Democracy and International Relations

democracy and international relations

Greens reject Taxpayers' Union's dirty politics – call to clean up politics

The Green Party is calling on all parties and political organisations to reject the tactics used by the Taxpayers’ Union, as documented in Nicky Hager’s book."New Zealanders don’t like politics precisely because of the shady behaviour of organisations like the Taxpayers Union. Differences of opinion are expected in a democracy, but underhanded, nasty tactics should not be. This is where the political leaders can and should draw the line," says Green Party Co-leader, Chlöe Swarbrick. "Dirty Work shows how the...

Posted at September 23, 2026 12:14 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

democracy and international relations

Luxon Government captured by lobbyists and big business

Trust in law-making in Aotearoa is being eroded by the clear influence of commercial lobbying of Ministers along with large donations to political parties, the Green Party says.A new report from Victoria University of Wellington researchers shows how lobbying works, with examples of industry lobbyists shaping Government decisions on oil field clean-ups, tobacco tax, KiwiSaver, emissions pricing, and climate court cases, often against the advice of officials and public opinion.  “This report makes clear the risks to democracy when agri-business,...

Posted at September 17, 2026 1:22 PM by Marama Davidson

democracy and international relations

Luxon Government decides their final say should outweigh local democracy

National Government has decided its final say matters more than local democracy by taking away the mandate for democratically elected councils to support the wellbeing of communities, says the Green Party.“This is yet another broken promise from a coalition that campaigned on localism and building the relationship between government and councils, only to pass a law that gives Government the final say over those who are locally elected,” says Green Party Local Government spokesperson, Mike Davidson. “The Local Government Systems...

Posted at September 17, 2026 9:13 AM by Mike Davidson

democracy and international relations

Greens call for compensation for people wrongfully affected by welfare cuts

The Green Party is calling for compensation for people who have experienced hardship, debt, hunger, or homelessness from the welfare cuts caused by processing delays due to the Government’s Mandatory Review policy.“The Government needs to include the option of compensation as part of its review into the wrongful welfare cuts, due to be released on 10 September,” says Green Party Social Development Spokesperson Ricardo Menendez March. “If Louise Upston’s apology is genuine, the review must fully account for the harm...

Posted at September 03, 2026 3:00 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Only a change of Government will ease cost-of-living crisis

The entire coalition Government has made life harder for New Zealanders, which will continue regardless of who is leader, says the Green Party.This morning, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that he will not step down as Prime Minister and National Party Leader.  Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says, “Every single MP for National, ACT and New Zealand First is responsible for the highest rate of unemployment in over a decade and a higher cost of living for New Zealanders.”  “As...

Posted at August 12, 2026 2:55 PM by Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick

democracy and international relations

Luxon would rather change our voting system than stand up to Peters

Luxon’s commitment to a referendum on ditching our electoral system is a short-sighted attempt to restore old, tired, establishment politics, says the Green Party. “National are trying to limit voters' choices for an opportunistic, self-serving power grab," says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. "If Luxon’s so tired of working with Winston Peters, there’s an easier way than overhauling our entire electoral system: sack him from Cabinet and bring forward the election.” “New Zealanders have consistently voted to keep MMP. They...

Posted at August 06, 2026 1:00 PM by Marama Davidson

democracy and international relations

Government advertised just a quarter of senior governance jobs as two in three go to men

The Green Party is calling for senior governance roles at Crown entities to be publicly advertised, after new research shows only 18 of the 71 people appointed by the Government were recruited through a publicly advertised process. "Appointments to Crown boards and organisations should be fair and transparent. Looking at the data and there is a clear pattern in who this Government hands these jobs to," says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. "Three in four of these roles were filled without ever being advertised, two in three appointments went...

Posted at July 28, 2026 2:22 PM by Marama Davidson

democracy and international relations

Green Party launches 2026 election slogan and priorities at Party’s AGM

The Green Party Co-leaders have launched their election slogan and campaign priorities at their AGM today.Following an earlier call for a one year pause on new AI data centres to allow a national conversation on how to protect resources, environment and communities, the Co-leaders launched the Green’s election slogan “For all of us”, and their campaigning priorities. In her speech to members, Swarbrick referenced the Greens’ 2005 Confidence and Supply Agreement with Labour, which established the Buy Kiwi Made programme....

Posted at July 26, 2026 2:50 PM by Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick

democracy and international relations

Luxon’s Government found breaching trade agreements again

Today’s report from Lawyers for Climate Action shows that Luxon’s handouts to fossil fuel companies likely breach New Zealand’s trade agreement with the United Kingdom, undermining our international reputation and trade relationships."A business wouldn’t get away with the spin and breaches of agreement Luxon’s Government does," says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.  "The findings that this Government’s subsidisation of fossil fuel corporations likely breaches our UK Free Trade Agreement and undermine our EU FTA build on Green-commissioned independent, expert legal advice that the Government’s fossil fuel subsidies also breach the Agreement...

Posted at May 26, 2026 10:36 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

te tiriti o waitangi

Government announces Treaty Principles Bill by stealth

The Green Party is condemning the Government's decision to weaken te Tiriti o Waitangi references across 19 acts of Parliament, calling it the Stealth Treaty Principles Bill."New Zealanders didn't want the Treaty Principles Bill, and they sure don't want it by stealth," says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. "Stripping te Tiriti out of seven acts entirely and dragging the Crown's obligations in another ten down to the weakest possible standard, is a deliberate diminishment of the founding document of this...

Posted at May 15, 2026 1:50 PM by Marama Davidson

democracy and international relations

Luxon chooses to join the anti-migrant bandwagon

The Prime Minister's pre-Budget speech today confirms a Government that has chosen to scapegoat migrants and shield corporate profit while New Zealanders struggle to pay the bills, says the Green Party."Christopher Luxon has made his choice. Blame migrants for the problems of the world in order to protect corporate profits driving the cost-of-living crisis," says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.   "Luxon talked about the patterns playing out around the world right now, highlighting far-right anti-immigration fear mongering. He very intentionally side-stepped the...

Posted at May 13, 2026 3:09 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

democracy and international relations

Government's council shake-up ignores its own advice

The Green Party says today's local government reorganisation announcement is fundamentally undemocratic, shows a lack of understanding of how local government operates, and ignores the findings of the Government's own expert bodies."Today's announcement is fundamentally undemocratic and a cynical move in election year. None of the coalition parties campaigned on this," says Green Party spokesperson for Local Government, Mike Davidson. "It shows a disregard for community input, and ignores the findings of both the independent Infrastructure Commission and the Future...

Posted at May 05, 2026 6:00 PM by Mike Davidson

democracy and international relations

Government rams through sweeping changes to Te Tiriti in legislation

The Green Party is condemning the Government’s weakening of Te Tiriti o Waitangi provisions across multiple pieces of legislation. "Pushing through these sweeping changes in secret shows this Government is a dishonourable Treaty partner," says Green Party MP Tamatha Paul.  Documents seen by Paul outline Cabinet's decision to amend Treaty provisions across 23 pieces of legislation.   Under the changes, the standard of Treaty obligation would be reduced to no higher than "take into account".   Treaty references in other laws would be repealed entirely. The decisions were made in...

Posted at April 19, 2026 6:35 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Unilateral attack on Iran must be condemned

“Trump and Netanyahu’s unilateral attack on Iran must be condemned as an illegal and unprovoked act against the people of the region and any genuine pathway to peace” Green Party Co-Leader Marama Davidson says.“This latest escalation in aggression is part of a decades’ long pattern of behaviour of the US dragging the region into more wars, violence, and bloodshed.  “The wider region has immediately been drawn into this violence, with hundreds reported dead in only a single day. The idea that it’s okay to...

Posted at March 01, 2026 12:07 PM by Marama Davidson

democracy and international relations

Christmas stolen for NZ born footballer facing deportation

The Green Party is calling on the Associate Minister of Immigration to act immediately to prevent a New Zealand-born child from being potentially forced to leave the country just days before Christmas.“This case exposes the harsh consequences of an immigration system that has failed to respond with humanity,” says the Green Party’s Immigration spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Aotearoa can be a country that leads with compassion, evidence and aroha. But this case highlights the lasting impact of the changes to...

Posted at December 15, 2025 10:23 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Rates caps little more than a distraction from Govt’s own failings

The Government’s plan to limit council rates rises to four per cent will inevitably lead to poorer local service provision, and communities being worse off.“This is little more than a distraction tactic, and it will come at the expense of our communities across Aotearoa,” says the Green Party's Local Government spokesperson, Celia Wade-Brown. “Capping rates does nothing to fix the decades of significant underinvestment in local infrastructure, or the lack of alternative funding models across successive governments. It’s also completely...

Posted at December 01, 2025 4:55 PM by Celia Wade Brown

democracy and international relations

Govt revamp of regional councils hurts environment

The Government is weakening environmental management and local democracy with its changes to Regional Councils.“Not content with starving local government of resources, Luxon’s Government now wants to undermine regional councils and let the environment burn,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Local Government, Celia Wade-Brown. “Local government needs careful and considered reform, but Luxon’s version of reform here creates more uncertainty, risks downgrading environmental protection and erodes the agency of local communities.  “This is really about reducing rates at any...

Posted at November 25, 2025 6:00 PM by Celia Wade Brown

democracy and international relations

Greens strengthen New Zealand’s first ever stalking law

The Green Party’s successful amendment to New Zealand’s first ever stalking law will better protect victims of stalking and harassment.  “Late last night, the Green Party joined with all parties across Parliament to welcome a long-overdue bill that addresses a longstanding gap in our legislation which focuses on stalking and harassment” says Green Party Police spokesperson, Tamatha Paul. “To everyone who got involved and made their voices heard; thank you. Today’s decision shows what’s possible when people organise around a vision...

Posted at November 20, 2025 9:11 AM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Open letter to Hon Judith Collins

It is with sadness that we write this open letter to respond to the blatantly partisan screed you wrote yesterday. We find it necessary to do so to correct the record and defend the hardworking teachers, nurses and doctors who are striking for fair pay and safe conditions for staff and the public they serve against your attempts to smear them.  But before we get to that - we would like to invite you to spend just one week walking...

Posted at October 20, 2025 11:11 AM by Francisco Hernandez

democracy and international relations

Govt cowardly in not recognising Palestinian statehood

The Green Party says the Government’s decision not to recognise Palestinian statehood is cowardly, and a stain on Aotearoa’s reputation as a voice for peace and justice internationally.“This is bitterly disappointing for the many New Zealanders who wanted the Government to do the right thing and recognise a Palestinian state,” says the Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. “Instead we get more empty words from the Government of Christopher Luxon lining up with the Trump administration over peace, justice, and self-determination....

Posted at September 27, 2025 12:28 PM by Marama Davidson

democracy and international relations

Govt must finally back Palestinian statehood

The Green Party has called on the Government to stop dithering and support Palestinian statehood, ahead of the UN General Assembly.“New Zealanders deserve an answer now on where the Government stands on this defining issue of our time,” says the Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. “Tens of thousands of us marched through the streets of Auckland at the weekend, calling on the Government to grow a spine, sanction Israel and recognise Palestinian statehood.  “Palestine needs our action, our Government needs...

Posted at September 15, 2025 4:19 PM by Marama Davidson

te tiriti o waitangi

Greens call for extension on Māori wards referendum

The Green Party is calling for the voting period for Māori wards to be extended after key information was left out of voting packs. “Key information about Māori wards missing from election packs could influence the course of the referendum. This is not good enough,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Democracy and Electoral Reform, Celia Wade Brown.  “We are calling for the voting period to be extended so people can make their decision with all the information they should have...

Posted at September 12, 2025 2:14 PM by Celia Wade Brown

democracy and international relations

Overstayers need pathway to residency

The Green Party says latest figures on people in this country without a visa show the need to provide clear pathways to residency for the many people falling through the cracks.“It’s time to lay a clear pathway to residency for the many people already here and part of our local communities, but without a visa,” says the Green Party Spokesperson for Immigration, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Successive governments have enabled too many people to fall through the cracks, with no pathways...

Posted at September 04, 2025 11:48 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Govt’s empty words do nothing to stop genocide in Gaza

The Government’s announcement that it will “formally consider” Palestinian statehood in September simply continues to delay any meaningful action.“If the Government believes what it says about a two-state solution, it can and must recognise Palestine statehood, immediately,” says Green Party co-leader, Chlöe Swarbrick. “Palestinians cannot eat empty statements. “Aotearoa has a proud history of standing up for human rights and justice, even when powerful allies disagree. Most UN member states already recognise Palestine.  “The Greens put forward a motion in...

Posted at August 11, 2025 4:22 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

democracy and international relations

Greens launch petition against Govt’s attack on democracy

The Green Party has launched a petition calling on the Government to keep its hands off voting rights. “We cannot allow this Government to rob New Zealanders of their democratic rights,” says the Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. “Make no mistake, the Government is making calculated changes to electoral law that erode the democratic rights of regular people and play into the hands of a wealthy few.  “By blocking voters and also opening the floodgates for anonymous donations from the rich,...

Posted at July 30, 2025 2:22 PM by Marama Davidson

democracy and international relations

Greens call on Govt to recognise Palestinian statehood

The Green Party is calling on the Government to recognise Palestine as a state, following a long list of countries doing so. “History will judge Aotearoa if we fail to do what is right at this pivotal moment,” says the Green Party’s co-leader Marama Davidson. “It’s time for the Government to make a clear stand for human rights and for justice, and recognise Palestine as a state.  “Aotearoa must stand for peace and for human rights. New Zealand must act in...

Posted at July 30, 2025 9:58 AM by Marama Davidson

democracy and international relations

Govt’s electoral reform weakens democracy

The Government is weakening our democracy by restricting voting rights and making it easier for the wealthy to donate to political campaigns under the cover of anonymity. “These changes represent a dark day for our democracy,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Democracy and Electoral Reform, Celia Wade Brown. “What we do with our democracy matters; who we shut out and who we afford special privileges shapes the decisions made in Parliament and the direction this country is taken in. “Requiring...

Posted at July 24, 2025 2:39 PM by Celia Wade Brown

democracy and international relations

Greens call for NZ Govt to take UK’s lead and lower voting age

The Green Party is calling on the Government to follow the lead of the United Kingdom and lower the voting age to 16.  “We are calling on the New Zealand Government to follow in the footsteps of the United Kingdom and lower the voting age to 16,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Democracy and Electoral Reform, Celia Wade Brown.  “Young people deserve to have a say in the decisions that affect their future. The choices we make today will determine...

Posted at July 18, 2025 11:05 AM by Celia Wade Brown

democracy and international relations

Govt parent boost changes prioritise rich over poor

The Green Party is calling out the Government’s parent boost changes that benefit a wealthier minority while doing nothing to help reunite thousands of migrant families. “The Government is essentially telling thousands of migrant families that if your parents don’t have a quarter of a million in funds, they are not welcome here,” says the Green Party's spokesperson for Immigration, Ricardo Menéndez March.  “Our migrant communities give so much to Aotearoa, they deserve to be treated with respect and provided with...

Posted at June 08, 2025 2:54 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Greens call for compassionate release of Dean Wickliffe

The Green Party is calling for the compassionate release of Dean Wickliffe, a 77-year-old kaumātua on hunger strike at the Spring Hill Corrections Facility, after visiting him at the prison.“We are calling on the Minister of Corrections to urgently intervene when it comes to the safety and survival of Dean Wickliffe who is entering day nine of his hunger strike,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Corrections, Tamatha Paul. “People in prison are human beings and have rights. The Minister...

Posted at March 19, 2025 12:50 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Government tramples on the rights of disabled migrant children

The Green Party is condemning the Government’s move to tighten access to visas for disabled children. “Disabled people deserve dignity and respect. Today's news is a slap in the face and a prime example of the punch-down politics that dominates this Government,” says the Green Party’s Immigration Spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March.  “Disability should not be a barrier for migrant families wanting to come to Aotearoa and call it home. Stopping migrant families from coming here because they have a disabled child...

Posted at March 14, 2025 5:19 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Govt urged to rule out any involvement in AUKUS

The Green Party is calling on the Prime Minister to rule out joining the AUKUS military pact in any capacity following the scenes in the White House over the weekend. “President Trump’s appalling treatment of his Ukrainian counterpart is a clear warning that we must avoid AUKUS at all costs,” says the Green Party’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “Aotearoa must stand on an independent and principled approach to foreign affairs and use that as a platform to promote peace.  “What...

Posted at March 03, 2025 10:30 AM by Teanau Tuiono

democracy and international relations

Greens welcome Gaza ceasefire, but say more work to do

The Green Party has welcomed the provisional ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, and reiterated its call for New Zealand to push for an end to the unlawful occupation of Palestine. “We welcome the signs of a meaningful ceasefire, but there remains work to do to secure lasting peace,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Teanau Tuiono. “This is a victory for Palestinians and the wider solidarity movement who have long pushed for a ceasefire. However, it must be...

Posted at January 16, 2025 12:16 PM by Teanau Tuiono

democracy and international relations

Greens welcome deadline extension but reiterate call for Bill to be binned

The Green Party welcomes the extension of the deadline for Treaty Principles Bill submissions but continues to call on the Government to abandon the Bill. “We welcome the bare minimum decision to extend the deadline but know this Bill must be put in the bin altogether. Our founding agreement should never be up for negotiation by one tiny part of one side,” says the Green Party’s Justice Committee representative, Tamatha Paul.  “Te Tiriti o Waitangi is enduring. Governments are temporary. “There...

Posted at January 09, 2025 1:07 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Luxon’s ‘localism’ strikes again

The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing.   “Our self-styled CEO Prime Minister is micromanaging our councils into austerity,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson on Local Government, Celia Wade Brown.  “Our councils should be supported to empower our communities, particularly in the face of climate change and the natural disasters that come with it. “However, this Government has persistently...

Posted at December 16, 2024 5:44 PM by Celia Wade Brown

democracy and international relations

Failed boot camp experiment must end

As legislation to set up boot camps passed its first reading, the Green Party urged the Government to abandon this failed policy experiment for the good of our rangatahi.“We risk repeating a shameful part of our history and ruining the lives of our rangatahi by bringing back boot camps,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Justice, Tamatha Paul. “Our rangatahi need and deserve opportunities and support through their formative years so they can realise their full potential.  “Boot camps are...

Posted at November 21, 2024 4:59 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Justice Select Committee opens floor for Treaty Principles submissions

Today, the Justice Select Committee has decided to officially open submissions for the controversial Treaty Principles Bill. “It is time for our communities to translate the energy harnessed over the course of the hīkoi into action, and bring their voices to the political table,” says Green Party MP for Wellington Central, Tamatha Paul. “Making our opposition heard is crucial to upholding Te Tiriti and the deep commitment it represents to every one of us in Aotearoa. This Bill challenges the very...

Posted at November 19, 2024 10:18 AM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Greens join King’s Counsel in calling for Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned

The Prime Minister must answer the call from a group of senior lawyers of the King’s Counsel to abandon the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. “It’s time to be brave and back our founding agreement over the dirty deal you made with a coalition partner, Christopher. Abandon the Bill and honour the Treaty,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Justice, Tamatha Paul.  “Aotearoa as we know it was built on Te Tiriti. Te Tiriti affirms the rights of Māori to continue to...

Posted at November 13, 2024 6:47 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Urgent wake-up call on climate

The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. “Climate action is more urgent than ever, but this Government is taking Aotearoa backwards,” says Green Party Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Teanau Tuiono. “The Government needs to start taking our pledges under the Paris Agreement seriously and increase our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).The Commission’s advice shows that domestic emissions reduction efforts can take us a long way in meeting these pledges – if we put...

Posted at November 08, 2024 12:27 PM by Teanau Tuiono

democracy and international relations

NZ must pursue independent foreign policy

The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy.“The US election result should be a wake-up call that our country must steer clear of the AUKUS military pact,” says the Green Party Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teanau Tuiono. “We cannot be hustled into a military alliance with the US, especially when it’s about to be led by a volatile firebrand with fascist leanings who cozies up to autocrats and dictators,...

Posted at November 07, 2024 11:46 AM by Teanau Tuiono

democracy and international relations

Not too late to abandon the Bill, Christopher

The Green Party is urgently calling on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill following reports it will be introduced on Thursday. “It’s not too late to do the right thing, Christopher. It’s time to abandon this Bill and honour Te Tiriti,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Justice, Tamatha Paul.   “Te Tiriti forms the founding agreement Aotearoa was built upon. It provides the foundations for an enduring relationship between tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti that ensures everybody...

Posted at November 05, 2024 8:14 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Greens support call for divestment from illegal Israeli settlements

The Green Party echoes a call for banks to divest from entities linked to Israel’s illegal settlements in Palestine, and says Crown Financial Institutions should follow suit.“How we spend our money counts - the Government must ensure that our country does not assist, or profit from, crimes against humanity,” says the Green Party Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teanau Tuiono. “Aotearoa has a long and proud history of advocating for peace. As a country which urges others to follow international law, we...

Posted at October 09, 2024 11:32 AM by Teanau Tuiono

democracy and international relations

Potential intelligence sharing with Israel must be investigated

Concerns have been raised that our spy arrangements may mean that intelligence is being shared between Aotearoa and Israel. An urgent inquiry must be launched in response to this.“Any potential connection to Israel’s genocidal regime must be investigated. Aotearoa cannot afford to have any links to the crimes against humanity being committed in Gaza,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Teanau Tuiono.  “As a nation, we have a proud and enduring history of standing up for peace and...

Posted at September 12, 2024 5:39 PM by Teanau Tuiono

te tiriti o waitangi

Vast majority of councils support Māori wards

Councils across the country have now decided where they stand regarding Māori wards, with a resounding majority in favour of keeping them in what is a significant setback for the Government.“The voice of our councils has echoed the chorus of calls opposing the Government’s concerted campaign to erase Māori wards and silence tangata whenua voice in local government decision making” says Green Party spokesperson for Māori Development, Hūhana Lyndon. “Forty-three out of 45 councils have voted in favour of keeping...

Posted at September 06, 2024 5:30 PM by Hūhana Lyndon

democracy and international relations

Govt must end solitary confinement

The Green Party is urging the Government to end the use of solitary confinement within our prisons after new research revealed some prisoners have been held in confinement for more than 900 days. “Solitary confinement is a barbaric breach of human rights that breaks a prisoner’s spirit and decreases the chance of successful rehabilitation,” says the Green Party Corrections spokesperson Tamatha Paul. “My proposed amendment to the Corrections Amendment Bill would remove this draconian form of punishment from our prisons, recognising...

Posted at August 27, 2024 1:36 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Govt overreach on councils an assault on local democracy

The Government’s move to enforce austerity measures on councils is an assault on local democracy. “This shows how hollow Christopher Luxon’s commitment to localism is, but also how impervious he is to the challenges of local government,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Local Government Celia Wade-Brown. “Our councils should be supported to empower our communities, particularly in the face of climate change and the natural disasters that come with it. “However, the Prime Minister has instead chosen to punch down...

Posted at August 21, 2024 6:05 PM by Celia Wade Brown

democracy and international relations

Govt must maintain Treaty provisions in Corrections Bill

The Green Party is calling on the Government to support its proposed amendments to leave Treaty provisions in the Corrections Bill. “Treaty provisions are needed to demonstrate a sincere and genuine commitment to reducing the over-representation of Māori throughout our justice system,” says the Green Party’s Spokesperson for Justice Tamatha Paul. “Taking Te Tiriti provisions out of the Corrections Bill goes against the recent recommendations of the Waitangi Tribunal.  “When introduced last term, this Bill took an important step towards addressing...

Posted at August 21, 2024 2:14 PM by Tamatha Paul

te tiriti o waitangi

Greens call on Luxon to abandon Treaty Principles Bill following Waitangi Tribunal report

The Green Party is calling on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill following the Waitangi Tribunal’s scathing report on the proposed legislation. “Our Te Tiriti is a taonga. It binds us together, it should not be used to drive us apart,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Māori development, Hūhana Lyndon.  “At Waitangi, Christopher Luxon told Māori that Te Tiriti was our past, present and future. If he truly meant what he said, he would not allow...

Posted at August 16, 2024 12:30 PM by Hūhana Lyndon and Steve Abel

democracy and international relations

Govt failing to keep communities safe from extremism

The Government’s decision not to implement eight of the 44 recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the March 15th attacks is an affront to those affected by this atrocity and communities at risk of hate crimes.“What has the Government learnt from that day if it’s unwilling to take up key recommendations on how to prevent such terror attacks recurring?” says the Green Party spokesperson for the Government Response to March 15th, Kahurangi Carter. “Failing to follow through on...

Posted at August 02, 2024 1:25 PM by Kahurangi Carter

democracy and international relations

Govt must act on Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine

The Green Party is calling on the Government to take action off the back of the International Court of Justice ruling on Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine.“Silence is complicity, and New Zealand cannot ignore the ICJ’s detailed and damning assessment of Israel’s long-term illegal occupation of Palestine,” says the Green Party’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teanau Tuiono. “The ICJ’s Advisory Opinion couldn’t be more clear: Israel has breached international law over decades of incursions and illegal settlements on Palestinian land.  “As...

Posted at July 23, 2024 1:14 PM by Teanau Tuiono

democracy and international relations

Labelling kids serious offenders sets rangatahi up to fail

The Government’s archaic ‘tough on crime’ approach is weak on evidence and will do little to nothing to keep our communities safe.“The punitive policies of this Government will fail our rangatahi and fail to address the core drivers of crime. Our rangatahi need opportunities, to learn, to do mahi, to contribute to their communities. This is what will see them reach their full potential,” says the Green Party spokesperson for justice, Tamatha Paul. “If we want young people to turn...

Posted at June 23, 2024 3:23 PM by Tamatha Paul

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

te tiriti o waitangi

Government trying to rush Māori wards legislation through without public say

The Green Party unequivocally condemns the governing parties’ attempts to limit the public’s say on the controversial Māori wards legislation, after the select committee considering the legislation set a deadline for submissions of just five days. “This is a blatant attempt at doing democracy in the dark by shutting the public out from having its say on the incredibly controversial Māori wards legislation,” says Green Party spokesperson for Māori development Hūhana Lyndon.  “Five days. That is the amount of time this...

Posted at May 24, 2024 1:16 PM by Hūhana Lyndon

democracy and international relations

Aotearoa must follow in the footsteps of countries recognising Palestinian statehood

The Green Party is calling on the Government to follow in the footsteps of Ireland, Spain and Norway in recognising Palestinian statehood. “This is about rectifying the wrongs of the past, resolving the injustices of the present and laying the foundations for a future which sees Palestine grounded in peace,” says Green Party Foreign Affairs spokesperson Teanau Tuiono.  “Day after day, the death toll continues to rise. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza shows that urgent international action is needed to create...

Posted at May 23, 2024 11:27 AM by Teanau Tuiono

te tiriti o waitangi

Government introduces Bill to roll back Māori Wards

The Green Party has sounded the alarm over the Government’s introduction of legislation to remove Māori Wards and roll back years of progress. "Removing Māori wards would trample all over Te Tiriti and deprive Māori of the democracy they deserve," says the Green Party spokesperson for Māori Development, Hūhana Lyndon.  “Māori wards were created to establish equitable representation in local government. In this respect, communities have told us the wards work well in ensuring the unique voices and needs of Māori...

Posted at May 21, 2024 11:45 AM by Hūhana Lyndon

democracy and international relations

Gang policy setting communities up for failure

The Green Party says the Government’s misguided policy on gangs will fail, following the announcement of the establishment of a national gang unit and district gang disruption units to target gang activities. “If unleashing police on gangs to lock up its members worked, we wouldn’t have gangs in Aotearoa,” says Green Party Police spokesperson Tamatha Paul.  “Forcing police into direct confrontation with gangs is simply repeating the same failed tactics that do not work. Gangs thrive where there is poverty and...

Posted at May 14, 2024 12:59 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Greens call on Government to keep same-day election enrolment and voting

On Radio New Zealand this morning, the Justice Minister stated the Government was considering ending election day enrolments.“The Government’s flirting with ending election day enrolments hints at a frightening degree of disdain for democracy and people’s right to have their say. It smacks of the politics of Trump’s America,” says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.  “Accessible elections are critical to a functional, inclusive democracy. Any imposed barrier is rightfully open to serious criticism of voter suppression. We’ve seen similar measures...

Posted at May 08, 2024 11:47 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

democracy and international relations

Three strikes has failed before and will fail again

Resurrecting the archaic three-strikes legislation is an unwelcome return to a failed American-style approach to justice.“New Zealand needs a justice system that treats all people with humanity, dignity, and respect. Bringing back the failed three strikes law will lead to grossly unfair results that disproportionately impact Māori, including much harsher sentences than would otherwise be imposed,” says Green Party Justice spokesperson Tamatha Paul. “It is shameful that New Zealand has one of the highest imprisonment rates in the developed world....

Posted at April 22, 2024 2:37 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Greens join call to create special visa for Palestinians

The Green Party stands with more than 30 organisations in urging the Government to urgently set up a special visa pathway for Palestinians. “The situation in Gaza is worsening by the day and it is the duty of the Government to do all it can to aid those in need. I am calling on the Minister of Immigration to initiate a special visa pathway for Palestinians,” says Green Party spokesperson of Immigration Ricardo Menéndez March.  “This is a matter of life...

Posted at March 21, 2024 2:43 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Migrant worker changes fall short

The Green Party welcomes the Government’s decision to accept the recommendations of the review into the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) but calls on Ministers to address the core of exploitation by decoupling work visas from single employers. “It’s clear that the way the AEWV has been administered has led to an increase of exploitation, but so long as people’s whole livelihoods depend on a single employer this scheme will continue to enable exploitation,” says Ricardo Menéndez March, Green Party’s Immigration...

Posted at February 27, 2024 12:00 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Māori face significant harm from axing govt funding of background reports

Māori will be among the most impacted by the Government’s cruel, irrational, and senseless plan to stop funding pre-sentencing background reports.“Today the Government has taken us even further away from a justice system that treats everyone with humanity, dignity, and respect,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for the courts, Tamatha Paul.  “While pre-sentencing background reports are available to anyone, the ongoing and heartbreaking over-representation of Māori in our courts means that it is our people who will be hurt the...

Posted at February 07, 2024 4:34 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Only the Greens will deliver a fair amnesty for overstayers

The Green Party is today welcoming Labour coming to the table to ensure an amnesty for overstayers, but only the Greens will ensure immigration settings actually reflect the reality of people who have been failed by our immigration system.“Migrants deserve to be treated with dignity and respect by our immigration system. But for many in our community, our immigration system has left them behind. They've fallen through the cracks, left vulnerable to exploitation, and denied the safety and security of...

Posted at September 23, 2023 2:38 PM by Teanau Tuiono and Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Govt changes fall short of what’s needed for migrant protection

The Green Party will keep up the fight to support exploited migrant workers, including pushing to end single employer visas, after the government picked up Green recommendations to improve immigration settings.“Only the Green Party will carry community voices into Parliament to keep up the fight for fair work rights. It’s time to end visas that bind people to specific employers,” says Ricardo Menéndez March, Green Party’s Immigration Spokesperson. “We welcome people into our communities who want to make Aotearoa home,...

Posted at September 20, 2023 3:14 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Government must ban dawn raids and grant amnesty

The Green Party is calling on the Government to follow up words with actions, and ban the practice of dawn raids and provide an amnesty to all overstayers.“The report released yesterday by Mike Heron KC should be a wake up call for the Government. Two years ago the government apologised for the dawn raids of the 1970s. They should have listened to community leaders who immediately after the apology were calling for both an amnesty for overstayers and an end...

Posted at July 11, 2023 10:35 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Concerns as people most likely to be exploited are left out of pathways to residency

The Green Party is urging the Government to fix the immigration system to ensure that low-waged, and often essential workers, are guaranteed a pathway to residency under the new revamp of the Skilled Migrant Category pathway.“During lockdowns we celebrated our supermarket workers, construction workers and many other low-waged tradespeople who continued working, recognising they were essential to our communities. Many of these workers could now be locked out of a pathway to residency and face a maximum stay in Aotearoa...

Posted at June 21, 2023 11:02 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Greens secure greater protections for exploited migrant workers

The Green Party is pleased that the Government has adopted an amendment that would guarantee migrants are not adversely affected when holding exploitative employers to account.“Migrant exploitation is rife in Aotearoa, and unfortunately many migrants who face exploitation end up in breach of their visa conditions putting them at risk of deportation. Migrants should have the confidence that any moves to hold exploitative employers to account should not end up causing harm to the victims of exploitation,” says Green Party...

Posted at June 20, 2023 5:45 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

We don’t need to engineer a recession, Government can tax wealth

The Green Party is calling on the Government to take responsibility for reducing inflation by taxing wealth instead of leaving RBNZ to continue hiking the Official Cash Rate.“We know that inflation hits lower-income New Zealanders who spend the majority of their income covering the essentials like food and rent the hardest. We know that recessions also hit those same low-income people hardest, because they have smaller savings and tend to be in more precarious employment. “Instead of relying on the...

Posted at May 24, 2023 2:18 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

democracy and international relations

The time is now for overstayer amnesty

With the alarming number of Dawn Raids occurring, the Green Party is calling on the Minister to immediately grant an amnesty to all overstayers.“I have been utterly appalled by recent reports of Dawn Raids occurring across Aotearoa and call on the Minister to put a stop to this once and for all by granting an amnesty to all overstayers,” says the Green Party’s Pacific spokesperson Teanau Tuiono. “I ask anyone to put themselves into the shoes of this man and...

Posted at May 02, 2023 9:53 AM by Teanau Tuiono and Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Richest NZers don’t pay their fair share - and Parliament can fix it

Long awaited High Wealth Individual Research released by Minister David Parker’s office today shows, again, the Government must act to tax wealth and create a fair economy.“New Zealanders have long felt what has today been confirmed by Government research: our tax system is unfair. The wealthiest pay less than half the effective tax of the average family,” says Green Party revenue spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick. “Rules put in place by successive Governments privilege wealth hoarding. Not only are these rules unfair,...

Posted at April 26, 2023 12:37 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

democracy and international relations

Persistent inflation shows urgent need to tax wealth

The Green Party is calling on the Government to tax the super wealthy as inflation, largely driven by continued increases in the cost of essentials like food and housing, persists.“Inflation hits lower-income families the hardest, who spend the majority of their income covering the essentials like food and rent. Wealth and income inequality in this country is a political choice. The Government needs to act,” says Green Party revenue spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick. “The solution is taxing wealth and excess profits...

Posted at April 20, 2023 11:18 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

democracy and international relations

Labour must come to table on RSE residency

The Green Party welcomes National’s support of residency pathways to RSE workers, and is urging Labour to join this emerging cross-party consensus.“The Government needs to act urgently to provide a pathway to residency for RSE workers. While we welcome National coming to the table on pathways to residency, we must go further and decouple work visas from single employers, and completely redesign the scheme to put workers rights first. Without an actual overhaul of the scheme, the exploitation of workers...

Posted at April 19, 2023 12:05 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

All migrant workers deserve pathways to residency

The Green Party welcomes the broadening of the number of professions who are part of the Green List and Straight to Residency Pathway, and calls on the Government to do more for the workers who are currently without any pathways to residency.“Migrant workers deserve the certainty of being able to put down roots in their communities and their contributions to be honoured, instead of precarious and often exploitative conditions. We have been fighting for the broadening of pathways to residency...

Posted at April 11, 2023 5:23 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Government gets it right on COVID settings

Maintaining the current COVID-19 isolation requirement is the right decision, the Green Party says.“Self-isolating for seven days when we have COVID is a clear and simple step we can all take to keep others safe - and the Government is right to keep the requirement in place,” says Teanau Tuiono, Green Party spokesperson for the COVID-19 response. “Over the last week alone, more than 12,000 cases of COVID-19 were reported. I expect nearly every one of these people would agree...

Posted at April 11, 2023 5:22 PM by Teanau Tuiono

democracy and international relations

RBNZ don’t need to engineer a recession, Government can tax wealth

The Green Party is calling on the Government to take responsibility to reduce inflation by taxing wealth, instead of leaving RBNZ to continue hiking the Official Cash Rate.“Economists estimate over-reliance on unconventional monetary policy throughout COVID-19 resulted in a huge transfer of wealth to some of the richest in Aotearoa,” says Green Party revenue spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick. “Now, conventional monetary policy tools are being used to bake in that inequality. “Worse than that, RBNZ Governor Adrian Orr admitted in response...

Posted at April 05, 2023 2:09 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

democracy and international relations

When even the Nats agree bank profits are out of control, it’s time for an excess profits tax

With calls growing for inquiries and action on bank profits, the Greens say the Government has all the information it needs to act now and put a levy on banks.“Four Australian banks made $180 a second in the past year while lower income New Zealanders spent ever more of their income on essentials,” says Green Party revenue spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick. “These banks make, on average, adjusted for income, 20% more from New Zealand customers than their Australian counterparts. “There’s a...

Posted at March 08, 2023 10:17 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick