News

  • End of coal-fired generation by Genesis shows Govt how to take action on climate

    Genesis Energy’s announcement that it will end coal-fired generation at Huntly in 2018 is welcome news for the environment and shows leadership where the Government has failed to take action, the Green Party said today. “This is the beginning of the end for coal use in New Zealand. This move by Genesis will reduce our carbon emissions significantly and gives us hope for the future,” said Green Party co-leader James Shaw. “Genesis’ coal use at Huntly generated 1,624kt of CO2...
  • New TPPA leak confirms fears about Pharmac

    The TPPA Intellectual Property chapter leaked today confirms fears that access to medicines could be more difficult and expensive, and uncovers surprising new implications for the Treaty of Waitangi, the Green Party said today. “The leaked text appears to confirm that the TPPA could become a vehicle for multinational pharmaceutical companies to slow down access to new drugs and increase their prices,” Green Party trade spokesperson Russel Norman said. “The leaked IP chapter reads like a list of things that...
  • Ideas for family violence law changes welcomed

    The Government’s family violence consultation is welcomed by the Green Party as an overdue and much needed constructive review of family violence law. The Government has today released their consultation document to strengthen New Zealand’s legislative response to family violence. “Successive reports for decades have been telling us our current system has been failing women and children,” Green Party social development spokesperson Jan Logie said today. “These suggested reforms need to be accompanied by a review of the Government’s better...
  • John Key’s hands-off housing ideas failing Aucklanders

    Research released this morning shows the massive scale of the housing supply problem in Auckland, and the urgent need for the Government to intervene so that Aucklanders can have a chance to own their own homes, the Green Party said today. “John Key’s hand’s-off approach to fixing the housing crisis is failing Aucklanders,” said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei. “Auckland house prices are already out of reach of everyday Kiwis, and these dismal supply figures show that the problem’s only...
  • Dairy price drop shows new thinking needed

    Record low global dairy prices mean the Government needs to start coming up with new ideas, the Green Party said. “We urgently need to start looking at alternatives to dairy and new ways of adding value to our exports, or else farmers and the whole economy will continue to feel the squeeze from low global dairy prices,” Green Party primary industries spokesperson Eugenie Sage said. “We cannot continue doing more of the same. We need to be adding value not...
  • Obama’s climate plan shows what leadership is

    The Green Party is calling on John Key to develop a clear plan to reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions, following US President Barack Obama’s announcement of a plan to drastically cut emissions from the US energy sector. “It’s great to see President Obama showing real leadership with a plan to act on climate change. The New Zealand Government also needs to develop a plan to ensure we do our fair share in the global effort to prevent climate change,”...
  • Salvation Army homeless reports shows Govt is letting down our most vulnerable Kiwis

    The Salvation Army’s Hard Times report into homelessness in West Auckland shows an urgent need for more emergency accommodation in the area, as well as increased financial assistance from Government for our most vulnerable people, the Green Party said today. “This piece of work shows just how grim the situation is for people sleeping rough in West Auckland and, no doubt, in other areas of our country too,” said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei. “It’s also clear that community organisations...
  • Government can support Māori Language Month

    The Green Party is challenging the Government to back a Te Reo Māori language month. “Te Reo is a living language, cherished by many New Zealanders Pākehā and Māori alike. Supporting a month of awareness is just one small step John Key could take to promote genuine pride and understanding of our indigenous language,” Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said. “We have New Zealand Music Month, so why not Māori Language Month? “It is disappointing to hear a teenage girl...