Alleviating the pain and suffering of patients and their whānau denied access to legal medicinal cannabis requires urgent, open and collaborative cross-party action, the Green Party said today. “We are aware that National intends to table a completely new bill on medicinal cannabis – the third one before the House in the last six months,” says Green Party Drug Law Reform spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick. “It’s a real pity that they’ve rejected all our previous attempts to work together on sensible...

From April next year, all victims of domestic violence will be able to get support from their employers to stop the violence and get help without worrying about losing their jobs. Parliament has passed the Domestic Violence – Victims’ Protection Bill sponsored by Jan Logie by 63 votes to 57. The Greens, Labour and New Zealand First stood united in supporting the bill through every stage of the parliamentary process. “I’m beyond delighted to see this law finally become a...

Green Party co-leader and Minister for Climate Change, James Shaw, says he will be reinforcing that urgency and ambition are needed regarding action on climate change as a Pacific conference gets underway tomorrow in Fiji. James is attending the second Climate Action Pacific Partnership conference (CAPPII), over the next three days in Suva. The CAPP was established in July 2017, as part of Fiji’s Presidency of the twenty third UN climate change conference of the parties (COP23). The CAPP is focused on accelerating...

The Green Party said today a sharp increase in support for cannabis use shows New Zealand law is deeply out of touch with everyday New Zealanders. A Curia Market Research poll published today, commissioned by the New Zealand Drug Foundation, demonstrated swelling support across the board – for medicinal and recreational purposes, and among supporters of every political party. “This research demonstrates that New Zealand is more than ready for a mature conversation on common-sense cannabis reform.” Green Party Sensible...

The Green Party is today fulfilling the commitment to proactively release its Ministers’ and Under-Secretary’s diaries as an important part of the party’s transparency policy. “We have always strived to make politics honest, transparent, open and accessible for everyone. Now we’re part of Government, we’re opening up our Ministers’ diaries,” said Green Party Co-leader and Minister James Shaw. “The influence of lobbying and unequal access to politicians is unhealthy in New Zealand politics.” “We want the public to have more...

A block of South Canterbury land rich with native plants that existed before human habitation will be preserved after the Nature Heritage Fund purchased it. Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage today announced the formal protection of 19 hectares of uncultivated land, 5 kilometres north east of Geraldine, purchased from the Ellery family who have owned the site since 1886. The family offered the land to the Fund for purchase after it was declared a significant natural area under the RMA, because...

The Government’s plan to introduce a new Zero Carbon Bill has brought thousands of people together to discuss how we address climate change. More than 14,000 submissions were received during the six week consultation, which closed today. “I have been impressed by the number of businesses and farming leaders who have stood up to share their commitment to leading the change,” says the Minister for Climate Change. “I believe there will be many benefits that come from us taking advantage...

The new Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Board chairperson and deputy were announced by Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage today. The new chairperson is Julie Hardaker and her deputy is Steven Tipene Wilson. The EPA board is responsible for the EPA’s governance. The EPA makes decisions for and regulates hazardous substances and new organisms as well as specified marine activities in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone. It also provides administrative support for the decision-making on major infrastructure and called in projects...

Local government leadership is crucial to turn around New Zealand’s approach to waste, Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage says. Today at its AGM and conference Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) voted to support several proposals to tackle recycling and waste problems, including calling for strong Government leadership. “I welcome local government's support and leadership on the pressing issue of waste reduction.  Work is underway in the Ministry for the Environment in the areas identified by LGNZ,” Eugenie Sage said. “Since...

New information confirms work is needed to ensure there are good standards and clear information for consumers about biodegradable and compostable plastics, Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage says. The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton published an online guide on biodegradable and compostable plastics yesterday. “It’s very hard for families and businesses to make choices that are good for the environment when some products don’t do what they say,” Eugenie Sage said. “This guide is a valuable resource for...