The action Spectra for violaxanthin de-epoxidation and zeaxanthin expoxidation in New Zealand spinach leaf segments Tetragonia expansa, were determined at equal incident quanta of $2.0{ imes}10^{15}$ quanta $cm^{-2}$ $second^{-1}$. The action spectrum for de-epoxidation had major peaks at approximately 180 and 648 nm. Blue light was slightly more effective than red light and little activity was observed beyond 700 nm. The action spectrum for epoxidation showed major peaks at around 441 and 670 nm. Blue light was more effective than red light and light beyond 700 nm showed definite activity. The net result of de-epoxidation and epoxidation is a cyclic scheme, the violaxanthin cycle, which consumes $O_2$ and photoproducts. The action spectra indicate that the violaxanthin cycle is more active m clue than in red light and therefore could accout for $O_2$ uptake stimulated by blue light. The differences between the action spectra for de-epoxidation suggest that possibly two photosynthetic systems are involved. It was suggested that the violaxanthin cycle may functional a pathway for the consumption of excess photoproducts generated in blue light or the conversion of these photoproducts to other forms of energy.