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people and communities

Greens commit to pay equity for care workers

The Green Party is announcing it will restore pay equity law to the position it was in before Luxon's Government butchered it in 2025, along with funding a settlement for the roughly 65,000 care and support workers whose claim was stopped by those changes. "Care and support workers look after disabled people, older people and some of the most vulnerable people in New Zealand every day, yet their work has been undervalued for too long," says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson....

Posted at October 01, 2026 2:00 PM by Marama Davidson

National must come clean on climate

This morning the Prime Minister walked back his Trade Minister blaming the Greens, and is now blaming journalists, over an official complaint laid at the European Union over his Government breaching the EU-NZ Trade Agreement.“Luxon's Government is blaming everyone else for the consequences of their own decisions to shred climate action, instead of looking in the mirror and doing the right thing,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. “The Greens have spent the entire term of Parliament warning about the...

Posted at October 02, 2026 1:45 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

people and communities

Foreign Affairs Minister fails to seek advice on leaving Paris Agreement

The Green Party has discovered Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, has neither sought nor received any advice on what it would mean for New Zealand to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, while his party campaigns on taking the country out of it. "The majority of current Government coalition parties are ramping up the campaign to remove our country from the world's main climate change agreement, but the Minister of Foreign Affairs hasn't asked his officials a single question about what...

Posted at September 30, 2026 11:41 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

people and communities

New Zealanders overwhelmingly support Green’s wealth tax

The Green Party says other parties should get behind a wealth tax after a new Ipsos survey shows almost two-thirds of New Zealanders back the party's policy.“New Zealanders know our infrastructure is falling apart and they know that the super wealthy are not paying their fair share. They want a country that works for all of us, which is why they want a wealth tax,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. The latest Ipsos Issues Monitor surveyed 1,003 people between...

Posted at September 25, 2026 12:34 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

te tiriti o waitangi

Ake, Ake, Ake: Green Party commits $200m to the future of te reo Māori

The Green Party is committing to a flourishing reo Māori in homes, in schools, and in communities across Aotearoa."Te reo Māori is a taonga. The Green Party will proudly fund te reo Māori initiatives to thrive for generations to come," says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.  “Teachers work tirelessly to elevate te reo Māori in their schools. Te Taura Whiri i te reo Māori have been kaitiaki of te reo Māori for decades. Te Mātāwai supports whānau, hapū and iwi...

Posted at September 14, 2026 10:38 AM by Marama Davidson

te tiriti o waitangi

Green Party announce marae funding policy Te Waonui a Tāne

The Green Party has announced its 2026 Tiriti policy Te Waonui a Tāne: Thriving Marae and Thriving Communities."When marae are strong, communities are stronger. The Green Party policy Te Waonui a Tāne will recognise and resource marae to keep our communities connected and safe, for all of us," says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. "We can ensure our mokopuna inherit vibrant, resilient, and self-determining communities. Marae are the living hearts of our communities. "Current funding for marae creates uncertainty as...

Posted at August 09, 2026 1:31 PM by Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick

te tiriti o waitangi

Budget 2026 fails Māori

The Green Party says Budget 2026 makes clear who this Government cares about, and it’s not Māori. “Budget 2026 neglects its Tiriti obligations to make way for the super-rich and powerful,” says Green Party Co-leader, Marama Davidson.    “Despite the desperate need in our Māori communities, Willis has seen fit to again turn away while delivering billions of dollars for landlords, fossil fuel dependency, and on new military equipment.”   “Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a promise of protection for whānau and for taiao: a promise Nicola Willis has broken for a third year in a row with this Budget.   “Te iwi...

Posted at May 28, 2026 2:46 PM by Marama Davidson

te tiriti o waitangi

Government announces Treaty Principles Bill by stealth

The Green Party is condemning the Government's decision to weaken te Tiriti o Waitangi references across 19 acts of Parliament, calling it the Stealth Treaty Principles Bill."New Zealanders didn't want the Treaty Principles Bill, and they sure don't want it by stealth," says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. "Stripping te Tiriti out of seven acts entirely and dragging the Crown's obligations in another ten down to the weakest possible standard, is a deliberate diminishment of the founding document of this...

Posted at May 15, 2026 1:50 PM by Marama Davidson

te tiriti o waitangi

Greens call on Luxon to abandon racist education reforms

The Green Party is urging Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to abandon amendments to the Education and Training Act following the Waitangi Tribunal’s scathing report on the proposed changes.“The Waitangi Tribunal has been clear: Luxon’s Government has breached its Tiriti obligations. It can no longer mask the racism in its education reforms,” says Green Party Co-leader, Marama Davidson.  “Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a promise to take the best possible care of each other. Its place in the education of our tamariki, our taonga, our...

Posted at May 15, 2026 12:04 PM by Marama Davidson

te tiriti o waitangi

Greens unveil diverse list with large Māori representation

The Green Party has announced 13 Māori candidates in its final list for the 2026 General Election with 9 in the top 20 and Marama Davidson number 1.Co-leader Marama Davidson says, “Our skilled and diverse candidate list includes Māori with strong leadership experience, working together to deliver real outcomes for whānau, hapū and iwi. “The 13 Māori candidates reflect a long standing commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity and partnership. We must reflect an Aotearoa that works for everyone....

Posted at April 22, 2026 12:00 PM by Marama Davidson

democracy and international relations

Government rams through sweeping changes to Te Tiriti in legislation

The Green Party is condemning the Government’s weakening of Te Tiriti o Waitangi provisions across multiple pieces of legislation. "Pushing through these sweeping changes in secret shows this Government is a dishonourable Treaty partner," says Green Party MP Tamatha Paul.  Documents seen by Paul outline Cabinet's decision to amend Treaty provisions across 23 pieces of legislation.   Under the changes, the standard of Treaty obligation would be reduced to no higher than "take into account".   Treaty references in other laws would be repealed entirely. The decisions were made in...

Posted at April 19, 2026 6:35 PM by Tamatha Paul

te tiriti o waitangi

Luxon Government can no longer mask racism in education reforms

The Green Party welcomes the urgent inquiry by the Waitangi Tribunal on the Education and Training Amendment Act and Te Mātaiaho (WAI 3553)."The hearings were clear: the Crown breached its Tiriti obligations. The Government can no longer mask the racism in its education reforms," says Green Party spokesperson for education Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan,. The Tribunal heard from iwi including Ngāti Hine and Te Kapotai, and education leaders from across the sector. They expressed their concerns about the removal of Te...

Posted at April 17, 2026 5:13 PM by Lawrence Xu-Nan and Hūhana Lyndon

culture and innovation

Luxon’s Government actively neglects Māori news broadcasting

The Green Party has condemned the funding cut which has lead to the loss of the National Māori Radio news service. The news service will air for the last time tonight. “After years of harsh cuts to Māori broadcasting under Luxon’s Government, the Green Party is calling on Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka to stand up for Māori news broadcasting,” says Green Party Co-leader, Marama Davidson.  “Over the past four decades, iwi radio has played a fundamental role in broadcasting critical news, diverse voices, and community stories to whānau across the motu.  “The National Māori Radio service has always...

Posted at March 31, 2026 1:10 PM by Marama Davidson

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Nature and Climate

nature and climate

RMA replacement laws pass today, usher in new era of harm to the environment

The Green Party says the worst parts of the new laws replacing core environmental legislation were copied and pasted from industry lobbying documents, and will allow untold harm to human health and the environment.“With the passing of these bills, Aotearoa is in a new era of environmental exploitation at the hands of polluting industries,” says Green Party Environment spokesperson Lan Pham. “At a time when half of our rivers are too polluted to swim in, ocean fisheries like tarakihi are...

Posted at September 23, 2026 11:43 AM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Greens commit to undoing attacks on conservation and environment laws

The Green Party has announced at the March for Nature in Auckland that, if elected, it will ensure that conservation land is managed for nature, not for profit, and that there are strong limits on activity that might harm the wider environment.“Today, people from across Aotearoa have stood up yet again against the Coalition Government's attacks on nature and public conservation land. The Green Party is marching with them because corporate interests should never come at the expense of our...

Posted at September 19, 2026 2:59 PM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Docs show new anti-enviro laws copy pasted from Big Polluter wish lists

The Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill will go to their third readings this week. These are the laws replacing New Zealand’s foundational environmental law, the Resource Management Act (RMA).Changes to the bills that appear to have come straight from industry lobby groups include critical wording on climate impacts, pollution limits, resource use limits, and environmental health, while including special provisions for specific industries, and reducing public input opportunities. This occurred despite repeated official advice, and independent expert warnings. “Let...

Posted at September 14, 2026 8:39 AM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Public pressure on Conservation Amendment Bill forces roll back but meaningless as worst elements still remain

Public pressure has forced the Coalition Government to roll back parts of the Conservation Amendment Bill, but changes are essentially meaningless when the remaining clauses could still have disastrous ramifications, says the Green Party. “While we welcome the Select Committee’s decision to abandon the controversial conservation land exchange and disposal provisions, New Zealanders should remain extremely concerned about the ‘squeeze any economic value at any cost’ approach of the economic clauses in the Bill,” says Green Party environment spokesperson Lan Pham. ...

Posted at September 03, 2026 3:52 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Methanex closing eliminates any arguable case for LNG Terminal

The Green Party says Methanex closing shuts the door on any arguable reason for the Government to build an LNG import terminal, and is calling on the Government to cancel its plans."It's time for the Government to cancel their plans to use $1 billion of taxpayer money to underwrite the LNG import facility," says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. "Methanex leaving takes the country's largest gas user out of the market and frees up gas supply through to the end...

Posted at September 02, 2026 11:27 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Luxon Government off track to meet almost all climate targets

The Climate Commission has today warned that unless we get a serious Government willing to take real action in the next 12 to 24 months, we are at risk of missing almost all of our climate targets.“Christopher Luxon came to power and shredded climate action, meaning we’re now off track to meet almost all of our climate targets. This isn’t about numbers on a page. This is about people’s lives and livelihoods," says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. “New Zealanders...

Posted at July 22, 2026 1:35 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Government’s RMA replacement bills get worse at select committee, now a ‘race to the bottom’

The Government’s replacement resource management bills have come back from select committee weaker than before, removing and weakening key environmental safeguards and leaving New Zealanders to pay the cost.“At a time when pollution and exploitation of our environment is unprecedented, these Bills are now a race to the bottom. The Luxon Government is stripping away environmental protections while New Zealanders are left paying for the costs of environmental damage and the Government’s regulatory relief framework,” says Greens Party Environment spokesperson...

Posted at July 20, 2026 4:30 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Much delayed climate adaptation bill needs much more work

The Climate Change Response Amendment Bill introduced today falls far short of the game plan our communities urgently need, says the Green Party."Luxon’s Government has spent nearly three years delaying a climate adaptation plan that in October last year they also decided to delay all funding decisions for. Councils can’t take on more unfunded mandates, and New Zealanders are none the wiser about who pays," says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. "We’ve been actively trying to engage the Minister in...

Posted at July 15, 2026 12:52 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Calls for fisheries amendment bill to be dropped completely

The Green Party is welcoming the Government's backdown on the Fisheries Amendment Bill, but says the Bill needs to be scrapped completely, not just delayed.“The Government may be at war with nature in their plans to privatise our oceans, conservation land and waterways, but people are pushing back and winning,” says Green Party Co-leader and Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick. Fisheries Minister Shane Jones today confirmed he would delay the Bill until after the election.   “This is the same...

Posted at July 08, 2026 4:14 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

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People and Communities

people and communities

Greens commit to pay equity for care workers

The Green Party is announcing it will restore pay equity law to the position it was in before Luxon's Government butchered it in 2025, along with funding a settlement for the roughly 65,000 care and support workers whose claim was stopped by those changes. "Care and support workers look after disabled people, older people and some of the most vulnerable people in New Zealand every day, yet their work has been undervalued for too long," says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson....

Posted at October 01, 2026 2:00 PM by Marama Davidson

people and communities

Foreign Affairs Minister fails to seek advice on leaving Paris Agreement

The Green Party has discovered Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, has neither sought nor received any advice on what it would mean for New Zealand to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, while his party campaigns on taking the country out of it. "The majority of current Government coalition parties are ramping up the campaign to remove our country from the world's main climate change agreement, but the Minister of Foreign Affairs hasn't asked his officials a single question about what...

Posted at September 30, 2026 11:41 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

people and communities

Luxon undermines economic resilience

The Green Party says the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update (PREFU) shows this Government has failed to deliver a resilient economy that works for New Zealanders.“Luxon’s fiscal hole is in New Zealanders’ wallets, the empty shops in our towns and the gap in action required to meet the climate crisis,” says Green Party Co-leader and Finance spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick. “Hope is not a plan, but it’s clear that’s all this Government has as they sit on their hands and hope...

Posted at September 29, 2026 1:39 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

people and communities

New Zealanders overwhelmingly support Green’s wealth tax

The Green Party says other parties should get behind a wealth tax after a new Ipsos survey shows almost two-thirds of New Zealanders back the party's policy.“New Zealanders know our infrastructure is falling apart and they know that the super wealthy are not paying their fair share. They want a country that works for all of us, which is why they want a wealth tax,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. The latest Ipsos Issues Monitor surveyed 1,003 people between...

Posted at September 25, 2026 12:34 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

people and communities

Green Party announce plan for city centre vibrancy

The Green Party has today announced a plan to get small businesses a fair deal by making sure market rent reviews can lower rents, and by giving councils the power to auction leases on shops that have been empty for more than a year."We want thriving towns and cities, which means filling vacant spaces with our country’s limitless talent, creativity and entrepreneurship. The Greens are here to support our local economy," says Green Party Co-leader and Auckland Central MP, Chlöe...

Posted at September 20, 2026 11:00 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

people and communities

Government ignores disabled people and passes flawed disability law

The passage of the Disability Support Services Bill is a profound failure to listen to disabled people, carers and whānau, Green Party Disability spokesperson Kahu Carter says.“‘Nothing about us’ without us is supposed to mean something. Today, this Government has shown disabled people that when it comes to decisions about their own lives, their voices can still be pushed aside. “This Bill was developed without meaningful consultation with disabled people and rushed through Parliament despite thousands of people speaking up...

Posted at September 03, 2026 9:02 AM by Kahurangi Carter

people and communities

47,500 more children in poverty under Luxon Government

The Green Party says the Child Poverty Action Group Change Manifesto to Reduce Child Poverty confirms change is needed, reinforcing the need for a government that champions the wellbeing of children instead of the interest of large corporations.“The state of child poverty in Aotearoa is shocking. One in seven children, 169,300 of them, are now in material hardship. That’s 47,500 more than in 2022. New Zealand must take action to end the child poverty crisis,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama...

Posted at August 27, 2026 11:56 AM by Marama Davidson

people and communities

Nats under-16 social media ban lets social media giants off the hook

The Green Party is critical of the Government’s bill which would attempt to ban social media for under-16s. “A ban on social media for under-16s doesn’t solve the problem of social media platforms churning out harmful and dangerous content in the first place,” says Green Party Spokesperson for Media and Communications, Hūhana Lyndon. “We need to regulate social media platforms for all users so these platforms are free from harmful content, rather than just trying to limit access for young people...

Posted at August 25, 2026 9:35 AM by Hūhana Lyndon

people and communities

Green Party announces plan for free and nutritious school lunches

The Green Party has announced its new election policy for free and nutritious school lunches.“School lunches are about more than food. They are about investing in our children’s futures, creating local jobs and supporting local food producers,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. “We know that our tamariki learn better when they are well fed. Every child across Aotearoa deserves healthy, delicious, locally prepared kai that helps them thrive.” “This is why the Green Party is excited to announce that...

Posted at August 20, 2026 11:30 AM by Marama Davidson

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Services and Systems

services and systems

Greens call for a halt and urgent review into misuse of public money for political advertisements

The Green Party has raised concerns about the government's potential misuse of public money to fund political propaganda about government health targets. “It’s concerning that the government has potentially used public money for political advertising. This is clearly a breach of the Cabinet Office guidelines, especially at this point in the election cycle” says Green Party Public Service Spokesperson Francisco Hernandez.  “These advertisements talk about the progress HealthNZ has made against government health targets that have been set by the National...

Posted at October 01, 2026 11:59 AM by Francisco Hernandez

services and systems

Greens announce plan to get big money and influence out of politics

The Green Party has today announced a plan to get big money and influence out of politics, with a package of reforms including capping political donations at $30,000, stopping companies from donating, and setting up a public register of lobbyists."Our democracy should work for everyone, not just the wealthy few. Right now, a handful of very rich and powerful people and corporations can buy access and influence the government for their benefit," says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. "Successive governments...

Posted at September 22, 2026 1:04 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson

services and systems

Green Party pledge to remove AI from welfare payment decisions

The Green Party pledges that artificial intelligence and automated decision making will not be used for payment decisions in the welfare system, such as cancelling, suspending, or reducing welfare payments, or imposing benefit sanctions when it is in Government. “The Coalition’s push for automated decision making has already proven disastrous by treating tens of thousands of people like test subjects and leaving them financially vulnerable,” says Green Party Social Development Spokesperson, Ricardo Menendez March. “The Ministry of Social Development's report...

Posted at September 11, 2026 1:11 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Over 14,000 Benefits Wrongly Suspended Under Minister’s Watch, Call For Compensation Continues

Today’s report by the Ministry of Social Development shows that over 14,000 people had their payments wrongfully suspended as a result of legislation introduced and passed under urgency by Louise Upston. “Louise Upston’s policies have resulted in thousands of people being left without the payments they need to put food on the table and cover their bills. Many of the people impacted are people living with health conditions, injuries, and disabilities, whose lives would have been turned upside down due to these payment suspensions”, says Green Party Social Development Spokesperson Ricardo Menendez March.    “Falling behind by $3000 when you are on...

Posted at September 10, 2026 3:38 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Greens launch plan to break up the supermarket duopoly and bring down the price of food

The Green Party has today announced a plan to break up the supermarket duopoly by creating a publicly owned supermarket chain called KiwiMart, as part of its Affordable Kai election policy.  "Our country produces enough food to feed 40 million people. There is no shortage of food in Aotearoa, but it's somehow becoming too expensive for too many New Zealanders," says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.  "Two companies control what almost everyone in this country eats, and they take about a...

Posted at September 06, 2026 12:18 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

services and systems

Luxon’s fuel tax freeze leaves worse roads and fewer choices

The Green Party says the Government's decision to cancel next year's fuel excise increase will leave the land transport system short of the money it needs and shows neither major party has a serious plan for paying for transport."Neither Labour nor National is being serious or responsible about how we pay for transport," says Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. "Freezing fuel excise will make our roads worse, defer maintenance we badly need, and leave people with fewer options...

Posted at September 01, 2026 8:38 AM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Labour’s nursing policy a positive step, more work still needs to be done to support healthcare workers

The Green Party welcomes Labour’s election policy of guaranteed employment for all nursing graduates. However, more work needs to be done when it comes to supporting the health workforce, says Green Party Co-Leader Marama Davidson.“Guaranteed employment for all nursing graduates is something the Green Party supports. We’re pleased to hear Labour’s announcement that they will do this if elected.” “However, there is still more that could be done to support nursing graduates and our health workforce, such as introducing paid...

Posted at August 31, 2026 3:46 PM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

New bill to ban supermarket price gouging

The Green Party has announced a new Member's Bill, the Commerce (Excessive Pricing in Retail Grocery Industry) Amendment Bill, that would ban price gouging by the supermarket duopoly."New Zealanders pay too much for their groceries, while supermarkets are raking in excess profits of a million dollars a day. So, the Greens are introducing a law to make it illegal to charge unreasonable prices for groceries," says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. "While Luxon’s Government has talked tough, prices at the...

Posted at August 17, 2026 10:47 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick and Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Government making life harder for young people with ill mental health and cancer patients

The Green Party says the Government’s changes to Jobseeker benefit eligibility for young people will cut support for thousands of disabled, injured and sick young people.This follows Louise Upston today revealing that almost 70% of young people on Jobseeker Support (Health Condition, Injury or Disability) have a psychiatric or psychological condition. “This Government is making it harder for thousands of disabled and sick people to get the support they need. You don’t make mental health better by taking away income,”...

Posted at July 29, 2026 4:37 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

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Democracy and International Relations

democracy and international relations

Greens reject Taxpayers' Union's dirty politics – call to clean up politics

The Green Party is calling on all parties and political organisations to reject the tactics used by the Taxpayers’ Union, as documented in Nicky Hager’s book."New Zealanders don’t like politics precisely because of the shady behaviour of organisations like the Taxpayers Union. Differences of opinion are expected in a democracy, but underhanded, nasty tactics should not be. This is where the political leaders can and should draw the line," says Green Party Co-leader, Chlöe Swarbrick. "Dirty Work shows how the...

Posted at September 23, 2026 12:14 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

democracy and international relations

Luxon Government captured by lobbyists and big business

Trust in law-making in Aotearoa is being eroded by the clear influence of commercial lobbying of Ministers along with large donations to political parties, the Green Party says.A new report from Victoria University of Wellington researchers shows how lobbying works, with examples of industry lobbyists shaping Government decisions on oil field clean-ups, tobacco tax, KiwiSaver, emissions pricing, and climate court cases, often against the advice of officials and public opinion.  “This report makes clear the risks to democracy when agri-business,...

Posted at September 17, 2026 1:22 PM by Marama Davidson

democracy and international relations

Luxon Government decides their final say should outweigh local democracy

National Government has decided its final say matters more than local democracy by taking away the mandate for democratically elected councils to support the wellbeing of communities, says the Green Party.“This is yet another broken promise from a coalition that campaigned on localism and building the relationship between government and councils, only to pass a law that gives Government the final say over those who are locally elected,” says Green Party Local Government spokesperson, Mike Davidson. “The Local Government Systems...

Posted at September 17, 2026 9:13 AM by Mike Davidson

democracy and international relations

Greens call for compensation for people wrongfully affected by welfare cuts

The Green Party is calling for compensation for people who have experienced hardship, debt, hunger, or homelessness from the welfare cuts caused by processing delays due to the Government’s Mandatory Review policy.“The Government needs to include the option of compensation as part of its review into the wrongful welfare cuts, due to be released on 10 September,” says Green Party Social Development Spokesperson Ricardo Menendez March. “If Louise Upston’s apology is genuine, the review must fully account for the harm...

Posted at September 03, 2026 3:00 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Only a change of Government will ease cost-of-living crisis

The entire coalition Government has made life harder for New Zealanders, which will continue regardless of who is leader, says the Green Party.This morning, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that he will not step down as Prime Minister and National Party Leader.  Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says, “Every single MP for National, ACT and New Zealand First is responsible for the highest rate of unemployment in over a decade and a higher cost of living for New Zealanders.”  “As...

Posted at August 12, 2026 2:55 PM by Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick

democracy and international relations

Luxon would rather change our voting system than stand up to Peters

Luxon’s commitment to a referendum on ditching our electoral system is a short-sighted attempt to restore old, tired, establishment politics, says the Green Party. “National are trying to limit voters' choices for an opportunistic, self-serving power grab," says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. "If Luxon’s so tired of working with Winston Peters, there’s an easier way than overhauling our entire electoral system: sack him from Cabinet and bring forward the election.” “New Zealanders have consistently voted to keep MMP. They...

Posted at August 06, 2026 1:00 PM by Marama Davidson

democracy and international relations

Government advertised just a quarter of senior governance jobs as two in three go to men

The Green Party is calling for senior governance roles at Crown entities to be publicly advertised, after new research shows only 18 of the 71 people appointed by the Government were recruited through a publicly advertised process. "Appointments to Crown boards and organisations should be fair and transparent. Looking at the data and there is a clear pattern in who this Government hands these jobs to," says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. "Three in four of these roles were filled without ever being advertised, two in three appointments went...

Posted at July 28, 2026 2:22 PM by Marama Davidson

democracy and international relations

Green Party launches 2026 election slogan and priorities at Party’s AGM

The Green Party Co-leaders have launched their election slogan and campaign priorities at their AGM today.Following an earlier call for a one year pause on new AI data centres to allow a national conversation on how to protect resources, environment and communities, the Co-leaders launched the Green’s election slogan “For all of us”, and their campaigning priorities. In her speech to members, Swarbrick referenced the Greens’ 2005 Confidence and Supply Agreement with Labour, which established the Buy Kiwi Made programme....

Posted at July 26, 2026 2:50 PM by Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick

democracy and international relations

Luxon’s Government found breaching trade agreements again

Today’s report from Lawyers for Climate Action shows that Luxon’s handouts to fossil fuel companies likely breach New Zealand’s trade agreement with the United Kingdom, undermining our international reputation and trade relationships."A business wouldn’t get away with the spin and breaches of agreement Luxon’s Government does," says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.  "The findings that this Government’s subsidisation of fossil fuel corporations likely breaches our UK Free Trade Agreement and undermine our EU FTA build on Green-commissioned independent, expert legal advice that the Government’s fossil fuel subsidies also breach the Agreement...

Posted at May 26, 2026 10:36 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

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Culture and Innovation

culture and innovation

Nat’s rushed data centre policy fails people and planet

Under public and political pressure, the National Party has conceded that regulations are needed for new AI data centres, but their proposal falls far short of what communities around the country are demanding - and could create new problems.“The National Party seem to have woken up to the need to regulate data centres being consented under their nose. Unfortunately, their ‘solution’ could create entirely new problems,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. “While originally arguing we should have these data...

Posted at August 14, 2026 1:41 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Call for one-year pause on consenting new AI data centres

The Green Party is calling for a one-year moratorium on new AI data centres while proper rules are put in place to ensure they genuinely benefit New Zealanders and are not straining our resources."Right now, AI data centres can be consented behind closed doors, with no community input. Experience overseas has seen these projects turn local water supply to sludge and suck huge amounts of energy, driving up prices for regular people," says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. “If we...

Posted at July 26, 2026 9:02 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Chlöe Swarbrick Budget speech 2026

Mr Speaker, the Greens want every New Zealander to feel proud of our country.  Not just for our history; for granting women the vote, standing against the United States for a nuclear free Pacific and splitting the atom. We want New Zealanders to feel proud of the country they live in today.  We want New Zealanders to be able to swim in their rivers.   To be able to grow food in healthy soil.   To catch abundant fish from the ocean to...

Posted at May 28, 2026 6:52 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Cost of living driven by fossil fuels and power price hikes

The Green Party says new Stats NZ data shows a 2.1% increase in household living costs is driven by out of control fossil fuel and power prices, and is hitting lower income people the hardest.  “The Green Party will continue working for practical, common-sense solutions to bring down the cost of living for ordinary people,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.   “The Greens have called on the Government to lower power bills by up to $1000 a year by making it easier to put solar panels on homes. We have proposed free, expanded...

Posted at May 01, 2026 11:52 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Soaring power prices show urgent need for electrification

The Green Party says today's inflation figures show power prices are once again a key driver of the cost-of-living crisis, and reinforce calls for a National Electrification Plan."Stats NZ has today confirmed what households are feeling, with the cost of keeping the lights spiralling out of control," says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.    "Electricity rose 12.5 percent in the year to March, four times the overall rate of inflation, and for the third quarter in a row power has been...

Posted at April 21, 2026 11:49 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Bill to protect artists against outdated copyright laws passes first reading

Tonight, Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill passed through its first reading.“This common-sense amendment would improve how our copyright laws work in a modern media landscape, and provide more protections for artists, like Australia, Canada, and parts of Europe,” says Green Party spokesperson for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Kahurangi Carter. “Satire makes us laugh and makes us think. This Bill would help protect New Zealand’s comedians from legal threats and outsized egos.” “Aotearoa can be...

Posted at April 01, 2026 8:51 PM by Kahurangi Carter

culture and innovation

Luxon’s Government actively neglects Māori news broadcasting

The Green Party has condemned the funding cut which has lead to the loss of the National Māori Radio news service. The news service will air for the last time tonight. “After years of harsh cuts to Māori broadcasting under Luxon’s Government, the Green Party is calling on Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka to stand up for Māori news broadcasting,” says Green Party Co-leader, Marama Davidson.  “Over the past four decades, iwi radio has played a fundamental role in broadcasting critical news, diverse voices, and community stories to whānau across the motu.  “The National Māori Radio service has always...

Posted at March 31, 2026 1:10 PM by Marama Davidson

culture and innovation

Rising food prices hitting New Zealanders while supermarket duopoly not held accountable

Rising food prices are hitting New Zealanders in the pocket and driving them to hunger says MP Ricardo Menéndez March, Green Party spokesperson for Commerce and Consumer Affairs."While the supermarkets have been making $1 million a day in excess profits, food prices have surged 4.5% over the last year. Fruit and vegetables, a core staple, are up a massive 9.4%.” “The stark contrast is appalling, and these ridiculous prices are not sustainable for New Zealanders who are being strong-armed by...

Posted at March 17, 2026 1:33 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Luxon must act after Peters caught making false claims on employment bill

The Green Party is calling on Christopher Luxon to hold Winston Peters accountable for making false claims about union engagement on the Employment Relations Amendment Bill."Winston Peters' behaviour following the passing of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill is a disgrace," says Green Party Workplace Relations spokesperson Teanau Tuiono.   "He has falsely claimed that unions didn't raise their concerns with NZ First early enough. That is simply not true.   "We fully back unions' calls for Luxon to step in and act.  ...

Posted at February 23, 2026 7:00 AM by Teanau Tuiono

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