New Zealand needs a new economic strategy that grows the value of our exports because National is taking the economy in the wrong direction, the Green Party said today. Statistics NZ data, released today, shows that revenue from goods exports fell for the second year in a row in 2016. “National has built an economy based on cheap commodities like milk powder and meat, and now we’re paying the price,” said Green Party Co-leader James Shaw. “The quantity of dairy...

The Green Party in government would double New Zealand’s refugee quota as a matter of priority. “We’ll double the refugee quota at our first Cabinet meeting,” said Green Party Co-leader James Shaw. “While Bill English stays quiet about what’s going on in the USA, we want to make it clear that when the Green Party is in government, New Zealand will be a counterweight to Donald Trump’s bigotry. “Bill English needs to hurry up and make his position clear on...

The Green Party has today outlined its vision for a fairer, inclusive and forward-thinking New Zealand, and its commitment with Labour to changing the government in 2017. The two parties held a joint state of the nation event for the first time ever in Auckland today, in front of hundreds of supporters. “The Green Party will be a strong, progressive part of New Zealand’s next government, and we are excited to work together with Labour to create the change Aotearoa...

The Green Party is calling on the Prime Minister Bill English to condemn Donald Trump’s racist law change to ban people from Muslim countries entering the United States. “France and Germany have condemned Trump’s Muslim ban, and Canada has said it is open to those who need refuge. Sadly, New Zealand is missing from this conversation and looks weak by not standing up,” said Green Party immigration spokesperson Denise Roche. “New Zealand has stood up for what’s right in the...

An independent review into the mental health system in Wellington following five homicides has found serious failings, and highlights the need for a nationwide mental health inquiry, the Green Party said today. “The serious issues with Wellington mental health services should not be ignored, and neither should the problems that are plaguing our mental health system throughout the country,” said Green Party health spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “We have heard countless stories of people not getting the help that they...

Attempting to salvage the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is a bad idea, the Green Party said today. “Bill English’s statement that he’ll attempt a TPPA-style trade deal without the US glosses over how difficult that would be in practice and why it’s not a good idea anyway,” Green Party trade spokesperson Barry Coates said. “The TPPA is an old-fashioned trade deal and instead of trying to salvage it we should be looking for new ways to make trade agreements...

The National Government has once again shown it’s more interested in plundering the environment than protecting it, the Green Party said today. The comments come on the back of news that the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will challenge an Environment Court ruling that allows regional councils to use the Resource Management Act (RMA) to put limited controls on fishing to provide for marine protection. “National appears determined to stop local communities protecting their own big blue backyard. Obviously National...

The extreme weather around New Zealand is a sign of things to come if action isn't taken by governments to halt the climate crisis, the Green Party said today. On Wednesday, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared 2016 as the hottest recorded year on earth, surpassing 2015 and 2014 as the previous hottest years. “The extremely dry conditions Northlanders are facing right now, and the storms that are rolling through the upper South and lower North Islands, mirror...

Bill English could use the opportunity of trade negotiations with the European Union (EU) to push for a new type of trade agreement that promotes sustainable economic development and helps create an economy that works for all New Zealanders, the Green Party said today. “This is an opportunity for a new type of trade agreement, negotiated in a transparent and democratic way, that puts people, jobs, and the environment ahead of multinational corporations,” Green Party trade spokesperson Barry Coates said....

For the first time Labour and the Green Party are holding a joint State of the Nation event. Labour Leader Andrew Little and Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei will speak about their priorities for the year in Auckland on Sunday 29 January. The leaders will discuss the social and economic challenges and opportunities facing the country and present a vision of the stable, responsible, alternative the parties will offer New Zealand. Details Labour/Green Party State of the Nation event When:...