Politics Now Larissa Waters is a shameless optimist
Jan 6, 2026
Larissa Waters, Greens leader and environmental lawyer, discusses her journey as a single mother in politics. She shares her unique approach to leadership, embracing optimism amid challenges. Waters reflects on negotiating environmental laws, balancing personal sacrifices, and maintaining authenticity. She challenges misconceptions about kindness in leadership, emphasizing that compassion can drive real change. Regrets over past climate actions motivate her to focus on pragmatic improvements for housing and climate crises. Her insights offer a refreshing perspective on political commitment and motherhood.
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Service Over Ambition
- Larissa Waters frames her politics as service rather than ambition and values practical outcomes over seeking power.
- Her optimism and sense of justice drive her focus on nature and community rather than personal status.
Juggling Leadership And Single Parenthood
- Larissa Waters describes juggling leadership with single parenthood and limited sleep but prioritises quality time with her daughters.
- She says she largely alternates between working and parenting and relies on help to manage both roles.
Law's Limits Pushed Her To Politics
- Waters left environmental law for politics because the law often failed to protect communities and nature.
- She sees parliamentary reform as the place to fix laws that weren't written for ordinary people.