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Culture and Innovation

culture and innovation

Nat’s rushed data centre policy fails people and planet

Under public and political pressure, the National Party has conceded that regulations are needed for new AI data centres, but their proposal falls far short of what communities around the country are demanding - and could create new problems.“The National Party seem to have woken up to the need to regulate data centres being consented under their nose. Unfortunately, their ‘solution’ could create entirely new problems,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. “While originally arguing we should have these data...

Posted at August 14, 2026 1:41 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Call for one-year pause on consenting new AI data centres

The Green Party is calling for a one-year moratorium on new AI data centres while proper rules are put in place to ensure they genuinely benefit New Zealanders and are not straining our resources."Right now, AI data centres can be consented behind closed doors, with no community input. Experience overseas has seen these projects turn local water supply to sludge and suck huge amounts of energy, driving up prices for regular people," says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. “If we...

Posted at July 26, 2026 9:02 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Chlöe Swarbrick Budget speech 2026

Mr Speaker, the Greens want every New Zealander to feel proud of our country.  Not just for our history; for granting women the vote, standing against the United States for a nuclear free Pacific and splitting the atom. We want New Zealanders to feel proud of the country they live in today.  We want New Zealanders to be able to swim in their rivers.   To be able to grow food in healthy soil.   To catch abundant fish from the ocean to...

Posted at May 28, 2026 6:52 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Cost of living driven by fossil fuels and power price hikes

The Green Party says new Stats NZ data shows a 2.1% increase in household living costs is driven by out of control fossil fuel and power prices, and is hitting lower income people the hardest.  “The Green Party will continue working for practical, common-sense solutions to bring down the cost of living for ordinary people,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.   “The Greens have called on the Government to lower power bills by up to $1000 a year by making it easier to put solar panels on homes. We have proposed free, expanded...

Posted at May 01, 2026 11:52 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Soaring power prices show urgent need for electrification

The Green Party says today's inflation figures show power prices are once again a key driver of the cost-of-living crisis, and reinforce calls for a National Electrification Plan."Stats NZ has today confirmed what households are feeling, with the cost of keeping the lights spiralling out of control," says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.    "Electricity rose 12.5 percent in the year to March, four times the overall rate of inflation, and for the third quarter in a row power has been...

Posted at April 21, 2026 11:49 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Bill to protect artists against outdated copyright laws passes first reading

Tonight, Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill passed through its first reading.“This common-sense amendment would improve how our copyright laws work in a modern media landscape, and provide more protections for artists, like Australia, Canada, and parts of Europe,” says Green Party spokesperson for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Kahurangi Carter. “Satire makes us laugh and makes us think. This Bill would help protect New Zealand’s comedians from legal threats and outsized egos.” “Aotearoa can be...

Posted at April 01, 2026 8:51 PM by Kahurangi Carter

culture and innovation

Luxon’s Government actively neglects Māori news broadcasting

The Green Party has condemned the funding cut which has lead to the loss of the National Māori Radio news service. The news service will air for the last time tonight. “After years of harsh cuts to Māori broadcasting under Luxon’s Government, the Green Party is calling on Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka to stand up for Māori news broadcasting,” says Green Party Co-leader, Marama Davidson.  “Over the past four decades, iwi radio has played a fundamental role in broadcasting critical news, diverse voices, and community stories to whānau across the motu.  “The National Māori Radio service has always...

Posted at March 31, 2026 1:10 PM by Marama Davidson

culture and innovation

Rising food prices hitting New Zealanders while supermarket duopoly not held accountable

Rising food prices are hitting New Zealanders in the pocket and driving them to hunger says MP Ricardo Menéndez March, Green Party spokesperson for Commerce and Consumer Affairs."While the supermarkets have been making $1 million a day in excess profits, food prices have surged 4.5% over the last year. Fruit and vegetables, a core staple, are up a massive 9.4%.” “The stark contrast is appalling, and these ridiculous prices are not sustainable for New Zealanders who are being strong-armed by...

Posted at March 17, 2026 1:33 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Luxon must act after Peters caught making false claims on employment bill

The Green Party is calling on Christopher Luxon to hold Winston Peters accountable for making false claims about union engagement on the Employment Relations Amendment Bill."Winston Peters' behaviour following the passing of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill is a disgrace," says Green Party Workplace Relations spokesperson Teanau Tuiono.   "He has falsely claimed that unions didn't raise their concerns with NZ First early enough. That is simply not true.   "We fully back unions' calls for Luxon to step in and act.  ...

Posted at February 23, 2026 7:00 AM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Government rams through law attacking workers

“The passing of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill is a dark day for Aotearoa, and shows this government is on the side of big corporates and against the workers.” says Green Party Workplace Relations spokesperson Teanau Tuiono.  “Workers have a basic right to seek remedies for unjustifiable and unlawful dismissal. This law effectively destroys that right, leaving workers completely exposed to abuses of power by their employers.”   “This law also makes it easier to dismiss workers and gives bosses the ability to mischaracterise employees as contractors, meaning that...

Posted at February 17, 2026 4:45 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Green Party anticipates the predictable claims of Prime Minister Luxon

The Green Party has correctly predicted the facts and data that would be needed to set the record straight on the Prime Ministers claims three days ahead of his State of the Nation speech today.Below is the media release and facts which detail the Green Party's correct predictions for what the Prime Minister would attempt to assert today. This information was sent to media on Friday 16th of January. "The Green Party has prepared some facts and data for journalists...

Posted at January 19, 2026 3:11 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

The real cost of Willis’ failed economic strategy: empty chairs at Christmas

The Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU) shows Nicola Willis’ “year of growth” has not only totally failed to deliver but has come at a steep cost to regular New Zealanders.“Today confirmed what regular New Zealanders can already feel: Nicola’s ‘growth at all costs’ mentality is coming at their expense, with significant downward revisions in most economic indicators in the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU)” says Green Party Co-Leader and Finance spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick. “The HYEFU shows...

Posted at December 16, 2025 4:09 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Govt’s Christmas gift to workers: An effective pay cut

The Government’s announcement today of a measly two per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers.“This is just a sour cherry on top of a terrible year for our workers, who have been under constant attack under this Government,” says Green Party spokesperson for Workplace Relations, Teanau Tuiono. “With inflation projected to exceed the increase, a two per cent ‘raise’ is as good as snake oil. Once again, the people who stand to lose out are predominantly...

Posted at December 12, 2025 1:18 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Greens to protect employee status of Uber Drivers

The Green Party is committed to protecting the employee status of Uber Drivers, especially after the Supreme Court echoed the rulings of lower courts and upheld their rights.“A Green Government will honour the Supreme Court ruling and protect uber drivers from any legislation that seeks to take their employee status,” says the Green Party’s Workplace Relations & Safety spokesperson Teanau Tuiono. “Uber drivers face increasingly precarious conditions at a time of a cost of living crisis, while Uber continues to...

Posted at November 17, 2025 3:57 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Sad day for Aotearoa as Regulatory Standards Bill becomes law

The Green Party condemns Christopher Luxon’s Government passing its Regulatory Standards Bill, which prioritises profits over people and planet.“New Zealanders made it clear they didn’t want the Regulatory Standards Bill. Today Christopher Luxon has chosen to ignore them,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. “Te Tiriti o Waitangi promises protection for people and our planet. We’ve seen hundreds of thousands of people support te Tiriti, yet we have a Prime Minister entirely unwilling to show up for the promises our...

Posted at November 13, 2025 4:11 PM by Marama Davidson

culture and innovation

Greens respond to Labour’s CGT announcement

“Labour’s watered down Capital Gains Tax announcement today falls far short of meeting the needs of New Zealanders,” says the Green Party Co-Leader and Finance Spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick.“Our country isn’t working for working people. “Right now, the wealthiest pay half the effective tax rate of our nurses, teachers and firefighters. Labour’s announcement doesn’t even try to fix that. “In a year, the richest family in this country can make more money in their sleep, without lifting a finger, than Labour’s...

Posted at October 28, 2025 12:27 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

te tiriti o waitangi

Māori media needs more investment, not funding cuts

The Green Party is gravely concerned about a major cut to funding for flagship Māori news and current affairs programmes Te Karere and The Hui by Te Māngai Pāhō.“This is a terrible outcome for Māori media, and sadly consistent with this Government’s continual undermining of our culture,” says the Green Party Spokesperson for Māori Development, Media and Communications, Hūhana Lyndon. “The complete gutting of funding for The Hui is particularly galling, as it has been such an effective vehicle for...

Posted at October 24, 2025 2:56 PM by Hūhana Lyndon

culture and innovation

Women to bear the brunt of sick pay changes

The Government’s move to strip back sick leave from part-time workers is yet another blow to women across Aotearoa.“Stripping back sick leave for part-time workers means women will, inevitably, shoulder more unpaid labour,” says the Green Party’s Workplace Relations and Safety spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “We can and must ensure that women are paid fairly, are treated with respect and are safe - things this Government is actively undermining. “Getting sick doesn't depend on whether you’re full or part-time. Under these...

Posted at September 23, 2025 3:47 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

OCR cut welcome for some while Govt leaves many behind

Poverty and homelessness continue to grow because of this Government’s decisions, despite the Reserve Bank’s move to lower the Official Cash Rate (OCR). “The Reserve Bank’s decision to lower interest rates today will be welcome news for some but won’t help the thousands this Government has pushed into homelessness and poverty,” says Green Party co-leader and spokesperson for Finance Chlöe Swarbrick.  “Monetary policy is a blunt instrument. It is fiscal policy - that is, the Government’s choices on tax and spend...

Posted at August 20, 2025 2:30 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Greens stand with our teachers in fight for fair pay

The Green Party supports the thousands of teachers striking for better pay and conditions today.“The working conditions of our teachers are the learning conditions of our kids. It’s time to support our teachers so they can support the next generation,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Workplace Relations, Teanau Tuiono.  “We can, and must, ensure teachers in this country are paid fairly. We have everything we need to ensure our teachers are properly supported and that our students have what...

Posted at August 20, 2025 1:30 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Time for Govt to get serious on household debt

The Green Party is calling on the Government to intervene following a new report on rising household debt from FinCap. “Every family deserves to live with dignity, no household should be forced to go into debt to survive,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Ricardo Menéndez March.  “The Voices report released today shows that the Government needs to put an end to debt collectors exploiting families in vulnerable situations and do more for those struggling.  “We support...

Posted at July 31, 2025 9:00 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

People need opportunities not punishment to find jobs

The Green Party is calling on the Government to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to helping people into jobs following a new report, ‘The Pipeline of Potential,’ that highlights how people out of work need opportunities, not punishment, to find employment. “Instead of punishing people for being unemployed when there is no work, we can build a workforce with good jobs that support the common good,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Workforce Planning, Ricardo Menéndez...

Posted at July 24, 2025 8:46 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Submissions show overwhelming opposition to RSB

The Green Party is calling on Cabinet to stop the Regulatory Standards Bill, after only 19 of a total 208 submissions heard over the course of last week’s submissions process supported the Bill.“It couldn’t be clearer that by a huge proportion, New Zealanders do not want this Bill passed,” says the Green Party’s Regulation Spokesperson, Francisco Hernandez. “Christopher Luxon and his Cabinet should see the writing on the wall here, listen to the people of New Zealand and put a...

Posted at July 14, 2025 11:08 AM by Francisco Hernandez

culture and innovation

ERA changes hurt workers, pander to big business

The Green Party says proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act announced today by the Government will further undermine workers’ rights while pandering to big business.“This cruel Bill will cut off our most vulnerable workers from the rights that belong to them,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety, Teanau Tuiono. "Our economy has been built by our workers - supporting them means supporting ourselves. For generations, workers’ rights have been hard-won and should be protected as...

Posted at June 17, 2025 12:13 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Greens show Willis’ fiscal straight-jacket is junk, validate case for strong public investment

The Green Party has released its fiscal strategy, demonstrating how we can and must invest in the real-world needs of our country, planet and people.“New Zealanders deserve a Government that actually governs our economy for the good of all of us. Unfortunately, what we have got at the moment is a Government fixated on self-made constraints while the real world crumbles around us,” says Green Party co-leader and spokesperson for Finance, Chlöe Swarbrick.  “Last month, our Green Budget showed that...

Posted at June 16, 2025 5:03 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Concern over signs Govt will reduce sick leave for workers

The Green Party is calling on the Prime Minister to stand up for workers’ rights for once and rule out reducing sick leave entitlements.“This Government for the wealthy keeps finding new ways of eviscerating workers’ rights and tilting power to employers,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety, Teanau Tuiono. “Our economy is built upon the backs of our workers, so to erode their rights to sick leave is nothing short of an attack on the morale...

Posted at June 16, 2025 10:49 AM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Rich get much richer, driving inequality and poverty

The 2025 NBR Rich List makes immediately obvious the need for a fair tax system, says the Green Party. “The rich list is now worth more than one hundred billion dollars, while the Government has chosen to cut support to tens of thousands of the lowest income New Zealanders. It’s time to tax wealth, and build a country where all of us can thrive,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Finance and co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. “Poverty and homelessness doesn’t come from...

Posted at June 09, 2025 1:09 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Greens find over half-a-billion dollar hole in Govt Budget

The Green Party has found that the Government has not accounted for its own increased costs as an employer incurred by the KiwiSaver changes rushed through under Budget urgency last week.“There’s anywhere between $633 million to $714 million of costs to the Crown unaccounted for in the Government’s Budget, as a result of its rushed changes to KiwiSaver contribution rates,” says Green Co-Leader and Finance spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick. “The Finance Minister must have been aware of this, but despite incurring...

Posted at May 26, 2025 7:07 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Greens mark May Day with Green Jobs Guarantee

The Green Party has marked May Day with a pre-budget announcement in Tokoroa, detailing the party’s plan for a Green Jobs Guarantee. READ THE FULL POLICY DOC  “New Zealanders should be in control of our economy, our jobs and our future. We don’t need to leave our fate to be decided by international shareholders,” says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.  “From the West Coast of the South Island, to Ohakune, to Tokoroa, in the last year alone, we’ve heard the...

Posted at May 01, 2025 11:00 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Govt’s austerity Budget to cause real harm in communities

The Government’s Budget looks set to usher in a new age of austerity. This morning, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis said new spending would be limited to $1.4 billion, cut back from the original intended $2.4 billion, which itself was already $100 million below what Treasury said was needed to keep the lights on.“New Zealanders looking around at the state of global politics and asking how things got so bad have their answer in the kind of slash and burn...

Posted at April 29, 2025 9:14 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Ban on engineered stone essential to protect workers

The Green Party has renewed its call for the Government to ban the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone products, as the CTU launches a petition for the implementation of a full ban.“Let’s put people before profits and protect our workers by banning this dangerous product,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety, Teanau Tuiono. “Workers are the backbone of our economy, and their safety must be protected from dangerous practices including the use of engineered...

Posted at April 28, 2025 10:54 AM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Co-Leaders announce plans to launch Green Budget this year

Green Party Co-Leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick have announced the party’s plans to deliver a Green Budget this year to offer an alternative vision to the Government’s trickle-down economics and austerity politics.   “New Zealanders care about each other and the planet we live on. Our Green Budget will lay out the plan for an economy that respects and protects those things, instead of exhausting and exploiting both,” says Green Party co-leader and spokesperson for Finance Chlöe Swarbrick. “Poverty, and all...

Posted at February 26, 2025 2:27 PM by Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

NZers didn’t need this much pain to reduce OCR

Today’s OCR cut will fail to soothe the long-term pain Christopher Luxon’s Government is inflicting upon our communities. “Luxon’s Government had options to cool demand in the economy. Instead of sharing resources around so everyone could get through the hard times, they threw jobs, public services and livelihoods on the scrapheap,” says Green Party co-leader and spokesperson for Finance Chlöe Swarbrick.  “The collateral damage of Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis’ decisions mean more inequality, more homelessness, more climate-changing emissions, more inequality...

Posted at February 19, 2025 2:14 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Government spin won’t pay the rent

The latest Consumer Price Index figures show rents rising almost twice as fast as general inflation. “Christopher Luxon tells New Zealanders one thing while doing another,” says Green Party co-leader and spokesperson for Finance Chlöe Swarbrick.   “He says he is rebuilding the economy, when in reality, his Government’s decisions have helped create rent inflation double the rate of general inflation and driven more people into poverty while deepening and lengthening the recession. Those are consciously made choices, with clear consequences that...

Posted at January 22, 2025 12:21 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Government for the wealthy keeps pushing austerity

The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces.“Christopher Luxon is choosing to prolong the recession and kneecap productivity through merciless cuts,” says the Green Party Co-Leader and Finance spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick. “Today’s HYEFU shows the Government’s trickle-down decisions come at the cost of the very ‘economic growth’ they crow so much about. It doesn’t add up and it doesn’t make...

Posted at December 17, 2024 3:56 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Govt’s miserly 1.5% minimum wage will take workers backwards

The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many.“This adds insult to injury for our workers who have been under constant attack under this Government,” says Green Party spokesperson for Workplace Relations, Teanau Tuiono. “The Green Party’s Income Guarantee provides a clear alternative, a commitment to every New Zealander that no matter what, you will...

Posted at December 17, 2024 10:40 AM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day

The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice.“Today marks a sad day for Whakaata Māori, Māori storytelling and Te Tiriti o Waitangi," says Green Party’s Media and Communications spokesperson Hūhana Lyndon. “The establishment of Whakaata Māori twenty years ago was an integral step towards the revitalisation of te reo Māori, and the Government adhering to...

Posted at December 13, 2024 10:05 AM by Hūhana Lyndon

culture and innovation

Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare

After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026.“This is a great day for the welfare of greyhounds, they have a right to live without suffering,” says the Green Party’s Animal Welfare and Racing Spokesperson, Steve Abel. “An overwhelming majority of New Zealanders–three quarters, in the latest SPCA polling–have long called for the greyhound racing industry...

Posted at December 10, 2024 1:19 PM by Steve Abel

culture and innovation

Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation

The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. “This is dire, draconian and outright disgraceful even by the Government’s own standards,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Workplace Relations, Teanau Tuiono.  “The ability to strike, organise and collectively bargain is a democratic right. These are critical tools that have empowered workers to contest and challenge unfair working conditions in the uneven playing field between them...

Posted at December 09, 2024 6:33 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Govt guts funding for social sciences and humanities

The Government’s decision to axe all Humanities and Social Science research funding through the Marsden Fund is a massive step backwards.  “Social sciences are critical in shining a light on some of the injustices and inequalities of society, things this Government would prefer to keep in the dark,” says the Green Party Spokesperson for Science and Research Scott Willis. “We can and must invest in social science research, it forms a critical part of the ongoing critique and improvement of the...

Posted at December 04, 2024 1:50 PM by Scott Willis

culture and innovation

Govt move to exclude journalist risks chilling effect

The Green Party is alarmed by the Government’s move to exclude a journalist from covering this week’s apology for the survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care.“When a journalist is barred from doing their job, just because they asked the Prime Minister difficult questions, it sets a dangerous precedent,” says the Green Party’s Media and Communications spokesperson Hūhana Lyndon. “Aaron Smale is a highly respected journalist who has rigorously covered issues around the abuse in state and faith-based care....

Posted at November 11, 2024 2:01 PM by Hūhana Lyndon

culture and innovation

Govt attacks workers’ rights once again

Today’s announcement from the Minister of Workplace Relations emphasises how deep in the pocket of big business this Government really is. “This is the latest episode in a series of assaults on workers' rights,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Workplace Relations, Teanau Tuiono.  “Our economy has been built upon the backs of our workers, by supporting our workers we support ourselves. Across generations and over many decades, the rights of workers have been hard fought for and should be celebrated...

Posted at September 15, 2024 6:35 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Urgent intervention needed on supermarkets

The Green Party is calling on the Government to intervene in the supermarket duopoly dominating our supply of groceries following today’s report from the Commerce Commission.“The greed of our supermarkets is coming at a severe cost to our communities. We need urgent intervention to ensure people are coming before profit,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for commerce and consumer affairs, Ricardo Menéndez March.“Everyone deserves to be able to put food on the table for their whānau. The food systems that...

Posted at September 04, 2024 10:53 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Government must respect Court’s Uber employee decision

Today’s court ruling upholding the rights of Uber drivers is a message to the Government that it must not tamper with employment protections. “This decision is a monumental win for workers’ rights. We call on the Prime Minister to rule out and refrain from pushing policies that undermine today’s decision and the rights of our workers,” says the Green Party’s Workplace Relations & Safety spokesperson Teanau Tuiono. “The judgement couldn’t be clearer - maintaining the status quo means upholding the rights...

Posted at August 26, 2024 2:54 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

RBNZ lowers OCR, Govt continues ‘let them eat cake’ strategy

While the Reserve Bank lowers the Official Cash Rate, it’s this Government’s policies driving poverty in our communities.“The Reserve Bank’s decision to slightly lower interest rates today will be welcome news for some, but won’t help the approximate 23,000 more kids the Government is pushing into poverty,” says Green Party co-leader and spokesperson for Finance Chlöe Swarbrick.  “Monetary policy is a blunt instrument. It’s fiscal policy - that is, the Government’s choices on tax and spend - which dictates the...

Posted at August 14, 2024 3:41 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Government sets out to undermine workplace safety

The Government’s announcement of a roadshow consultation on work health and safety is a smokescreen for its plan to throw out regulations which keep workers safe.“More workers are going to die as a result of this move - it’s that simple,” says Teanau Tuiono, the Green Party’s workplace relations and safety spokesperson. “The Government’s decision to cut funding to the tune of $10 million from an already under-staffed Worksafe NZ was the entree. The main course will be sweeping cuts...

Posted at June 14, 2024 11:23 AM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Workers’ rights must be respected in review of Holidays Act

The Government must ensure workers’ rights are at the core of any changes made to the Holidays Act 2003. “An erosion of workers’ rights and a decay in the balance between employer and employee will become core to the legacy of this Government if it continues on its current trajectory,” says Green Party spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety, Teanau Tuiono. “The Government’s tampering with the Holidays Act looks set to complicate leave entitlements and leave workers with less - especially...

Posted at June 05, 2024 2:58 PM by Teanau Tuiono

people and communities

Trickle-down tax cuts while the planet and social contract burns

The Government’s bloody-minded commitment to delivering trickle-down tax cuts at all costs comes at the expense of investment in people and planet. “The Government has today pledged their allegiance to inequality through an unfair and unproductive tax system,” says Green Party co-leader and Finance spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick.  “While their Fiscal Strategy says they are committed to a more productive economy, they have made decisions to entrench a tax system that does the opposite. Once again, they’ve cherry-picked statements from the IMF...

Posted at May 30, 2024 3:34 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Minister of Finance reheats austerity politics

This morning’s pre-Budget speech from the Minister of Finance offered no “meaningful” news on the Government’s trickle-down economics based plans.“We can expect tax cuts in the form of crumbs for everyone except those who own for a living. These decisions come at the cost of gutting public services, cutting half-price public transport, chopping fees-free prescriptions and slashing benefit increases, making life all the more difficult for anyone but those at the top. The Minister of Finance is basically just saying,...

Posted at May 09, 2024 9:01 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Central Bank makes clear Government is pouring fuel on housing crisis fire

Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse.“The Government’s $2.9 billion tax cut for landlords has been called out for what it is by our very own central bank: a boost for property speculators at the expense of anyone else who wants a roof over their head,” says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. “The Reserve Bank’s Financial Stability Report details that the...

Posted at May 01, 2024 1:36 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Knowingly cruel, Govt makes Aotearoa a more precarious place for working people

Just days after axing Fair Pay Agreements, this Government is once again trampling over people’s working rights by making it possible for bosses to fire new staff without reason. “Today National has made Aotearoa a more cruel and precarious place for thousands of working people,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for workplace relations and safety, Teanau Tuiono.  “Building a healthier, more prosperous and better future for Aotearoa means addressing the problem of low-paid and precarious employment.  “Over the last seven days,...

Posted at December 21, 2023 9:57 AM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Government turning its back on working people

The Green Party stands with unions and working people in defense of Fair Pay Agreements.“Fair Payment Agreements would have put more money in the pockets of people teaching our mokopuna, keeping our hospitals  clean and safe, stocking the supermarket shelves, and getting us around on the bus. It takes a particularly cruel government to turn its back on the people who do so much for our communities,” says the Green Party’s workplace relations spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “There are thousands of...

Posted at December 13, 2023 11:44 AM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Government knowingly making life harder for people

Leaked government documents confirm this government will consciously do serious harm to the lives of working people and their whānau.“Our lowest paid people deserve a pay increase, not a government that is deliberately deciding to put the profits of big businesses ahead of making sure working people are paid what they deserve,” says the Green Party’s workplace relations and safety spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “For many people, the cost of paying the bills and putting food on the table has been...

Posted at December 04, 2023 6:07 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Green Party confirms plan for five weeks annual leave

Speaking at the E Tū Election Launch in Auckland today, Green Party co leader Marama Davidson outlined the Green Party’s manifesto commitment to ensure everyone has five weeks of annual leave. “Everyone should be able to spend quality time with their whānau and friends, but right now Aoteroa is not working for all working people. Tens of thousands of people are working two, sometimes three, jobs just to make ends meet. This leaves hardly any time in the day for people...

Posted at September 16, 2023 1:21 PM by Marama Davidson

culture and innovation

State of books makes clear case for wealth tax

The case for a wealth tax has never been stronger.“The evidence is out and it shows an urgent need to change the tax system,” says Green Party finance spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “The case has never been clearer for changing the tax system to raise the money needed to invest in things that will make a real difference to people - like increasing Working for Families, doubling Best Start, and building thousands more warm dry homes. “While the books are...

Posted at September 12, 2023 1:12 PM by Julie Anne Genter

culture and innovation

Labour needs to reconsider wealth tax

The announcement today that the Government has decided to cut funding to public services shows exactly why they need to tax wealth and big corporations.“The Labour Government is constraining itself unnecessarily by refusing to change the tax system to raise revenue from the wealthiest few which can be used to support everyone in Aotearoa. The time is now for a wealth tax,” says Green Party finance spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “Aotearoa’s tax system that has been designed to favour the...

Posted at August 28, 2023 5:13 PM by Julie Anne Genter

culture and innovation

A new life for St James Theatre

After years of community organising, Green MP for Auckland Central Chlöe Swarbrick is thrilled to announce today alongside Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Carmel Sepuloni Government funding for restoration of the St James Theatre in Auckland’s city centre.“We did it. With many hands, years of work and a whole lot of creative campaigning, we’ve secured the restoration of the St James Theatre, confirming Government funding to match and unlock legacy Council budget commitments,” says Chlöe Swarbrick. “Tāmaki Makaurau is a UNESCO...

Posted at July 22, 2023 12:00 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

culture and innovation

Change the tax system to support struggling households

While inflation is no longer increasing, the current rate will still bring little comfort to families struggling to make ends meet, says the Green Party.“Last week Labour decided to rule out implementing a wealth tax or a capital gains tax. While inflation has eased slightly, we know that thousands of families are still struggling to afford the basics. We must build an Aotearoa that works for everyone, with a fairer tax system to pay for it,” says Green Party finance...

Posted at July 19, 2023 10:52 AM by Julie Anne Genter

culture and innovation

Food prices another clear example of why tax changes are urgent

Rising food prices show exactly why now is the time to shake up the tax system and raise the money we need to lift every family out of poverty.Stats NZ data shows that food prices have increased 12.5 percent for the year ending June 2023, with fruit and vegetable prices increasing 22 percent. “A government with the political courage to tax the wealthiest few could raise enough money to lift every family out of poverty and guarantee everyone enough to...

Posted at July 13, 2023 10:52 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Market study welcome, but Govt can act now

The Green Party is today welcoming the announcement of a market study into banks, but is urging the Government to act now and raise corporate taxes.“Banks have made eye watering record profits recently due entirely to circumstances out of their control, while low income people in Aotearoa spend more and more of their income on essentials. A market study will be useful, but the time is now to lift every single family out of poverty through our Income Guarantee and...

Posted at June 20, 2023 12:36 PM by Julie Anne Genter

culture and innovation

GDP figures show why Greens’ Income Guarantee is essential

As today’s GDP figures show that Aotearoa is in a technical recession, it’s clearer than ever that Aotearoa needs the Green Party’s Income Guarantee.“We know that a recession will hit lower-income New Zealanders who spend the majority of their income covering the essentials like food and rent the hardest. The time is now to lift every single family out of poverty through our Income Guarantee and to pay for it with a fair tax system,” says the Green Party spokesperson...

Posted at June 15, 2023 10:55 AM by Julie Anne Genter

culture and innovation

Greens' Income Guarantee is needed more than ever

Continued rising food prices shows exactly why Aotearoa needs the Green Party’s Income Guarantee.“As food prices continue to rise, tens of thousands of people are struggling to put food on the table and pay the bills. Meanwhile, the wealthiest few are continuing to get richer. This cannot continue. The time is now to lift every single family out of poverty through our Income Guarantee and to pay for it with a fair tax system,” says the Green Party spokesperson for...

Posted at June 14, 2023 3:23 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Govt must break up supermarkets

The Government needs to do much more to address supermarket profiteering, which is driving high food prices.“A report released today says that the Government’s proposed reforms will not be enough to address the high cost of groceries,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for commerce and consumer affairs, Ricardo Menéndez March.“The report agrees with what the Green Party has been saying for a really long time: that the time is now to break up the supermarket duopoly.“Not only that but the...

Posted at May 12, 2023 11:38 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Action to support people to put food on the table more urgent than ever

Yet another increase in food prices shows the urgent need for the Government to tax wealth and use the money to help people put food on the table.“As food prices continue to rise, almost half a million people in Aotearoa rely on food banks to afford to eat. Meanwhile, the wealthiest few are continuing to get richer. This simply cannot continue,” says the Green Party spokesperson for commerce and consumer affairs, Ricardo Menéndez March. “A recent survey showed that rising...

Posted at May 11, 2023 10:49 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Action needed to stop supermarkets taking advantage of people

Supermarket profiteering is driving high food prices and it needs to be reined in urgently, the Green Party says.“The cruel truth is that food price rises driven by supermarket profiteering are making it harder and harder for people to afford to eat. The evidence for an excess profits tax on supermarkets could not be clearer,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for commerce and consumer affairs, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Data released today shows once again that food prices are at record...

Posted at April 17, 2023 11:22 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Bold action needed to help people eat

Biggest increase in food prices for over three decades shows the need for an excess profit tax on corporations to help people put food on the table.“Supermarkets are pushing up prices and maximising profits, meanwhile everyday New Zealanders are getting fleeced and struggling to put food on the table. The Government needs to tax excess profit and use the money to help people make ends meet,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for commerce and consumer affairs, Ricardo Menéndez March. “A...

Posted at March 13, 2023 1:37 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Tax the banks

Instead of creating an appeal fund and one-off lotto draw, the Labour Government could tax the billions of dollars banks have made in unearned, excess profits and use the money to support people.“Has the Government heard of tax? It’s simple: tax the banks; don’t work with them to set up an appeal fund,” says Green Party finance spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “The profit made by the Government’s chosen appeal fund partner, Westpac, hit a record $1.1 billion last year.   “While...

Posted at February 27, 2023 4:30 PM by Julie Anne Genter

culture and innovation

Urgent action needed to support families

 The tools exist to help families with surging costs – and as costs continue to rise it is more urgent than ever that we use them, the Green Party says.“The impact of inflation is not felt equally. As things continue to get tough for those on the lowest incomes, we urge the new Prime Minister to prioritise action to lift incomes and reduce basic costs,” says the Green Party’s finance spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter.“When those at the top get richer,...

Posted at January 25, 2023 5:25 PM by Julie Anne Genter