A safe pair of hands in Kevin Hague, or the broad appeal of the ‘riskier’ James Shaw

the Greens won 30 per cent of the vote. It was the only seat in which the Greens beat Labour in the party vote.

Mr Shaw has spent much of his energy in the leadership meetings trying to dispel two criticisms — that he is a National MP in disguise, and that he lacks experience. The first issue partly stems from his slick, business-friendly reputation, which comes from his past work in making mega-brands such as BP and CocaCola more sustainable and green. But it can mostly be blamed on National MPs and commentators who have goaded him, describing him as National-lite. It annoys him, he says, because it suggests that National “has a lock on every single business person”.

He feels economic credibility is a key barrier to voting Green, and wants his party to develop an economic front bench of four or five MPs.

Mr Hague is sceptical of Mr Shaw’s leadership credentials. He says the MP was only one part of the Greens’ popularity in Wellington, and his recipe for success does not translate to South Auckland, suburban areas and provincial centres. Would he be at home speaking on a marae, to farmers or to trade unionists, Mr Hague asked, and could the wider population relate to a Wellington-based, metrosexual MP who doesn’t drive?

Gareth Hughes is also based in Wellington, but promises to move to Auckland if elected co-leader to raise the Green vote there. He has a strong record in Opposition on environment and ICT issues but has always been the underdog in the co-

Hleadership race. This is possibly because, at 33, he is still seen as naive and without economic credibility. Mr Hughes is also uncompromising on environmental issues and is less likely to be able to work with Labour or National.

Mr Hughes says his youth is an advantage. He represents a new generation “who grew up with the internet, burdened with student loans and who are raising a family and struggling to get into their first house”.

Vernon Tava, a Waitemata Local Board member, entered the race to encourage a debate about the future of the party. He argues the Green Party is not fundamentally a leftwing party but a sustainability party, and should not rule out any parties in forming a government.

Both Mr Shaw and Mr Hague have ruled out going into government with National. That means they depend on Labour’s willingness to work with them to get into government — something that has historically proved difficult. It is crucial then that on Saturday the party’s members elect someone who ensures the Green Party cannot be ignored.