Greens' leadership meetings

The four contenders to be the Greens' next co-leader - from left, James Shaw, Vernon Tava, Gareth Hughes and Kevin Hague - will speak at public meetings across Northland this weekend.

The Greens are taking the contest to choose their next co-leader to Northland this weekend with a series of public meetings aimed at winning over local party members.

The four contenders hoping to replace current co-leader Russel Norman are sitting MPs Kevin Hague, Gareth Hughes and James Shaw, and lawyer/long-time party member Vernon Tava from Auckland.

They will speak at meetings in Whangarei, Kerikeri, Kaitaia and Kaiwaka, and will be transported in two electric vehicles including a Tesla Model S with a 400km range. The cars will be charged up at Northpower's Alexander St station in Whangarei.

Kerikeri-based list MP David Clendon, who will chair the Whangarei and Kerikeri meetings, said it was a chance for members, supporters and the public to hear the candidates' visions for the party.

"At a time when fossil fuel use and its effects on the climate are critical public issues, it's appropriate that our aspiring leaders are travelling across Northland using a sustainable transport fuel," he said.

Mr Norman announced he was stepping down earlier this year after nine years in the job. The party's constitution requires male and female co-leaders.

The new male co-leader will be chosen at the Greens' AGM on Queens Birthday weekend. The current female co-leader is Metiria Turei.

The meetings will be held on Saturday at 10.30am at the Northland Youth Theatre, Whangarei; the Turner Centre, Kerikeri, at 2.30pm, and Far North REAP, Kaitaia, at 6.30pm. The Kaiwaka meeting will be held at 9.30am on Sunday at the Memorial Hall.