News

  • Even TPPA supporters want more transparency

    The National Government must listen to the overwhelming chorus of voices calling for them to come clean on exactly what’s in the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), including from people who support the deal, the Green Party said. A case is being heard in the High Court today about whether the Government must release secret analysis of the its TPPA negotiating position. “New Zealanders have said time and time again that they want the National Government to tell them exactly...
  • Capital Gains Tax still the best option for Auckland

    A proper Capital Gains Tax remains the most essential immediate option to fix the Auckland housing crisis, the Green Party said. Reserve Bank data released today shows that in the last year, 43 percent of mortgage lending has been for property investment while just 12 percent has been for first home buyers. “No solution to Auckland’s housing crisis is complete without a capital gains tax (exempting the family home),” Green Party finance spokesperson Julie Anne Genter said. “While National’s bright...
  • Will Groser sign the TPPA dud deal?

    Statements by Trade Minister Tim Groser today suggest he has given up on securing a good deal for New Zealand dairy exports and may not even attend the next round of Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) ministerial negotiations, the Green Party said. “Tim Groser has said that because what is on the table for dairy is ‘completely inadequate’, he probably won’t even attend the next round of ministerial negotiations. Why on Earth would he sign the deal if it’s inadequate?” Green...
  • CYFS’s radical overhaul should not include privatisation

    The radical overhaul that is needed for kids in CYFS care to thrive should not include privatisation or abdicate government responsibility the Green Party said today   “The Rebstock Report acknowledges previous recommendations have not been implemented and tragically children’s safety has been compromised,” Green Party Social Development spokesperson Jan Logie said.   “We needed urgent action at CYFS years ago.    “I am pleased that the report is supporting a more child centred approach from Child, Youth, and Family...
  • Government failing Auckland commuters

    The Green Party is calling on the Government to urgently bring forward funding for the City Rail Link, following the announcement that rail passenger patronage grew 23 percent in the year to August 2015. “Public transport patronage is up, cycling is up, road congestion is up, but the Government is letting Aucklanders down,” Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter said. “Every day, thousands of Aucklanders on packed trains are calling out for the Government to stop delaying the City...
  • Govt misleads over Serco's involvement at CYFS

    The Green Party is accusing Social Development Minister Anne Tolley of misleading Parliament after she repeatedly denied that the embattled prison operator Serco had visited youth justice facilities, when it can now be confirmed it had. It was revealed by 3News tonight that Serco staff had visited a youth justice facility in South Auckland, prior to the debacle over Serco’s management of Mount Eden Prison being made public. “The Green Party has repeatedly questioned Mrs Tolley about Serco visiting CYFS...
  • Green Party welcomes Government decision to adopt Red Peak Bill

    The Green Party welcomes the Government’s decision to adopt Green MP Gareth Hughes’ Bill to include the Red Peak design as an option in the upcoming flag referendum.   “My Bill was about giving New Zealanders a choice following the groundswell of support for the Red Peak design to be included as an option in the upcoming flag referendum, and I am pleased it is looking likely to be passed,” Green Party MP Gareth Hughes said.   “I’m proud that...
  • Greens to seek red peak option in flag referendum

    The Green Party will today ask Parliament to allow it to introduce a Bill offering New Zealanders the choice of the popular Red Peak flag as a fifth option in the upcoming flag referendum. Green Party MP Gareth Hughes will seek the leave of Parliament to introduce the New Zealand Flag Referendum Amendment Bill 2015 and put it at the top of the order paper. This requires the support of every MP in Parliament if it is to be successful....
  • AgResearch job cuts show Govt failing agricultural science sector

    The Green Party is calling on the Government to increase core agricultural science funding in light of potential mass layoffs at AgResearch, the Government’s largest Crown Research Institute. “We cannot have a high-performing agricultural economy if the essential natural science that underpins farming success is underfunded and the scientists are losing their jobs,” said Green Party primary industries spokesperson Eugenie Sage. “The latest round of up to 90 redundancies at AgResearch is part of a disturbing trend. Since 2010, 71 science...