natural flair for, it’s something that you win the ability to do through hard graft. I’ve done that graft.”

As the caucus’ strategic head, he has played a key role in the Greens’ path to credibility. He has worked hard to downplay the zanier aspects and has banished antiscientific policies such as opposition to 1080, fluoridation and immunisation.

Mr Hague is respected across the House and could bridge the gaps between his party and potential allies National and Labour.

He is known for his face-toface negotiating skills and his ability to find common ground, as proven in his work with National MPs on same-sex marriage legislation, ACC, and changes to health and safety laws after the Pike River disaster.

He has a reputation for being level-headed and never raising his voice. But that does not mean he lacks mongrel. Some of his campaigns began with strong attacks on Government policy, followed by negotiation. The big question is whether Mr

Hague Age: 37 Politics: Waitemata Local Board member, Green Party Auckland co-convener, Northcote candidate.