Jeanette Fitzsimons

By Maggie Tait of NZPA

Wellington, Jan 28 NZPA - Outgoing Green MP Jeanette Fitzsimons says it's nice that politicians are saying kind things about her, but she would have preferred support for her policies.

Ms Fitzsimons today announced she would be leaving Parliament on February 11.

Prime Minister John Key said the former Green co-leader had made a significant contribution.

"Jeanette has been the cornerstone of the Green Party and her hard work and expertise will be missed." he said.

"Her passion for the environment, coupled with her warm and engaging nature was a fearsome combination. She has been a trailblazer in New Zealand politics but never let the political process distract her from her core values.

"This is a rare and commendable attribute."

Mr Key said Ms Fitzsimons would be missed, "not just by those sharing her political views, but by all members of Parliament who have been touched by her hard work, humanity and humility".

Labour leader Phil Goff was also warm in his remarks.

"Jeanette's resignation is a real loss to Parliament. She was a strong advocate for the causes she believed in," he said.

"She was good to work with and showed real integrity. Parliament will be a lesser place without her."

Maori Party co-leaders Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia said they would miss her.

"She is a principled politician who has lived and breathed her passion for the environment into every aspect of her parliamentary life," Dr Sharples said.

Mrs Turia said she especially respected Ms Fitzsimons' discipline and respect for others as she determinedly pushed environmental issues.

"We have all enjoyed working alongside Jeanette in the House, or in the various select committees of mutual interest. She is a warm and compassionate woman who has always carried herself with dignity."

Ms Fitzsimons said the tributes were "a little bit like attending your funeral really when people say all these nice things about you.

"It would be better that they adopted our policies than just said nice things about me but of course you appreciate compliments when they happen."

Russel Norman, who succeeded Ms Fitzsimons' former co-leader Rod Donald, said that Ms Fitzsimons staying on longer after her colleague's death had been appreciated.

"Jeanette has played a critical role in leading the Green Party through the first phase of our history and has mentored and supported a new wave of Green MPs and co-leaders."

Co-leader Metiria Turei said she would be missed.

"We will have a very new team shortly in Parliament and that team is standing on the shoulders of Jeanette and Rod and Sue (Bradford) and all of those who first came in in 1999."