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New LSE report says cutting emissions is self-interested economics
New research by the London School of Economics shows that the National Government’s assumption that action on climate change will cost more than inaction is wrong, the Green Party said today. The research, published by two research institutes at the London School of Economics, concludes that the majority of the global emissions reductions needed to decarbonise the global economy can be achieved in ways that are nationally net-beneficial to countries, even leaving aside the climate benefits. “Reducing emissions and economic...
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Labour and National too afraid to do what’s needed to stop rising house prices
Both Labour and National are playing politics over skyrocketing demand for Auckland homes and both parties are too afraid to do what’s actually needed, which is introduce a capital gains tax on all properties but the family home, the Green Party says. “Labour and National are putting short-term political interests ahead of the interests of younger Kiwis trying to buy their first home,” Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said today. “By backing away from a capital gains tax, Labour is...
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Govt leaves Kiwis out in the cold
Is John Key prepared to ask his Social Development Minister to ensure that people are getting the financial support that they need for power this winter? He needs to say whether a welfare system that is driving people into debt is delivering. New information the Green Party has obtained shows that the Government has forced nearly 60 per cent of beneficiaries into debt to WINZ to survive. “We need a social security system that ensures that at least...
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Congratulations to McDonald’s on moving to free-range eggs
The Green Party welcomes McDonald’s commitment to use free-range eggs in its restaurants nationwide, and is calling on all food providers, both large and small, to follow suit. “To have a major corporation commit to going free-range is fantastic,” said Green Party animal welfare spokesperson Mojo Mathers. "It sends a strong signal that keeping hens in cruel cages is no longer acceptable. “Ideally this move will translate into real financial stability for New Zealand free-range egg farmers. “This is also...
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Minister back tracks on swamp kauri – but it’s not enough
Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has been forced to back track on his statements that everything was fine and dandy with the export of swamp kauri, the Green Party said today. Mr Guy has announced a range of measures to tighten up the extraction and export of ancient swamp kauri from wetlands in Northland, which he formerly assured New Zealanders was managed “very, very closely”. “Pressure from the Green Party and environmental groups has forced Mr Guy to bring...
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Rampant property speculation is the problem, not ethnicity
Any attempt to solve Auckland’s housing demand crisis needs to dampen property speculation by both domestic and international buyers, the Green Party said today. “Rampant property investment, not ethnicity, is driving up demand for Auckland houses,” Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said. “Non-resident foreign buyers should be prevented from investing in the New Zealand housing market, but if parties are serious about dampening the demand for Auckland property, they need to deal to tax incentives that are encouraging locals to invest...
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New portfolio line-up for the Green Party
The Green Party has announced a reshuffle of MP portfolio responsibilities following the election of James Shaw as Co-leader, with portfolios consolidated to more closely represent Government ministerial positions.
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Govt must reduce greenhouse pollution not use ‘creative accounting’
The National Government can and should reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gas pollution rather than exploit ‘creative accounting’ in order to meet its climate targets, the Green Party said today. Mr Shaw was responding to the Climate Action Tracker report undertaken by four independent European research organisations: Climate Analytics, Ecofys, NewClimate Institute and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. It has developed a method to measure the fairness of governmental climate action efforts. “It looks as though the National Government...
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Aucklanders’ views on SkyCity ignored again
It is extremely disappointing that Aucklanders are being shut out of the resource consent decision-making process for the SkyCity convention centre, the Green Party said today. “The SkyCity convention centre is one of the most significant developments in Auckland this decade and a hugely politically contentious building. It’s extremely disappointing that the public won’t get a say in the non-notified consent process,” Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said. “John Key stitched the SkyCity deal up over dinner thinking only about...
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Time to pull the plug on Ruataniwha dam
A lack of farmer support for the Ruataniwha dam proposal is yet another reason to pull the plug, the Green Party said today. New information coming to light from Radio New Zealand shows that many of the farmers who stand to directly benefit from the dam’s subsequent water, can’t make a sound business case for their farm with the increased cost. “With few farmers willing to buy into the scheme it doesn’t make any sense to build this environmentally destructive...