Green Party leadership hopeful David Hay won't be a candidate in next year's general election, because the party says he is not up to the job.
Mr Hay, who works for Auckland Council, announced this week he would challenge Russel Norman for the party's co-leadership.
Mr Hay was told in October that he would not be selected as a candidate for next year's general election.
He appealed that decision on Saturday but the party executive upheld the earlier ruling.
It says Mr Hay's effectiveness as a candidate raised concerns in both the 2008 and 2011 elections, and he has had many chances since then to prove himself as someone committed to growing the party vote.
The executive says it also stands by Dr Norman, saying he is doing an outstanding job.
