The new Green Party co-leader is also eyeing an economics portfolio, but is being more subtle about it than his predecessor.

Before Russel Norman stepped down as co-leader he famously said he'd want to be Finance Minister if working with Labour in government.

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His replacement James Shaw said he would also want to use his economics knowledge, but isn't giving Labour an ultimatum.

"My job now is to lead the Greens, to grow the number of MPs, to expand the membership, to get us into a position where we can exert real influence on the next government, to be part of the next government, and then I'll play whatever role it makes sense for me to play."

Otago University political analyst Bryce Edwards said there is no doubt James Shaw is on the right of the party.

He says the party has already been moving more towards the centre in recent years, and Mr Shaw is a continuation of that.

"Maybe in the future the Green Party under James Shaw will probably be a bit less tied to Labour, and therefore a bit more independent."

But in terms of his political profile, Mr Edwards thinks Shaw has work to do.

"The main response among the public will be 'James who?' They haven't really heard about him and he seems to have come from nowhere to be on the national stage as a political party leader."

Mr Edwards said James Shaw ran an extraordinary and surprising campaign.

"It's not through luck, it's not through chance. James Shaw has a lot of talent and he also relates to the mood of where the party wants to go."