A Waitangi Tribunal claim filed today calling for an inquiry into the treatment of Māori children in state care is a further sign that pressure is building on the Government to reconsider its stance on the issue, the Green Party said today. “It seems everyone but the Government realises that an inquiry is essential to help the victims find some sense of closure, and to ensure that tamariki Māori in state care now and in the future are protected from...

The Greens in Government would put a moratorium on further mining of swamp kauri after new research reveals huge tracts of wetland, currently able to be mined without a resource consent, may be more ecologically valuable than first thought, the Green Party said today. Research by the Ministry for Primary Industries released today shows that almost 80 percent of land containing swamp kauri may have significant ecological value, despite these areas currently being classified as “unlikely” to have any. It...

Extreme flooding in Auckland over the weekend shows the urgent need for central government-led investment into aging infrastructure to prepare for more frequent and extreme weather events, the Green Party said today. It has been forecast that the capacity of Auckland's storm water systems may be exceeded more frequently in future because of climate change-induced heavy rainfall events, according to the Ministry for the Environment. “There is a real risk flooding on this scale will happen more frequently if the...

House prices keep rising across New Zealand and banks are unable or unwilling to fund new affordable homes in Auckland, the Green Party said today. “The big Australian-owned banks are pulling back on lending to the very types of projects that can provide the most affordable homes in our cities,” Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said. “The market can’t and won’t solve the housing crisis by itself – that’s why New Zealanders need the Government to step up and build...

Federated Mountain Club’s withdrawal from the Land and Water Forum shows how Environment Minister Nick Smith’s water policy is dissolving around him, the Green Party said today. Environmental groups have been abandoning the Land and Water Forum (LAWF); Fish and Game left last year, while Forest and Bird left just three days ago. “The Forum is supposed to represent all those with an interest in water in this country, from industry to environmentalists. But the balance is tipped too much...

  National needs to clear the backlog of people waiting for cochlear implants and fund the programme properly, the Green Party said today. A story last night revealed that more than 200 people are waiting for this crucial surgery and highlighted the plight of Levin-based surf lifesaver Danielle, who may completely lose her hearing without an urgent implant.   “Everyone who needs a cochlear implant should be funded to receive one; it’s just that simple,” said Green Party disability issues...

Unaffordable housing is pushing teachers out of Auckland, with grim consequences for schools and students, the Green Party said today. Information released to the Green Party by the Ministry of Education shows the number of teachers leaving Auckland rose from 255 in 2015 to 390 in 2016, and principals and teachers are seriously concerned about the issue. “Teachers work hard and are so important to their communities, they need to be able to afford a home of their own in...

The Green Party has today entered a Member’s Bill into the ballot that would make local government representation more equitable by ensuring that the establishment of both Māori and general wards on district and regional councils follows the same legal process.

The Green Party is calling for cross-party support for its Members’ Bill that would introduce mandatory country of origin labelling for meat, fruit, vegetables and nuts, after the release of a poll that shows more than 70 percent of New Zealanders support the idea.

Unanimous support for Jan Logie’s bill to protect victims of domestic violence is a win for women on International Women’s Day, the Green Party said today. Jan Logie’s bill, the Domestic Violence Victims' Protection Bill, will give victims 10 days' paid leave to help them move house, attend court hearings and consult with lawyers. The Bill was passed to Select Committee stage this evening. “I am delighted that every MP at Parliament supported domestic violence victims today,” Green Party women’s spokesperson...