Green promise

Metiria Turei. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Newly elected Greens co-leader Metiria Turei has underscored the independence of the party by describing herself as someone able to work across the traditional political spectrum.

In her first promise as leader, she said the Greens would champion a more open Parliament that was more accountable to voters. As an initial step, she would join co-leader Russel Norman in releasing her Parliamentary expenses to the Herald on Sunday.

The newspaper has mounted an investigation into MPs' expenses, and won a breakthrough this week when two Mt Albert by-election candidates broke ranks with other politicians to disclose their spending for the first time.

Turei emphasised her environmental background and said because "green ideas cross boundaries" she intended to work with National to secure gains for members.

Turei was the winner of a lengthy selection contest against Sue Bradford.