Decades of underinvestment in Auckland’s public transport and minimal uptake of electric vehicles under National are being highlighted by the looming petrol shortage, the Green Party said today. “If more Aucklanders had access to reliable trains, buses, safe cycle routes or an electric car, this temporary disruption to petrol supplies wouldn’t be such a big deal for commuters,” said Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “The fact is, many Aucklanders still don’t have access to fast, reliable public transport...

The Green Party today published its fully costed policy manifesto along with an independent analysis of its fiscal implications. The independent fiscal analysis, by economics consultancy Infometrics using Treasury data, shows that in government the Greens will be able to deliver real action on climate change, cleaner rivers, and significant poverty reductions while running surpluses and paying down debt, as per the party’s Budget Responsibility Rules. “This fiscal plan ties together everything we’ve promised this year and provides the substance...

Green Party co-leader James Shaw announced today his party’s commitment to funding the Rocks Road Cycleway in Nelson. The Green Party has committed $23 million to fund the project, which involves creating a three-metre shared path on the seaward side of Rocks road, widening on-road cycle lanes, and a new cycleway from Tahunanui Beach to Annesbrook. “This project has the potential to transform Nelson’s waterfront, by making Rocks Road a safe and inviting place for people to walk or cycle,”...

Northland Regional Council and Refining NZ need to release scientific evidence to support claims there has been no environmental damage from the rupture of the pipeline taking aviation fuel to Auckland airport, the Green Party said today The Regional Council and the company need to be open with the public about how and why the rupture occurred, and the damage the fuel spill has done to the peat wetland, wildlife habitat and water quality at Ruakaka and beyond the site....

Using water for commercial gain is a privilege that should be paid for, the Green Party said today. “We recognise that the issue of charging for water is complex and that everyone needs to be heard on the issue,” said Green Party water and primary industries spokesperson Eugenie Sage. “Our policy is to put an interim charge of 10c per litre on all water for bottling and export, and to consult with New Zealanders on how other commercial uses are...

National’s last minute ditch to get the Trans Pacific Partnership 11 agreement across the line just a day before the general election smacks of desperation, the Green Party said today. The comments come on the back of news that MFAT negotiators will meet in Japan to negotiate the final package of elements for the TPP, now called the TPP-11 since the US pulled out. This is the deal that will be presented for final agreement by Ministers in November. “The...

The Green Party today announced a $418 million transport plan for greater Christchurch focused on creating a new network of rapid public transport lines, a city-wide bike share scheme, and safe cycling infrastructure. It accompanies a commitment to invest over $1 billion nationwide over ten years to complete cycling networks in our towns and cities, especially around schools. The Green Party’s plan for Christchurch includes a commitment to fast-track three new rapid transit lines by 2022, including: An Airport Line...

Selling off Landcorp farms is a backward step for New Zealand farming that risks our land falling into overseas ownership, and worsening water quality, the Green Party said today. The comments come on the back of National’s announcement it will sell Landcorp farms. “As a state-owned enterprise Landcorp is accountable to all New Zealanders, and their farms should stay in the public’s hands” said Green Party environment and primary industries spokesperson Eugenie Sage. “Selling Landcorp farms risks undoing the good...

The Green Party announced today that, in government, it will provide genuine support for students by bringing in a universal post-graduate student allowance and increasing allowance rates for all students. “The rise in the cost of living and higher rents are making life increasingly hard for students, and the Green Party has a plan to fix that,” said Green Party leader James Shaw. “We will create a universal allowance for all post-graduate students and increase the base student allowance rate...

The Green Party today proposed creating a Taranaki-based Regional Research Institute focused on developing marine energy technology as part of the transition away from oil drilling. Green Party energy and resources spokesperson Gareth Hughes made the announcement at a First Union meeting in New Plymouth. Marine energy includes tidal and wave generation. “New Zealand risks falling behind in the global race to develop marine energy technology and the Green Party will help stimulate research into this exciting clean energy sector...