Green Party MP Celia Wade-Brown has announced she will not be standing as a candidate in the 2026 General Election.
"Having served as a Green City Councillor for fourteen years, two terms as Mayor, and a Green Party list MP, I will continue to strongly support the Green Party," says Celia-Wade Brown.
"Serving as a Member of Parliament for the Green Party has been a privilege. However, as one of the oldest MPs in this Parliament - and the oldest woman MP, I am looking forward to fewer midnight debates under anti-democratic urgency.
"In 2026, I will continue to speak up for people, te tiriti, and nature in the face of this government's attacks on all three. With support from back-benchers across most parties, I hope to progress my Domestic Cat Microchipping members bill which will improve domestic cat welfare and reduce harm to native species.
"Beyond the election, I will continue to protect native habitat in the Wairarapa against rats, stoats, deer, and possums, and to take up more opportunities for packrafting, sea kayaking, bike-packing, and tramping.
"The talent within the Green Party staff, elected representatives in local and central government, branch members, and networks is immense. There are many very brilliant and energetic candidates, as well as our capable current Green MPs. Aotearoa New Zealand has the solutions for a fair society and healthy planet with the leadership of Chlöe and Marama," Celia says.
Green Party Co-leader, Marama Davidson says "Celia has given many decades to improving outcomes for Wellingtonians and te taiao as part of the Green Party. She is a champion for a sustainable living in local and central government. We respect Celia's decision to step away from national politics at the end of this term. We expect she will continue to contribute to the Green Party, our shared values, and to bringing about a better world in whatever roles she chooses".
