Tanzcos wants the Greens to move away from Labour

RADIO NEW ZEALAND: The Green Party MP, Nandor Tanzcos, says it is time for the Green Party to step out from under the Labour Party's umbrella.

In a speech to the party's conference in Auckland on Friday night, he told party faithful supporting the Labour Party at the last election was a mistake.

Mr Tanzcos says the Greens should have continued their talks with the Maori Party. The idea has been raised of the two parties working more closely this year.

The party believes it is in a stronger position going into this years general election than ever before.

The co-leader, Russel Norman, says political positioning in terms of post-election negotiations will be discussed on Saturday, and the decision released on Sunday.

He says it will probably decide more of a process than outcome.

Russel Norman says the Green Party hopes to get more than 10% of the party vote this election.

Tanzcos criticises Ward

Mr Tanzcos has also criticised the former Green MP Mike Ward for not stepping aside to make way for co-leader Russel Norman to become an MP before the election.

Mr Ward, who has a higher placing than Mr Norman on the party's list, is not at the conference.

Mr Tanzcos says any list MP retiring at the election should give up their seat to let "fresh blood" into the party.