Signs of soul-searching and a shift in focus in the Green Party.

Auckland local body politician and lawyer Vernon Tava has announced he'll stand for the job of male co-leader of the party.

MPs Kevin Hague and Gareth Hughes also say they want the job.

Otago University political scientist Dr Bryce Edwards says Mr Tava's decision to run could change the party's direction even if he doesn't win.

"Tava wants the Greens to focus more on environmental policy and less on economic issues, less on social issues."

Edwards says he could force the party to ask itself some hard questions.

"Whether they should be a red-green party as sometimes tend to be these days, or a green-green party."