2 Jun 2012

Greens look to expanding presence

8:12 am on 2 June 2012

The Green Party this weekend holds its first annual meeting since the election, with a focus on expanding its presence in Parliament.

The party won just over 11% of the vote in last year's general election, boosting its MPs from nine to 14.

Greens say the party needs to show it is an alternative government in waiting.

The party says it will use the increased number of questions it gets in Parliament and its extra resources to be a more effective opposition voice.

The meeting coincides with the 40th anniversary of the formation of the Values Party, the precursor party to the Greens.

Past members of the Values Party have their reunion on Friday, with the Greens gathering at Silverstream, north of Wellington, during the holiday weekend.