Dr Elizabeth Kerekere in Parliament yesterday for the first time since quitting the Green Party. Photo: RNZ/ Samuel Rillstone
Newly independent MP Elizabeth Kerekere has ruled out joining Te Pāti Māori, in her first public comments since leaving the Greens.
Kerekere resigned from the Greens on Friday, during an investigation into her behaviour towards fellow MPs and staff.
Since then, there has been speculation she would follow in fellow newly independent MP Meka Whaitiri's footsteps, and join Te Pāti Māori.
Co-leader Rawiri Waititi indicated the door would be open for her to join.
"We're going to have those conversations with Kerekere, if she wants to have them. That's a matter for the party," he said on Tuesday.
But speaking to media for the first time since her return to Parliament, Kerekere ruled it out.
"I'm aware that people have assumed that I will go to Te Pāti Māori. I have good relationships with them but I am not going to Te Pāti Māori."
The investigation into Kerekere's behaviour began after she sent a text to a group chat of MPs and staff, where she appeared to call Chlöe Swarbrick a "crybaby".
Co-leaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson said they were concerned it was reflective of a wider pattern of behaviour from the MP.
Current and former party staff and members also told RNZ under condition of anonymity about that pattern of behaviour, saying it included bullying and undermining others, and was often targeted at young Māori.
Kerekere denied those accusations, telling Green Party members on a Zoom call on Friday that the "crybaby" insult was not aimed at Swarbrick - and was instead self-deprecation. Shaw and Davidson said they did not believe that denial was credible.
Kerekere also said she felt the investigation was being dragged out, and the co-leaders were making it hard for her to continue working in the party.
On Wednesday, the Tai Rāwhiti-based list MP was asked whether she felt forced out.
"It was my choice to resign. But as I said in a statement to the party, they've made it untenable to continue working," she said.
Kerekere will serve out the remainder of the term as an independent MP, before retiring at the election. The Greens do not intend to invoke the waka jumping legislation to force her to vacate her seat.
Leaving the Health Select Committee on Wednesday, Kerekere said she had work to do and that would continue.
"I came to Parliament to work. I was put in here and that's what I'll continue to do as an independent."
