Does Metiria Turei really think this is an appropriate image to post as a party (co) leader? I can only imagine the outcry form those on the Green’s side of the political spectrum if John Key, or in fact any National MP, posted a similar image with a Green Party MP or leader’s image there. The Green party have spent a number of years trying to move their image away from that of a group of hippies and extremists, towards an image of a party that is in a position to hold ministerial positions in a future government. However, here we have a co-leader of said party advocating using an image of the Prime Minister as a target for a game of darts.
The posting of this has already resulted in a number of Green supporters saying they agree with the Greens but not this post. However there are also some people expressing their support for this image.
The Green’s own charter specifies the following:
– Non-violent conflict resolution is the process by which ecological wisdom, social responsibility and appropriate decision making will be implemented. This principle applies at all levels.
Their own Vision starts off with:
In our Vision, Aotearoa New Zealand is a place where people respect each other and the natural world we share. It is healthy, peaceful and richly diverse.
Their Values include:
6 – Engage respectfully, without personal attacks
and
13 – Foster compassion, a sense of humour and mutual enjoyment in our work
Does the posting of this image meet those above standards that the Green Party sets for itself? Or is it a case of the rules don’t apply when it comes to attack National?
I am afraid that both Turei and Norman have ignored these principles completely when it comes to National especially in regard to Key. Yet they become extremely affronted and upset when similar treatment is applied to them. Hypocrisy is one word which comes to mind.
You expect the Green Party leaders to comply with the party’s principles Matthew? I agree with Peter above; Norman and Turei are great with the words, but their actions are what they will be judged on. This is rank hippy-crisy from Ms Turei.