Category: Green Party

Source: Green Party

Sacrificing the health of our rangatahi to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy few is a deeply cynical move and shows this Government is more influenced by lobbyists than evidence.

“This National, Act and New Zealand First Government will go down in history as one of the most harmful, anti-evidence governments New Zealand has ever had. There is simply no defencece for prioritising tobacco profit over the health of people,” says the Green Party’s health spokesperson, Hūhana Lyndon. 

“Good health is vital to an enjoyable and meaningful life. For decades, tobacco lobbyists have made it their mission to do as much harm as they can in the name of profit.

“To have a group of people in government willing to pass laws that benefit the tobacco industry is a betrayal of public health – and we will not stand by as they harm our communities.

“People in Aotearoa were rightly proud to be leading the world in public health action and smoking harm reduction. This is based on decades of evidence and research about what works. The plan to reduce the nicotine content of cigarettes and their availability in our communities made Aotearoa a world leader.

“Now we are a laughing stock the world over. Like the smoking embers of a cigarette ground into the pavement, this government is as out of place in the 21st century as smoking is in our communities. 

“Currently, 5,000 people die from the harms of tobacco-related illnesses every year. Māori and Pacific whānau are more likely to suffer tobacco harms, with Māori rangatahi being particularly at risk of taking up smoking. The Government must uphold its obligations under te Tiriti o Waitagni to actively protect and promote Māori health and wellbeing, including by meeting Māori health needs and aspirations.

“Repealing smoke free legislation means loved ones will die so tobacco companies can continue to profit and the government can cut taxes for the wealthiest few. That is the choice this government is making. 

“The Green Party has always taken an evidence-based, compassionate approach to reducing harm in our communities. The time is now to invest in our collective health and wellbeing so everyone can lead a healthy life,” says Hūhana Lyndon.

Source: Green Party

The Green Party stands with unions and working people in defense of Fair Pay Agreements.

“Fair Payment Agreements would have put more money in the pockets of people teaching our mokopuna, keeping our hospitals  clean and safe, stocking the supermarket shelves, and getting us around on the bus. It takes a particularly cruel government to turn its back on the people who do so much for our communities,” says the Green Party’s workplace relations spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono.

“There are thousands of people who today will be forced to work two or three jobs just to make ends meet. Fair Payment Agreements would have provided a lifeline, ensuring everyone was paid enough to support their families, pay the bills, and put a roof over their heads.

“What does it say about a government’s values that one of the first things it does is deny cleaners, early childhood teachers, bus drivers, and security guards their best shot in decades of being paid what they deserve? 

“The Government is basically telling them to make do with what they’ve got, even as they continue to struggle to pay the rent and feed the kids; that their wellbeing is less important than profit of big business. The Government’s own analysis shows that ripping up Fair Payment Agreements will disproportionately harm young people, women, Māori and Pasifika.

“For years, wages have been kept below productivity increases by businesses all over the country. More and more people now have to work longer in order to make ends meet. 

“National, Act and New Zealand First know full well that they are sacrificing the wellbeing of working people on the altar of profit for the wealthy few – and the Greens will fight them every step of the way,” says Teanau Tuiono. 

Source: Green Party

The Green Party is pleased to announce today that MP Teanau Tuiono will be an Assistant Speaker for the 54th Parliament.

“This is the first time in history that a Green MP has been appointed to this role, and it is an honour to serve Aotearoa’s Parliament,” says Green MP Teanau Tuiono.

“I would like to thank my colleagues across the house for my appointment, and their trust in me to do the job. I’m looking forward to being useful, as they say on the marae don’t just stand around. Pick up a tea towel or grab a shovel.

“I also would like to acknowledge the previous Speakers, Trevor Mallard and Adrian Rurawhe for their work to make Parliament a better place, and their dignity in presiding over the house.

“The Green Party is committed to working with the new Speaker towards continuing to make Parliament family friendly, protecting staff, accessibility across the precinct and honouring the duty of care members of this house have to each other,” says Teanau Tuiono.

Source: Green Party

The Green Party is urging the Government to recognise its commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi so our tamariki and mokopuna can grow up in an Aotearoa where their language is celebrated, their health is prioritised, and their whenua is protected.

“The incoming government’s 100-day plan is a legislative assault that seeks to undo decades of progress for te reo Māori and Māori health, while undermining our nation’s foundational document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” says Green Party Co-Leader Marama Davidson.

“The government’s plan to disestablish Te Aka Whai Ora – The Māori Health Authority, remove te reo Māori from all official documents, and diminish ambitions for Smokefree 2025 will have devastating impacts on the health and well-being of tangata whenua.

“We will not remain silent while this visionless government threatens to condemn Māori to poverty and poor health outcomes on our own whenua.

“Aotearoa can be a place where te reo Māori is celebrated, tangata whenua are supported to live long, healthy lives, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi is affirmed and embraced by everyone.

“The Green Party hears the pain and call to action of whānau across the motu, and we remain committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, affirming the tino rangatiratanga of whānau, hapū, and iwi over their whenua and taonga.

“We will continue to amplify your voices in the halls of power and advocate for a Tiriti-centric Aotearoa that serves everyone, not just the wealthy few,” says Marama Davidson.

Source: Green Party

Leaked government documents confirm this government will consciously do serious harm to the lives of working people and their whānau.

“Our lowest paid people deserve a pay increase, not a government that is deliberately deciding to put the profits of big businesses ahead of making sure working people are paid what they deserve,” says the Green Party’s workplace relations and safety spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono.

“For many people, the cost of paying the bills and putting food on the table has been going up. But their wages have not.

“Fair Pay Agreements were designed to raise the bar for pay and conditions in poorly paid industries. The evidence from Australia is clear – sector-wide bargaining means a better deal for workers.

“The idea is simple: people working alongside each other who are doing a similar job in the same sector, should be able to work together to make sure the minimum pay in their sector is fair for everyone.

“Fair Pay Agreements would have put more money in the pockets of people who work tirelessly to teach our mokopuna, keep our workplaces clean and safe, stock the supermarket shelves, and get us around on the bus.

“This government has not given a second thought to whether or not these people are working two or three jobs just to make ends meet. All they care about is making it easier for businesses to get out of paying proper wages.

“And here we have official advice to the new Government that spells out in black and white that young people, women, Māori and Pasifika will be harmed most of all.

“Work had been underway under Fair Pay legislation to lift the wages of early childhood teachers, people working in supermarkets, security officers and guards, bus drivers, and commercial cleaners.

“But now the Government has basically told them all to go home and make do with what they’ve got, even as they continue to struggle to pay the rent and feed the kids.

“Our economy should be designed to meet everyone’s needs, rather than funnelling wealth to a lucky few.

“Fair Pay Agreements were an important step towards an Aotearoa where people were paid what they deserve. The government’s plans to get rid of them should tell you all you need to know about who they represent and their priorities.

“The Green Party will be a voice for working people. We will stand alongside unions to say “enough” to low wages and insecure conditions, and demand better,” says Teanau Tuiono.

Source: Green Party

The next 100 days will be a fight for our future.

“The random, visionless, and harmful grab bag of policies in the government’s 100 day plan does not represent our future. Now more than ever we need to stand up for Tiriti-centric Aotearoa that works for everyone,” says co-leader of the Green Party, Marama Davidson.

“This is not a serious government. People deserve a government that is serious about addressing the challenges we face right now.

“Thousands of people are struggling to put food on the table, yet all they are seeing on their televisions and in the papers are a group of politicians messing around with pet projects and petty grievances.

“We have stood up to National, Act, and New Zealand First before – and we are going to do it again. No one doubts that it will be tough, but for more than 30 years we have known better than anyone that there is only one way to change Aotearoa for the better – and that is together.

“The Green Party will push every single day to make sure everyone has what they need to get by, that our children always have enough to eat, that our native wildlife and ocean thrives, and that Aotearoa is tackling climate change with the urgency it demands.

“Plans to abolish the much needed Māori Health Authority, remove protections for working people, and roll back climate action will be met with enormous opposition inside and outside of Parliament.

“More New Zealanders are with us than ever before and share our values. They want transformational change – and that is what we are going to be fighting for the next 100 days and long into the future.

“We will use every inch of the power New Zealanders have given us in the most effective way we can so we can get the change we so desperately need.

“Politics is about more than gimmicky announcements, things politicians say for attention, and it’s even about more than just Parliament. It is about coming together to change things for the better – and that is what we are here to do,” says Marama Davidson.

Green Party co leader James Shaw added:

“The Green Party will make sure the voices of workers are brought into Parliament in the face of the repeal of Fair Pay Agreements and re-introduction of harmful 90 day trials.

“We will fight to maintain the progress that we have made on climate change as the Clean Car Discount is scrapped.

“And, we promise to always work for Tiriti justice, that Māori have adequate access to healthcare, and that te reo Māori continues to be celebrated despite divisive attempts to do the opposite and disestablish the Māori Health Authority.

“The children who will go hungry because of this government, need us to fight for them.

“The whānau who cannot pay the rent and are sending their tamariki out to work instead of school because of this government, need us to fight for them.

“The young people growing up worrying about what their future holds on a warmer, more unstable planet, need us to fight for them.

“And that is exactly what we will do,” says James Shaw.

Source: Green Party

The Green Party is pleased to announce the allocation of portfolios across its largest caucus ever.

“Our team of Green MPs will do everything they can to make sure Aotearoa upholds Te Tiriti and works for everyone,” says Co-leader of the Green Party, Marama Davidson.

“They will bring their vast collective experience, knowledge and skills to shadow the Government’s ministers, to challenge them and hold them to account.

“As the third largest party in Parliament – and with our biggest caucus ever – the Green Party will stand strong on the issues that matter most to our people,” says Marama Davidson.

Green Party co-leader James Shaw added:

“Our team will stand up for an Aotearoa where everyone has enough to pay the rent and put food on the table, where our native wildlife and our oceans are protected for future generations, and where we face the climate crisis with the urgency it demands.

“This is an experienced Green Party Caucus that reflects our priorities for Aotearoa and will provide a strong voice for our people and our planet,” says James Shaw.

Click here to see full portfolio list 

Source: Green Party

Community organisations, mana whenua and the Greens have written to the incoming Minister of Oceans and Fisheries to call for the progression without delay of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill.

“The Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana/Te Moananui ā Toi ecosystem is on the brink of collapse. The incoming Government must not only continue progress on the hard-fought-for Marine Protection Bill, but do the scientifically necessary actions to end bottom trawling in the Gulf and protect at least 30% of our oceans,” says Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick.

“The National Party went into the election promising accelerated protection in the Gulf. Passing this bill is a necessary step to achieve that.

“More so, all three incoming parties of Government have spoken time and again about the importance of localism devolving resources to communities. That means honouring Te Tiriti and the leadership of mana whenua and community organisations driving ocean protection and regeneration.

“Tackling climate change and protecting our oceans goes hand in hand. Warmer and prolonged marine heatwaves contribute to mortality events for marine life. Healthy oceans are critical to absorbing carbon and regulating the climate.

“In 2022 NZ adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and committed to protect at least 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030. It’s past time to put those words into law.

“We are calling on the new Government to progress this Bill without delay, and honour the years of hard work that communities, mana whenua and advocates have put into it,” says Green MP for Auckland Central, Chlöe Swarbrick.

Source: Green Party

The Green Party is welcoming the release of an interactive map which enables people to monitor nitrate levels in their drinking water.

“The research released today shows just how disastrous the new Government’s plan to roll back freshwater protections would be, particularly for rural communities,” says Green Party MP, Lan Pham.

“Everyone should be able to swim in and take kai from clean, healthy rivers and drink water without fear of becoming sick.

“But right now the health of our rivers, lakes and aquifers is declining.

“Waterways are burdened with nitrate pollution from intensified agriculture, sedimentation from activities such as forestry and urban subdivision, and irrigators taking too much water from rivers and aquifers.

“Many people, especially in rural communities, might be unaware of how much they’re being exposed to hazardous levels of nitrate.

“Following decades of advocacy by the Greens, environmental organisations and iwi and hāpu, in 2020 the Government finally created National Environmental Standards for Freshwater and strengthened the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management.

“For the first time, clear standards were in place to limit nitrate pollution – but now the government wants to tear them up.

“Replacing environmental protections to appease agribusiness would be disastrous for the state of freshwater in Aotearoa.

“Intensive farming, including the use of synthetic fertilisers, poor land use controls on earthworks for urban subdivision and poor stormwater management continue to be major causes of water pollution.

“The Green Party will continue to push the government to phase out synthetic fertiliser use, implement the intensive winter grazing rules, and increase support for regenerative organic farming practices to reduce nutrient pollution and sediment run-off,” says Lan Pham.

Source: Green Party

The Green Party has launched a petition to save the ban on oil and gas exploration.

“The new Government’s plan to expand oil and gas exploration is as dangerous as it is unscientific. We need to come together to stop them,” says Co-leader of the Green Party, James Shaw. 

“If anyone needed a basic rule of thumb for dealing with the climate crisis, it would be this: stop burning fossil fuels. 

“Burning fossil fuels drives the temperature of the planet ever higher, which increases the frequency and severity of the storms, floods, fires and droughts which are causing so much damage to our homes and communities. 

“Whatever you think about the new government, there is simply no mandate to trash the climate. Poll after poll shows that New Zealanders want more climate action, not less. 

“Even if the government and big oil win this time, we all know that fossil fuels are not our future. The Green Party will re-introduce a ban on new sources of fossil fuels as soon as we are back in government. 

“Re-starting oil and gas exploration makes no sense. The idea that New Zealand’s wind and solar need gas to underpin energy security is a myth being spread by the fossil fuel industry itself. 

“Even if there is a viable find, production is unlikely to begin within the next three years of this government’s term, or even in the term after that. The International Energy Agency says global demand will be falling by 2030, so this also makes no sense as an export earner. 

“Five years ago, backed by a massive people-powered campaign, our Government banned fossil fuel companies from drilling for oil and gas in New Zealand’s ocean. Today we ask everyone to stand with us to tell this government that the oil and gas ban has to stay. 

“Investors and businesses need stability and predictability in climate policy. We all know fossil fuels are not our future. New Zealand’s focus should be on phasing out fossil fuels and getting to 100% renewable energy as soon as possible. That’s where the smart money is,” says James Shaw.

Click here to sign the petition.