Green Party co-leader James Shaw has suspected broken eye socket from attack

James Shaw has a suspected broken eye socket after he was attacked on his way to Parliament.  

Shaw, 45, was punched in the face by an assailant on Thursday, and a spokesperson told Newshub he has a suspected broken eye socket.  

The Green Party co-leader's attack sparked concerns about the safety of MPs and whether they require more protection. 

Wellington police said on Thursday that the attack took place at around 7:50am outside the entrance to the Wellington Botanic Gardens. 

A 47-year-old man was arrested over the incident and will appear in court on Friday. 

In a text sent to Newshub on Thursday, Shaw addressed his injuries, saying: "It looks worse than it is!"

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said on Thursday her colleague was "shaken", and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters said it was "a damned disgrace". 

Shaw told ministerial colleagues the attacker yelled something about the United Nations when he approached the MP. 

The Climate Change Minister is expected to speak about the student climate strike on Friday in his first public appearance since he was attacked. 

Newshub.