The National Government’s statement that it will not change New Zealand’s climate target and policies shows astonishing disregard for the Paris climate agreement and the global commitment to limiting warming to well below 2 degrees, the Green Party said today. Climate Change Minister Tim Groser this morning dismissed calls for New Zealand to increase its climate target, or to make serious changes now that will reduce our climate pollution. “It is astonishing to hear Government ministers say they’ve got no...

The Green Party has welcomed the Paris climate agreement saying New Zealand must now honour the commitment it made in Paris with action at home. “There’s no doubt this is an historic moment,” said Green Party Co-leader James Shaw, who is at the talks. “It’s not a perfect deal by any means and there are lots of details to work out but it’s frankly an incredible achievement.”   The Paris Agreement commits all the countries of the world – including...

A Committee of MPs from across Parliament has today called for better, and more sustainable funding for specialist sexual violence services after finding that current funding is not enough to keep people safe, the Green Party said today. The Social Services Select Committee reported back to Parliament today following the Green Party-initiated review of funding for specialist sexual violence social services. “That MPs from across Parliament were able to reach agreement on these wide ranging recommendations means there is huge potential...

The newest form that New Zealand detainees are being asked to sign makes them liable for removal costs despite assurances to the contrary by both the New Zealand and Australian Government, the Green Party says.

The National Government’s desperate attempts in the final hours of the Paris climate negotiations to ‘buy the right to keep polluting’ shows their two-faced approach to climate change, the Green Party said today. “The Government should be applauded today for supporting the more ambitious target to limit global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius, but it’s embarrassing to watch them continue to undermine global efforts at the same time,” said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei. New Zealand negotiators have focused...

The National Government should immediately promise the funding needed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) to save Northland forests from being destroyed by possums, the Green Party said today.    

Latest data proves the Government's hands-off approach to obesity, and refusal to limit the junkfood industry's influence, has had devastating impacts on childrens' health, the Green Party says. The Ministry of Health's annual health survey, quietly released this afternoon, found one in nine children aged two to 14 were obese and adult obesity rates had massively increased over the past three to four years. "This is the latest in an ever increasing pool of proof that the Government's kowtowing to...

With unemployment rising and the economy going off on the wrong track, cutting the Official Cash Rate (OCR) was the right decision to help small and medium-sized businesses invest to create jobs and bring mortgage payments down for families, the Green Party says today.

The news that Native Affairs, an award winning show on Māori Television, is to be cut down to half an hour and to a sole presenter is disheartening and a step in the wrong direction, the Green Party said today. “I have been on this show many, many times, and have enjoyed the robust exchange of viewpoints. People need the space to have these important conversations about the issues that confront our communities,” Green Party Māori Development spokesperson Marama Davidson...

The Serco contract should be immediately cancelled rather than merely just not being renewed, the Green Party says.