The Green Party welcomes substantive work soon to begin on the family reunification review in time for a potential budget bid for family reunification in 2020, says Green Party Immigration spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman. “As part of our Confidence and Supply Agreement, we secured a review of the family reunification scheme for refugees. “I am happy to see that on World Refugee Day, that the Government is committed to completing this review in time for a potential budget bid in 2020,...

It’s sad to see a young girl be excluded from competing for her school rugby team in this day and age, says Green Party Sports and Recreation spokesperson Marama Davidson. “We need to leave these attitudes in the past. Especially with kids. Briar is an accomplished player who has been playing club and representative rugby since she was 5 years old “It’s pretty clear that the organisers’ attitudes weren’t motivated by a concern for her safety. She has already played...

From 1 July, family violence agencies and social services practitioners will be able to share information to better respond to family violence. Today the Government released Sharing information safely: Guidance on sharing personal information under the Family Violence Act 2018. This guidance supports the family violence sector to implement new information sharing provisions in the Family Violence Act 2018. “Sharing information safely will help protect people from harm and promote more consistent responses to family violence,” said Jan Logie, Under-Secretary to...

The Government is taking action to expand and strengthen the protection for Māui and Hector’s dolphins with an updated plan to deal with threats to these native marine mammals. Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage and Minister of Fisheries Stuart Nash today released proposals for consultation for a revised Threat Management Plan to protect the Hector’s and Māui dolphins.  “These precious dolphins are New Zealand taonga. We need to act now to ensure their populations increase and both species thrive,” says...

Minster of Conservation Eugenie Sage has commended the work of the Department of Conservation’s Kākāpō Recovery team as it battles a deadly disease threatening to devastate the kākāpō population.

The Green Party welcome the PPTA, NZEI and Government coming to agreement on a new offer for teachers and principals, set to be ratified by union members.   “After months of meaningful negotiation, we’re proud Unions have a new offer on the table for teachers from the Government, which members are set to ratify,” Green Party Education spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick said today.    “The Greens will continue to listen with open ears as this goes through ratification.    “Teachers have...

The Green Party welcomes the re-opening of the Napier-Wairoa railway line announced today, said Green Party MP Gareth Hughes.   “The Greens are committed to regional rail, which should be the backbone of our transport system for people and freight.    “The Greens are pleased to be part of a Government that is upholding our commitment to restoring our railways in the regions.   “The restoration of this like will provide a huge boost to the local economy, it will...

The Green Party is welcoming the announcement by Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor to review New Zealand’s live animal exports rules. “New Zealand’s live animal export laws are in serious need of an update to protect animal welfare and our agricultural brand,” Green Party Animal Welfare spokesperson Gareth Hughes said today. “New Zealand exports tens of thousands of live animals for breeding purposes every year and these animals can face appalling treatment when they arrive in the importing country.” “The...

The Green Party warmly welcome the decision to withdraw all troops from Iraq by June 2020, Green Party Defence Spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman said. “This has been years in the making. I am thrilled that a withdrawal is finally on the horizon after years of advocacy from New Zealanders who strongly believe we don’t need to follow America and Australia into the Iraq war.  “It has been a very constructive experience working with Minister Ron Mark on these issues. The Greens...

The Green Party is glad to finally see the rollout of cameras on selected fishing boats but believes it needs to be scaled-up fast. “We need cameras on all fishing boats as soon as possible to help stamp out illegal practices and protect our fisheries for future generations” says Green Party spokesperson for Fisheries, Gareth Hughes.  “The rollout in its current form is too generous with taxpayer’s money, too narrow and too slow. “Whilst we welcome this first step we...