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An unlikely political couple have just signed up to a new
ongoing relationship at parliament.
The Greens and National are promising to work in harmony on issues
like energy efficiency and rules governing herbal medicines.
At a joint press conference Prime Minister John Key announced he and Green Party co-leaders Russel Norman and Jeanette Fitzsimons have signed a memorandum of understanding.
Under the agreement, both parties remain independent and retain separate voting and speaking rights. The parties will establish a good faith working relationship but there are no prerequisite policy commitments.
The Greens will have access to ministers and advice and have input into decisions including Cabinet papers.
Shared policy initiatives of a national home insulation programme and updating the energy efficiency strategy are starting points.
The parties agreed to develop a regulatory system for natural health products.
There is no specific budget for their projects but the Greens are confident their efforts will be recognised.
It's a low level agreement compared to others the government has.
The Greens don't have to vote in support of anything they don't agree with.
"We will work with National where we can to make progress but we absolutely retain the right to speak out and when we disagree to say so," says Green Party co-leader Russel Norman.
The deal leaves Labour out in the cold as the only pure opposition party, supported by Jim Anderton of course.
But is Labour concerned its political mates are now all cosying
up to National?
"No not at all. We work very closely for example with the Greens
and we have regular consultation with them and co-operate with
them," says Labour leader Phil Goff.
