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Matua Kahurangi
Matua Kahurangi, unapologetically provocative, is infamous for his incendiary writings that challenge societal taboos and stir relentless debate.
For a brief, shining moment, Chlöe Swarbrick had it all. While Marama Davidson was away undergoing cancer treatment, Swarbrick got to bask in the undivided attention of the press, the public, and most importantly, herself. But, alas, all good things must come to an end. Davidson is back, and it seems Swarbrick is finding it rather difficult to share the stage.
The past few days in parliament have been a masterclass in body language analysis. Swarbrick, usually so composed in front of a microphone, now looks like a deer caught in the headlights, if that deer also happened to be a political opportunist with a fading monopoly on Green Party messaging. The discomfort is palpable. Sharing the spotlight? Disastrous. After all, wasn’t she supposed to be the Greens’ singular, unwavering voice? Their own “single source of truth”, as former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern so poetically put it?
But, as it turns out, co-leadership actually involves two people. And, unfortunately for Swarbrick, the return of Davidson means the return of a boss who isn’t afraid to take charge. One only had to watch their recent interactions in parliament to see the power dynamic at play. When Davidson spoke, Swarbrick nodded along obediently, like a well-trained spaniel awaiting further instruction. The balance of power was clear: one was the leader and the other was merely along for the ride.
Of course, this raises some pressing questions. How long can Swarbrick maintain her carefully curated persona as the rebellious, relatable, young voice of the Greens if she is constantly overshadowed? Can she stomach playing second fiddle now that Davidson is back at the helm? And, most intriguingly, will we ever find out which niche subset of the rainbow community Benjamin Doyle belongs to?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Green Party soap opera is far from over and Swarbrick might need to brush up on her supporting role skills.
This article was originally published on the author’s Substack.
