Articles by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Transport plan more pipe dream than pipeline

The Government's Major Transport Projects Pipeline, released today, shows billions of dollars of mega-roads still unfunded with no timeframe for when many will ever be built."After years of pressure to front up on how it would pay for its roading wish list, the Government has released less a pipeline and more a pipe dream with no clear way to fund its mega-projects," says Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. "Putting projects in the 'slow lane' is an admission that...

Posted at July 09, 2026 11:38 AM by Julie Anne Genter

Greens call on Government to make Civil Defence Payment available

The Green Party are calling on the Government to immediately activate the Civil Defence Payment across the Wellington region, after a regional state of emergency was declared this afternoon. “A state of emergency has now been declared across the region. The Civil Defence Payment exists for exactly this situation,” says Green Party MP for Wellington Central, Tamatha Paul.  “The Government needs to activate it now, and it needs to be available in every community affected, including those outside the declared emergency area who...

Posted at April 20, 2026 5:35 PM by Tamatha Paul and Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Families Will Pay More Without Clean Car Standard

The Green Party says scrapping the Clean Car Standard will mean New Zealanders end up paying more to run their cars."Less efficient cars burn more fuel and burning more fuel costs more money. Families will be paying the price every time they fill up," says Julie Anne Genter, Green Party spokesperson for Transport.   "With petrol prices spiking, the last thing the Government should be doing is removing the one standard that encourages importers to bring in vehicles that are cheaper...

Posted at March 05, 2026 11:25 AM by Julie Anne Genter

people and communities

Greens welcome launch of People's Select Committee report on Pay Equity

The Green Party has welcomed the release of the report from the People's Select Committee on Pay Equity. "This report makes clear what we have said all along: the Government's decision to make it easier to underpay people and limiting pay equity access is yet another attack on women," says the Green Party's spokesperson for women, Kahurangi Carter.  "The Government underestimated how badly this would go down with the public. Today, the workers this Government tried to silence have found their voice, and it is powerful."  "Make no mistake: this...

Posted at February 24, 2026 10:39 AM by Kahurangi Carter and Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Govt caves to industry on Clean Car commitment

The Green Party says the Government’s move to cave in to industry by gutting the Clean Car Standard scheme is a reminder why National can’t be trusted.“This Government is so deeply in the pocket of industry, it will dispense with any progressive climate policy to keep big business happy,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Transport Julie Anne Genter. “National promised to retain the Clean Car Standard, but their changes will render it utterly futile. Meanwhile their promise to build...

Posted at November 17, 2025 5:11 PM by Julie Anne Genter

te tiriti o waitangi

More than 5,300 call for restoration of Māori place names

Wellingtonians are making it clear they want Māori place names to be restored to Wellington electorates, with more than 5,300 signatures on a petition sent to the Representation Committee today by Green Party Wellington MPs Julie Anne Genter and Tamatha Paul.“The public mandate is crystal clear: the people of Wellington want the names restored,” says Green Party MP for Rongotai Julie Anne Genter. “The Rongotai electorate was changed to an English name with minimal community consultation and zero engagement with...

Posted at September 18, 2025 11:59 AM by Tamatha Paul and Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Govt gets it wrong with cancelled ferries

The cost of cancelling the iRex ferries shows the wastefulness and short-term thinking of the Coalition Government.“We could have had new ferries by next year and millions of dollars left over to spend on critical infrastructure if it weren't for this irresponsible Government,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Transport, Julie Anne Genter. “This decision to cancel the contract for new ferries has cost us $671 million. This is a missed opportunity and a massive mark against this Government’s credibility....

Posted at August 15, 2025 1:45 PM by Julie Anne Genter

te tiriti o waitangi

Greens launch petition to restore Te Reo electorate names in capital

Green Party Wellington MPs Julie Anne Genter and Tamatha Paul have launched a petition calling for Māori place names to be restored to Wellington electorates. This comes after the Rongotai electorate was changed to an English name with minimal community consultation and zero engagement with mana whenua. “Rongotai means ‘sound of the sea,’ it has been the Te Reo name of our electorate for almost three decades and has been taken away with next to no consultation,” says Green Party MP...

Posted at August 11, 2025 5:00 AM by Tamatha Paul and Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Greens launch petition for regional passenger rail

The Green Party has launched a petition calling on the Rail Minister Winston Peters to reinstate passenger rail services across the country.“New Zealanders have shown they want rail and will use it. It’s time to give the people what they want,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Transport, Julie Anne Genter. “We already have a rail network stretching across the motu – it’s time to use it properly and bring back passenger rail.  “We’re launching this petition in Tauranga because...

Posted at July 24, 2025 3:08 PM by Julie Anne Genter

nature and climate

Member’s Bill an opportunity for climate action

A Member’s Bill in the name of Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter which aims to stop coal mining, the Crown Minerals (Prohibition of Mining) Amendment Bill, has been pulled from Parliament’s ‘biscuit tin’ today.“Christopher Luxon can put his money where his mouth is when it comes to the environment by backing this Bill,” says Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter. “My Bill would prevent any new coal mines from being opened while stopping any old ones being expanded. Coal...

Posted at April 10, 2025 12:53 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Raising speed limits on undivided highways invites trouble

The Government’s move to increase speed limits substantially on dozens of stretches of rural and often undivided highways will result in more serious harm.“The Government’s pro-growth spin cannot obscure the fact that raising speed limits significantly increases the risk of serious harm,” says the Green Party’s Transport spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter. “The laws of physics aren’t a matter of popular opinion. The faster the speed, the bigger the mess. The evidence is overwhelming: safe speeds save lives. “And yet this...

Posted at January 29, 2025 11:05 AM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

One year on, still no progress on new ferries

Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network.“We could have had ferries by 2026, not 2029, if it wasn’t for this reckless Government,” says the Green Party’s Transport spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter. “Aotearoa could and should have a rail network that connects our communities across the country. What we have today is more uncertainty.  “The Hyundai order for two new rail-enabled ferries for $550m was one...

Posted at December 11, 2024 1:40 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Public transport fare hikes a disaster

The Government’s directive to councils to increase bus and train fares substantially over the next few years is a bitter pill to swallow for communities across the country.“Increasing the price to use public transport will be a disaster,” says the Green Party’s Transport spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter. “Aotearoa was once a country where buses, electric trams and passenger trains were affordable, accessible, and available right across the country. It can be again.   “The Coalition Government is now forcing public transport...

Posted at November 27, 2024 10:42 AM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Coalition Govt’s expensive tunnel vision for Wellington comes at the expense of the regions

A second Mount Victoria tunnel, a duplicate Terrace tunnel alongside highway widening will dump more traffic in the centre of Wellington and result in more pollution. “We know urban highway widening does not solve the problem. It’s a 1950s-style solution that makes traffic and pollution worse,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Transport, Julie Anne Genter.  “The only way to ensure more people can move easily around Wellington in the future is to substantially invest in rail, public transport, and active...

Posted at November 05, 2024 5:19 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Raising speed limits will cost our communities

The Government’s move to disregard all evidence and increase speed limits will result in serious harm. “The science is conclusive and the evidence is overwhelming: safe speeds save lives,” says the Green Party’s Transport spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter. “Our kids should be free to walk and cycle to school without worry. Our streets should enable everyone to access their communities safely and sustainably. “But the Government is trying to force councils and communities to adopt unsafe speeds on dangerous rural roads,...

Posted at September 28, 2024 10:54 AM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Govt transport plan deepens fossil fuel fix

The Green Party says the Government’s new National Land Transport Programme marks another missed opportunity to take meaningful action to fight the climate crisis.“Today's announcement only deepens our dependence on fossil fuels while kicking climate action down the road,” says the Green Party Transport Spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “Our communities should be supported to build sustainable societies that allow people to move around without great cost to the climate or household budgets.  “However, the Government’s heavy reliance on roading, alongside...

Posted at September 02, 2024 4:39 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Greens launch petition against speed limit increases

The Green Party has launched a petition urging the Government not to push ahead with blanket speed limit increases that will come at an incredible cost to our communities. “The Government is ignoring the emphatic evidence that safe speeds save lives,” says Green Party Transport Spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter. “Our streets should provide a foundation for everyone to access their communities safely and sustainably. The safety of our people has to be at the heart of our transport network.  “However, the...

Posted at August 08, 2024 4:38 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Much more to do in building our urban density

While today’s announcement shows some support for bolstering urban density, it will not be enough to turn the tide on a status quo of urban sprawl. “Today’s changes to support density are a good start but effectively amount to a drop in the ocean compared to the waves of urban sprawl the Government will unlock with its broader policies,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Urban Development, Julie Anne Genter.  “While today’s announcement includes some good initiatives that support density, the...

Posted at July 04, 2024 12:07 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Govt takes transport system further down dead end road

The Government’s Land Transport GPS is another example of short-term thinking that will hurt our climate and communities. “The Government is on a one-way road to nowhere with its antiquated transport plan. Today’s announcement will see the safety of our communities sidelined and our reliance on fossil fuels supercharged,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Transport Julie Anne Genter.  “Aotearoa desperately needs a balanced, resilient transport system. The Government’s plan will fall significantly short of this.  “Higher public transport fares simply...

Posted at June 27, 2024 2:04 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Aratere grounding highlights urgent need for replacement ships

The grounding of the Aratere Interislander Ferry is a wake-up call to the Coalition Government; they need to front up with a realistic long term solution to moving people and freight between our islands.  “The Interislander has been in dire straits of late with countless cancellations, delays and now a ship stranded. This tumultuous tide will not turn unless the Government comes to the table with funding,” says the Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “We call on the Government...

Posted at June 22, 2024 10:41 AM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Risks far outweigh rewards in speed limit increases

The coalition’s careless approach to speed limits will come at the cost of community safety and see our road toll continue to climb. “An absence of evidence and a moral compass gone missing are driving this Government’s agenda against safe speeds,” says Green Party Transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter.  “The evidence is clear; unsafe speed limits result in a higher chance of crashes occurring and loved ones being unnecessarily lost. All of this, for the sake of mere minutes or even...

Posted at June 13, 2024 12:51 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Coalition of climate deniers have heads buried in potholes

The Government’s move to pour billions into potholes whilst remaining inactive on climate change does nothing to solve our transport system's core problems. “The coalition of climate deniers have their heads buried in potholes,” says the Green Party’s transport spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter. "Pouring $4 billion into potholes might as well be money poured down the drain if we fail to confront the climate crisis and prevent a future filled with wave after wave of natural disaster.  “Simeon Brown created the...

Posted at June 06, 2024 2:48 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

The Coalition Government and its road to yesterday

Today’s Budget will lead our transport network down a road of more emissions and more misery. “The Coalition Government is stuck in a time warp, obsessed with building a handful of expensive highways to take us back to the past with them,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Transport, Julie Anne Genter.  “New Zealand has had an unbalanced transport budget for decades. The vast majority of the transport budget has been going to roads, that’s why so many people have to...

Posted at May 30, 2024 5:15 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Roads over everything else will cost people and planet

This morning’s announcement from the Minister of Transport highlights his lack of ideas and lack of appetite to confront the climate crisis. “This Government is on a road to nowhere and completely out of ideas when it comes to building a transport network fit for the 21st Century,” says Green Party Transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter.  “The single-minded focus on roads and neglect of other modes of transport will see our emissions skyrocket and the efficiency of our transport network decline. ...

Posted at May 13, 2024 12:05 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Green Party members’ bill pulled from the ballot

Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter says her members' bill is an opportunity for the coalition government to plug the gap in electric vehicle incentives. Today the Income Tax (Clean Transport FBT Exclusions) Amendment Bill was drawn from the members' ballot and introduced to Parliament. The Bill would exempt electric vehicles from Fringe Benefit Tax for a period of five years, to provide a clear financial incentive for employers to purchase new electric vehicles as company cars. “This Bill is an...

Posted at March 21, 2024 4:17 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

More emissions, more congestion, transport policy a disaster

The Government’s policy statement on transport is a climate change-fuelling, congestion creating disaster. It will not work. “More time stuck in traffic and more emissions. That’s it. That’s the Government’s big idea for transport in this country. It’s pathetic,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for transport, Julie Anne Genter. “Simeon Brown is obsessed with forcing people into their cars and taking away the option of catching fast, reliable buses or trains.  “It will condemn kids to being stuck in the back...

Posted at March 04, 2024 5:34 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Public transport and housing must be prioritised from remnants of Let's Get Wellington Moving

The new government's decision to walk away from Let's Get Wellington Moving shows they are still tied to the failed approach of building more roads. Wellington’s Green MPs Tamatha Paul and Julie Anne Genter said the people of Wellington deserve a clear long-term plan to build more affordable homes, cut climate pollution and improve active and public transport across the city. “National scrapping Let’s Get Wellington Moving doesn’t change the fact that we need an achievable plan to address the real...

Posted at December 17, 2023 12:39 PM by Tamatha Paul and Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Govt slams on the brakes of climate action

The scrapping of the Clean Car Discount is an act of climate vandalism - and the Green Party is calling on the Government to release all the advice it received before making this move.  “I am so proud of what we have achieved with the Clean Car Discount over the last 18 months. It breaks my heart that this government is slamming on the brakes of climate action,” says the Green Party’s transport spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter.  “The Clean Car Discount...

Posted at December 14, 2023 6:48 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Greens would push Labour much further on solar power

Labour’s plan to support rooftop solar is a step in the right direction, but falls short of what could be achieved through the Green Party’s Clean Power Payment. “Only the Green Party has a plan to help people cover the full cost of installing solar panels, alongside a wide range of other clean energy upgrades,” says the Green Party’s energy spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter. “The Green Party’s Clean Power Payment will help many more people cover the cost of upgrading...

Posted at September 18, 2023 11:45 AM by Julie Anne Genter

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

services and systems

Bills lower, climate happier under Green Party plan

Labour’s announcement of an energy rebate is a step in the right direction, but the Greens’ Clean Power Payment would do much more for households.“The Clean Power Payment will save households hundreds of dollars on their energy bills, every year, and slash carbon emissions,” says Green Party energy spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “People are struggling and the planet is heating at frightening speed. We can and must deal with both challenges at the same time. There is a clear answer...

Posted at September 08, 2023 3:11 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

National put climate action into reverse gear

The National Party’s plan to install EV chargers while at the same time making it harder for people to buy an EV is bizarre and ridiculous. “There is no point building new charging infrastructure if people can’t afford to buy an EV when they need a new car,” says Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “The Clean Car Discount has been one of the most successful climate policies Aotearoa has had. In June 2023, one in two cars sold...

Posted at September 06, 2023 2:07 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

services and systems

Prioritising roads over climate is simply irresponsible

The Government’s decision today to prioritise new roads is the exact opposite of what Aotearoa needs right now and needs a rethink.“Aotearoa deserves a balanced transport network with rapid transit connecting more people where they want to go, not more urban motorways,” said Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “We’re pleased to see some rail, and recognition of necessary safety improvements but the focus is still too much on new roads, and not low carbon alternatives. “Funnelling billions into...

Posted at August 17, 2023 1:11 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Irresponsible Auckland harbour crossing bad for climate and bad for congestion

Throwing tens of billions of dollars at another six lanes of traffic is not going to solve Auckland’s congestion problem - and is grossly irresponsible in the middle of a climate crisis.“Aucklanders deserve a 21st century transport network with rapid transit connecting people where they want to go, without having to sit around in gridlock on clogged motorways,” said Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter.  “The Government’s preferred approach to the Waitematā crossing shows they’re not serious about climate...

Posted at August 06, 2023 2:03 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

It’s official! The Green Party the only grown-ups in the room on public transport

People are tired of the three yearly public transport merry-go-round. It literally doesn’t get anyone anywhere. “I wouldn’t be surprised if most people stuck in traffic on their regular commute yesterday spent the journey getting increasingly frustrated with the political circus that is literally stopping them from getting anywhere,” says Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “The question most people will understandably be asking themselves is “what are we to do when the two major political parties lack the...

Posted at August 01, 2023 10:35 AM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

National’s transport policy rehash of failed ideas

The National Party's visionless obsession with highways is the exact opposite of the smart investment Aotearoa needs in zero-emissions transport infrastructure - and shows precisely why they are not fit to govern.“The time is now to prioritise smart, green, transport infrastructure that will benefit communities. What National has proposed is completely nonsensical, and will make pollution and congestion worse,” says Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “You cannot build your way out of traffic congestion by making more roads....

Posted at July 31, 2023 12:39 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

ACT policy will create roads exclusively for the well-off

ACT’s proposal for private highways will see only those who can afford to pay expensive tolls able to use the roads.“The time is now to invest in smart, green transport infrastructure that benefits the whole community,” says the Green Party’s transport spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter. “The ACT Party’s latest back-of-a-napkin policy is another example of how little interest they have in supporting people or protecting the climate. ACT’s priority is clearly to find more and more ways to back private...

Posted at July 23, 2023 6:14 PM by Julie Anne Genter

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

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

services and systems

National’s backtrack forces another visionless, shambolic policy

The National Party has released another confused and rushed policy that will only further worsen the inequality that is driven by unaffordable housing.“Everyone should have a warm, dry, safe place to call home. We must commit to making the long-term investment we need to create thriving neighbourhoods with enough affordable housing and transport,” says Green Party urban development spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. Speaking on Q+A this morning, National Party housing spokesperson Chris Bishop said that they would go back on...

Posted at May 28, 2023 10:40 AM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Green initiative addresses both climate and inequality

A long standing Green Party policy has been extended yet again in this year’s Budget. This will deliver warmer homes for thousands of people, lower power bills, and cut climate pollution.“We are delighted to see that our long history of campaigning for climate action that makes people’s day-to-day lives better is reflected once again in this year’s Budget,” says Green Party spokesperson for energy, Julie Anne Genter. “Year-after-year, the Government expands Warmer Kiwi Homes, showing that when Green Party solutions...

Posted at May 18, 2023 2:17 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Greens on board with more affordable buses and trains

The Green Party is fully on board with free bus and train travel for under 12s and half price travel for under 25s - next stop, free travel for all under 18s, students, and apprentices.“Free bus and train travel for under 12s and half price for Total Mobility Passengers is a perfect example of what we need: action that helps people make ends meet and reduces climate pollution,” Green Party spokesperson for transport Julie Anne Genter says. “Affordable bus and...

Posted at May 18, 2023 2:16 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Government needs to broaden KiwiRail inquiry focus

The Green Party is calling on the Government to broaden the focus of its inquiry into KiwiRail, after widespread disruption in Auckland.“It is crucial that we give people access to reliable, affordable, low-carbon alternatives to cars. Continued issues with the rail network across the motu will only push people back into their cars,” says Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “We’re pleased that the Minister acted quickly to announce a review into KiwiRail after significant failures in the Wellington...

Posted at May 05, 2023 2:06 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Lower North Island rail on the right track, but more investment needed

Government investment in a new fleet of trains in the lower North Island is another win for Green Party solutions - but much more ambition will be needed to build a truly climate-friendly network of intercity passenger services across Aotearoa.“The time is now to invest in affordable, inclusive, and climate-friendly transport options that work for everyone,” says the Green Party’s transport spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter. “The Green Party has been campaigning for this specific proposal for well over a year...

Posted at April 29, 2023 8:14 AM by Teanau Tuiono and Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Waitematā Harbour crossing options not good enough

Rapid transit for the Waitematā Harbour crossing must be the priority - not more car lanes that will make congestion and climate change worse.The Minister of Transport must consider a rail only option for any Waitematā tunnel, and ensure people can walk and cycle across the harbour. A new road tunnel would be a climate and congestion disaster. Aucklanders deserve options that will reduce congestion, not make it worse. “Now is the time to be building climate-resilient, affordable, inclusive communities...

Posted at March 30, 2023 11:23 AM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Greens secure win for clean transport

The Green Party has made it easier for commuters to access e-bikes thanks to an amendment to tax rules.“This is a huge Green win that we have been pushing for many years. It will finally rebalance the tax law to make it easier for people to access e-bikes for commuting to and from work, as well as public transport,” says Greens transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. Today the Government agreed to Green MP Julie Anne Genter’s amendment to the fringe...

Posted at March 14, 2023 4:35 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Another Green transport idea gets the green light

The Government’s announcement today that it will improve Christchurch’s bus system comes after Green and NGO pressure.“Now is the time to be building climate-resilient, affordable, inclusive communities with clean and reliable transport connections at their heart. We are pleased the Government has decided to accelerate this overdue work,” says Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “Some have suggested this week that in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, less needs to be invested into clean transport options. “This is a...

Posted at March 10, 2023 3:03 PM by Julie Anne Genter

services and systems

Climate action must remain priority in transport investment

As large parts of Aotearoa recover from two of the worst climate disasters we have ever experienced, it would be a huge mistake for the Government to deprioritise climate action from future transport investments, the Green Party says.“Now is the time to be building climate-resilient, affordable, inclusive communities with clean and reliable transport connections at their heart,” says Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “Earlier today it was reported that the Government would be making emissions reduction a top...

Posted at March 06, 2023 4:40 PM by Julie Anne Genter

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

services and systems

Scrapping biofuels means Government must do better for people and climate

The Green Party supports the decision to stop work on the biofuels mandate.“The submissions at Select Committee showed there were major concerns about whether it’s possible to source truly sustainable biofuel to meet the mandate,” says Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter. “The decision to stop work on the biofuels mandate must be followed with urgent action to accelerate the shift to cleaner, more affordable transport alternatives. “The onus is on Ministers now to come up with a plan...

Posted at February 08, 2023 4:58 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