The Green Party is celebrating today’s $16.9 billion transport announcement which delivers a record breaking level of investment in sustainable, green transport. “For the last ten years, modern public transport, walking and cycling and road safety have taken a back seat to costly motorway projects,” said Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. “Today, with the Greens in Government, we’re seeing the largest ever investment in sustainable transport, with $4.2 billion to be invested across public transport, metro rail, and walking and...

Cutting edge mapping of Tōtaranui /Queen Charlotte Sound seabed will provide new insights into the region’s marine environment, says Land Information Minister, Eugenie Sage. “Nearly 44 hectares of seabed data from the region is now available on request to help scientists, boaties, government agencies, and the public better understand the Sound’s marine environment and physical features within these iconic waters,” said Eugenie Sage. “Queen Charlotte Sound is a very important area for marine farming, a major navigational channel for ferries,...

The Green Party is celebrating this court victory for the environment with the High Court saying the EPA’s Decision Making Committee’s interpretation of the law was inconsistent with the purpose of the EEZ Act. “This is a win for people power and for the whales and dolphins who live in this area threatened by mining”, said Green Party MP Gareth Hughes. “The result is thanks to the dedication of Ngati Ruanui, Forest and Bird, Greenpeace and Kiwis against Seabed Mining...

The Green Party today welcomes correspondence by Government to allow animal organisations to access Emergency Management Adult Community Education training funding to support animals in emergencies. “Kiwis love their pets and in times of crisis it’s important they aren’t forgotten,“ says Green Party animal welfare spokesperson Gareth Hughes. “Previously, despite having official roles in natural disaster responses, animal groups could not access funding to better prepare their volunteers to support animals in emergencies. “I wrote to the Minister of Education...

Statistics revealed today by the coroner show that suicide in New Zealand is at its highest since provisional statistics were first recorded in 07/08, with young people aged 20 to 24 the age cohort most effected. Māori rates are the highest since records began.  Green Party Youth spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick said, “These are not just statistics. Each number is a life of an incredible person with whānau and friends who’ll be experiencing immense loss. “This is a heart-breaking crisis, and...

The Green Party is welcoming the report- back of Country of Origin Food Labelling Members’ Bill by the Primary Production Select Committee. “I’m glad the committee has listened to submitters and put cured pork products back in as a food requiring country of origin labelling. “Over 80% of bacon consumed here is from overseas, many from countries with lower animal welfare standards so it is good Kiwi consumers will now have clear information where their bacon comes from.” “I thank...

Hard line Australian immigration Minister Peter Dutton’s move to the backbench should reopen a conversation about refugees on Nauru coming to New Zealand, Green MP Golriz Ghahraman has said today.   “Australia has a unique opportunity now that Peter Dutton has moved to the backbench.   “There are 119 children on Nauru who are languishing in despair. Every day spent in detention is another day robbed of their childhood and a safe and nurturing environment. "These children and their families...

The Green Party backs the Government’s decision to freeze MPs’ pay for the next year and welcomes a review that will investigate changes down the track to ensure pay increases are in line with increases other working New Zealanders receive. “The Green Party has long called for fairer pay settings for MPs so pay changes match what is happening with workers’ pay,” Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson said. “MPs are paid well above the average worker, so giving them a...

More than $3 million of funding will help divert 40,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste from landfills in Auckland every year. Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage today announced a Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF) grant of $3.1 million to enable Auckland recycling firm Green Gorilla to divert the waste and allow materials to be reused. “Useful materials are ending up in landfill instead of being reused. Green Gorilla’s project gives businesses an alternative to simply dumping these materials,” Eugenie Sage...

  Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage has announced a programme of work to take action on New Zealand’s long-neglected waste problems. “Since taking on the waste portfolio I have heard loud and clear from New Zealanders that they find our country’s record on waste unacceptable and want action after nine years of neglect under National,” Eugenie Sage said. “This Government has listened to New Zealanders and started by consulting on our plan to phase out single use plastic bags. Now...