Kia ora
The wheels are in motion for a big reform of welfare in New Zealand. We agree that changes are needed: to provide positive support, promote real job creation so that everyone can earn a living wage, and treat beneficiaries respectfully.
Sadly it looks like the reforms will be focused on blaming and shaming our most vulnerable citizens. We'll keep speaking out for beneficiaries, because everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
Catherine Delahunty, Green MP
- recommended 
- includes video
In this issue
Action alerts
Make a submission on the Electoral Finance Reform Bill
Want a level playing field for our democracy? Make a submission by Thursday 17 June. Make a submission online
Save our Treasured Places petition
Join the 42,000 others who have signed the petition to protect our conservation lands from mining. Please ensure any petition forms are sent to Metiria Turei MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington by Friday 18 June (no stamp required). Last minute signature collecting, download our printable petition from www.greens.org.nz/mining
Events
"Reflections on Water" - Christchurch
Sunday 13 June, 3:00pm - 4:30pm - Join Russel Norman in the crowd at Cathedral Square to mark your concern at the loss of Canterbury's regional democracy, and the undermining of protection of our clean drinking water, rivers and streams. More about this event
Aged Care Tour - Invercargill
Monday 14 June - Sue Kedgley is halfway through her Aged Care Tour, and will be in Invercargill this Monday. For more information, please contact Sue's office. Visit the Aged Care Tour page to find the tour in your town.
Green New Deal: Public Meeting - Blenheim
Monday 14 June - Kevin Hague is holding a public meeting in Blenheim, to talk about ways to tackle the climate, social justice and economic crises while creating more jobs. Blenheim Public Meeting details.
Smart Business Breakfast - Auckland
Friday 18 June - David Clendon hosts his first Smart Business Breakfast in Auckland. Smart Business Brekfast details
Video
Dr Russel Norman on oil drilling in NZ
Green Party Co-leader Russel Norman makes the case that until such time as the oil companies can demonstrate their ability to stop a leak in deep water, there should be no new drilling of deep water oil wells in New Zealand. Watch the video...
Russel Norman talks Budget 2010
Green Party Co-leader Russel Norman talks about the Key Government's latest Budget. Watch the video...
News
Beneficiaries are not the problem
11 June 2010
The Green Party is concerned the Government's planned welfare reforms and the Working Group set up to consider them are wrongly focused on beneficiaries as the problem. Read more...
MPs shut out of "diverse" welfare forum
8 June 2010
Green MPs have been shut out of this week's Welfare Working Group forum, the Green Party said today. Read more...
Reports show child health suffering
3 June 2010
Two major reports released this week highlight the poor state of child health and wellbeing in New Zealand, the Green Party said today. Read more...
Time for Government to come clean on gutting state housing
25 May 2010
It is time for John Key's Government to admit they have gutted the budget to build and upgrade state houses, said the Green Party today. Read more...
State housing slashed as rents forecast to rise
21 May 2010
Rents are forecast to rise so it makes no sense to slash the budget for state houses as John Key's Government has just done, said the Green Party today. Read more...
Blog posts
Inside the welfare forum we were un-invited to - by Catherine Delahunty
Today and tomorrow, the Welfare Working Group is hosting a forum on welfare issues to look at the big picture. Read more...
Early Childhood Education cuts “create opportunity” - by Catherine Delahunty
Yesterday the Education Select Committee had one hour to question the Minister of Education Anne Tolley on the Budget Estimates for Education. Read more...
Miss Universe contestants at Parliament - by Catherine Delahunty
I missed Question Time yesterday as I had an important event to attend and it looks like I missed the highlight of the year: the crucial visit to Parliament by 13 Miss New Universe contestants. Read more...
Libraries under threat across the country from a right-wing attack - by Gareth Hughes
The Green Party love libraries and want to protect them. Read more...
Inequality in Aotearoa: inequality and social mobility - by Metiria Turei
You can’t move from rags to riches when there’s a yawning gap between rich and poor. Read more...
Due process for multinationals, not for beneficiaries - by frog
There is a sharp contrast between the Prime Ministerial responses to last week’s respective indiscretions by two of his more accident-prone Ministers. Read more...
Bennett's unhelpful benefit cliches - by Catherine Delahunty
The Minister of Social Development Paula Bennett made a speech recently at the National Party Regional Conference in Oamaru, in which she talked about how terrible it is for children to see their parents on a long-term benefit. Read more...
Speeches
No Environment No Economy - AGM Speech Russel Norman - Russel Norman MP, 6 June 2010
Our challenge is this: We must join the economy to the environment in the minds of all New Zealanders. Watch video or read transcript...
Setting the Agenda - AGM Speech Metiria Turei - Metiria Turei MP, 5 June 2010
A year ago, on becoming your Co-leader, I promised you new energy dedicated to the same Green Party values. Watch video or read transcript...
Aged Care in Crisis - Sue Kedgley MP, 26 May 2010
Speech by Sue Kedgley to Wellington region Aged Care meetingsI am the Green party spokesperson on aged care, and I have long held concerns about the quality of care our elderly receive, in their own homes and in aged care residential homes. Watch video or read transcript...
Metiria on Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill - Part 27 | Part 30 | Committee Stage - Part 21 | 2nd Rdg - Part 4 - Metiria Turei MP, 21 May 2010
Watch video or read transcript: Part 27 | Part 30 | Committee Stage - Part 21 | 2nd Rdg - Part 4
