Following revelations of serious concerns expressed by both the Auditor General and Treasury, the Green Party has once again written to the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) urging her to investigate the pay-offs made to Saudi businessman Mr Hamood Al-Ali Al-Khalaf.

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...

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...

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...

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,”...

It is disappointing the New Zealand Government has failed to achieve real progress on human rights during its term so far including a month as President of the Security Council, said the Green Party today.

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...

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...

Tim Groser should not let his personal stake in the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) negotiations supersede the best interests of the New Zealand public, said the Green Party today.

The Green Party is calling on the Government to show leadership and work with the Southland community to develop an economic plan for a post-Tiwai Point aluminium smelter world. “It’s a relief for Southlanders that the smelter will stay open for the time being, but everyone knows that it won’t be there forever and we need a proper plan for a post-Tiwai Southland economy,” Green Party energy spokesperson Gareth Hughes said. “As long as New Zealand doesn’t have a clear...