Green Party co-leader James Shaw talks about his decision to step down, his time in the role, and the message he has for whoever succeeds him.

James Shaw this week announced he was stepping down after nine years as Green Party co-leader.

"Know why you are here... be really clear about what the difference is that you want to make with your time and the role" - James Shaw

It was one of Parliament's worst kept secrets, and on Tuesday morning it was made official.

After nine years co-captaining the Green ship, James Shaw is stepping down.

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His time as co-leader was, at times, tumultuous. Having to lead the party into the 2017 election alone, and then spending some time on the sidelines himself in 2022 when members opted to vacate his position.

But he says now, back in opposition, and with a fresh caucus, is the time for new leadership.

The day after his announcement, he told RNZ he had an enormous sense of relief, as well as excitement for what comes next for himself and for the Greens.

"I've been reading a lot of political obituaries about myself in the last 24 hours. By definition it's a reflective moment. The Greens don't change leaders very often," he said.

Shaw will not be leaving Parliament just yet. Becoming co-leader just a few months after entering Parliament means he has spent very little time on the back-benches, which he is looking forward to.

He intends to stay on to work on a members' bill, which would add the right to a sustainable environment into the Bill of Rights Act.

Opposition member's bills do not have a great history of success, but Shaw argued as a Bill of Rights amendment, it should come down to a conscience vote.

"I think I've built enough of a reputation with people across the house to at least have a conversation about what's possible here. And I think that I understand, from my experience here, enough about what other people need in order for them to be able to support something like the bill, that I've got to at least give it a fighting chance."

Chlöe Swarbrick today announced she will run to be the next co-leader of the Green Party.

Shaw's oft-repeated commitment was to get the Greens into government, and safely out the other side.

He says the caucus, with three electorate seats and a record number of MPs, and the party, are in good shape to carry on without him…

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details