I am a JAFA who rolled south, growing up and going to school and university in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) but now based in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) with my partner Richard. I have been a Green MP since 2011 and am currently Minister of Conservation, Land Information and Associate Minister for the Environment (waste). I was a regional councillor with Environment Canterbury and worked for Forest & Bird for 13 years before becoming an MP.

As a Green MP and Minister, I am proud to have contributed to the change the Greens have achieved in nearly three years of government. This has included ensuring that the health of Papatūānuku is at the heart of our economic response to COVID-19 with the $1.3 billion Jobs for Nature package to help support people who have lost their jobs; helping DOC rebuild with the largest increase in conservation funding in 16 years; the release of Te Mana o Te Taiao, the Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy, refocusing DOC on nature protection and recreation instead of tourism, and prioritising a commitment to implementing the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the management of conservation lands and waters. I am leading a big work programme to turn around New Zealand’s rubbish record on waste; including banning single-use plastic shopping bags, designing a container return scheme for beverage containers; phasing out problem plastics such as PVC and polystyrene; and expanding the levy on waste going to landfill.

Between October 2017 and now we have achieved a lot with just eight Green MPs in Parliament. With a strong Party Vote Green on October 17 we would have more MPs and be able to do so much more to help people and planet, to respond to COVID; protect our climate; and make Aotearoa a fair and equal society.

As a Green candidate for Banks Peninsula, I bring experience as an MP and Minister, an ability to see issues from different perspectives; experience in the not-for-profit sector, and as an environmental advocate. I am a committed unionist (long-time E Tū member), someone who is curious, asks questions, who listens, is across the detail, likes organising and getting stuff done, and who enjoys meeting people. My university qualifications include a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Journalism and I have had the privilege of learning so much from people and communities around Aotearoa. I would welcome your support by giving your Party Vote to the Green Party.

You can get in touch with Eugenie at [email protected]