Articles by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

People and nature first in Greens’ rivers and oceans policy

The Green Party is calling foul on the Luxon Government’s dismantling of environmental protection, announcing a policy programme to deliver clean drinking water, swimmable rivers and beaches, and healthy oceans for all New Zealanders.“This is about protecting our taiao. The Green Party has announced its policy programme ‘Drink Swim Fish’ which will deliver far reaching environmental change and protect human and ecological health from harm caused by corporate greed,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. “Clean, healthy water is a human right,...

Posted at July 06, 2026 1:45 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson

Luxon's Government nearly halves food bank funding as demand hits record high

The Green Party says this Government has nearly halved funding for food banks in Budget 2026, extending the $15 million in annual support for just one more year before cutting it to $8 million a year from 2027, at the very moment demand has never been higher.“Food banks are the last lifeline for the people doing it the toughest, and this Government has chosen to nearly halve their funding,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.  “Demand has never been higher. The NZ Food...

Posted at July 06, 2026 12:00 PM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Conservation Amendment Bill needs to start again

The Green Party says Conservation Minister Tama Potaka's decision to drop the disposal and exchange clauses from his Conservation Amendment Bill shows public pressure is working, but the whole Bill needs to be pulled and the reform started again.  "This is a backdown forced by tens of thousands of New Zealanders who refused to let their wild places be put on the market. The Minister has finally heard them, but removing these clauses does not fix a Bill that was built to...

Posted at June 25, 2026 3:00 PM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Green Party will protect public conservation land for future generations

The Green Party is announcing in government it will overhaul the laws protecting Aotearoa's conservation land and wildlife, scrapping the Government's current reform and starting again with a process focused on protecting what we have for future generations.“Our public conservation land is not the Government's to sell. It belongs to all of us, and to the generations who come after us. Conservation reform should give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, put indigenous-led land stewardship at the centre, and make...

Posted at June 25, 2026 11:05 AM by Marama Davidson

people and communities

Greens commit to tax the super-rich and large corporates fairly, cut income tax for 96%

The Green Party has announced their 2026 tax policy ‘a tax system for all of us’ today. Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says, “All New Zealanders deserve the opportunity to thrive. Today we are proud to announce a tax policy that will tackle inequality and corporate greed to rebuild our country and put more money in the pockets of 96% of New Zealanders.” “People aren’t dumb. They know that while their cost of living has gone through the roof, corporate profits...

Posted at June 21, 2026 1:10 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson

Calls for Government to scrap family violence agency cuts

The Green Party is calling on the Government to abandon their proposal to cut a third of the workforce at the Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention.“You cannot say family and sexual violence is a priority while you gut the agency set up to end it,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.  “The Centre exists because no single agency could tackle this crisis alone, and if a third of the workforce driving Te Aorerekura, the national strategy, is cut, that coordination simply does...

Posted at June 10, 2026 4:05 PM by Marama Davidson

Bigger fines needed for companies that breach privacy

The Green Party is proposing to give the Privacy Commissioner the power to seek serious financial penalties for major privacy breaches.“New Zealanders rightly expect their most sensitive information to be protected, but right now a company can lose your most private information and walk away without paying a cent,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.  The Green Party proposal would give the Privacy Commissioner the power to apply, via the courts, for civil pecuniary penalties for a serious privacy breach of...

Posted at June 10, 2026 4:00 PM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Luxon's Government nearly halves food bank funding as demand hits record high

The Green Party says this Government has nearly halved funding for food banks in Budget 2026, extending the $15 million in annual support for just one more year before cutting it to $8 million a year from 2027, at the very moment demand has never been higher.“Food banks are the last lifeline for the people doing it the toughest, and this Government has chosen to nearly halve their funding,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.  “Demand has never been higher. The NZ Food...

Posted at June 04, 2026 11:32 AM by Marama Davidson

te tiriti o waitangi

Budget 2026 fails Māori

The Green Party says Budget 2026 makes clear who this Government cares about, and it’s not Māori. “Budget 2026 neglects its Tiriti obligations to make way for the super-rich and powerful,” says Green Party Co-leader, Marama Davidson.    “Despite the desperate need in our Māori communities, Willis has seen fit to again turn away while delivering billions of dollars for landlords, fossil fuel dependency, and on new military equipment.”   “Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a promise of protection for whānau and for taiao: a promise Nicola Willis has broken for a third year in a row with this Budget.   “Te iwi...

Posted at May 28, 2026 2:46 PM by Marama Davidson

people and communities

Government miss child poverty targets

The Green Party says this year's Budget show the Government is failing to meet child poverty targets.“This budget does nothing to lift the 100,000’s of children now living in poverty, even as the Government's own child poverty report confirms it is not on track to meet the targets it is legally bound to hit.”  Budget documents show the Government missing both 2027 and 2026 targets for children living in poverty adjusted for housing costs, with this number still at almost 20%.  "Behind every one of these numbers is a tamaiti going without a warm...

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

services and systems

Bill drawn to ensure young people aren't made homeless when leaving Oranga Tamariki

The Green Party bill requiring the government to make sure young people leaving state care have a safe, stable home to move into has been drawn as a member's bill today, the same day the Government begins the process of criminalising homelessness."On the day this Government chooses to punish people for being homeless, we are choosing to make sure no young person leaving state care ends up on the street in the first place," says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. ...

Posted at May 21, 2026 2:08 PM by Marama Davidson

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

te tiriti o waitangi

Greens call on Luxon to abandon racist education reforms

The Green Party is urging Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to abandon amendments to the Education and Training Act following the Waitangi Tribunal’s scathing report on the proposed changes.“The Waitangi Tribunal has been clear: Luxon’s Government has breached its Tiriti obligations. It can no longer mask the racism in its education reforms,” says Green Party Co-leader, Marama Davidson.  “Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a promise to take the best possible care of each other. Its place in the education of our tamariki, our taonga, our...

Posted at May 15, 2026 12:04 PM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Government cuts education funding while youth unemployment soars

Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson says the Government is callously trading away New Zealanders’ education opportunities to pay for tax cuts for the super-rich.“Unemployment has soared since Luxon came to power, and the situation is even worse for our young people,” Davidson says.  “While Luxon, Peters and Seymour have no hesitation in undermining New Zealanders’ dreams of contributing to society, the Green Party will fight to properly fund the aspirations of our youth and students.   “Over 14% of New Zealand’s...

Posted at May 09, 2026 8:40 AM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Luxon’s Government guts conservation protections

The Green Party says the Government is bringing in the bulldozers to rip up New Zealand’s precious landscapes by making it easier to privatise public conservation land.“This Government has made it clear that when forced to choose between the interests of industry or the interests of the law, the public, and the environment, it will always choose the bulldozer,” says Green Party Co-leader and spokesperson for conservation Marama Davidson.  “Conservation land will be able to be sold off to mining companies and developers to make a quick buck under the changes announced...

Posted at May 07, 2026 3:58 PM by Marama Davidson

Greens tell Luxon to find a spine on US pressure campaign

The Green Party is calling on the Prime Minister to rule out signing New Zealand up to a US-led military coalition in the Strait of Hormuz. "Luxon needs to find some spine and tell Washington that we are not for hire. New Zealanders do not want their Government signing up to a foreign war," says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.  "The Prime Minister has already had to be walked back once on this conflict by his own Foreign Affairs Minister. He...

Posted at May 01, 2026 3:42 PM by Marama Davidson

Luxon needs to rule out support for Iran War

The Green Party is calling on the Prime Minister to rule out support for the Iran war. "Luxon should immediately and categorically rule out any New Zealand support, rhetorical or material, for the war in Iran," says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.  "The revelations today show Luxon tried to drag Aotearoa into supporting a war in the Middle East, and the only thing that stopped him was his Foreign Affairs Minister.”  "Luxon's first instinct was to follow Canberra and Ottawa rather than back...

Posted at April 30, 2026 12:10 PM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Greens celebrate Court of Appeal decision to protect Waihi Forest from mining

The Green Party is celebrating a Court of Appeal decision to protect public land in the Wharekirauponga Forest from being ‘gifted’ to mining companies.“This Court of Appeal decision upholds the principle that public land belongs to New Zealanders and our wildlife,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.  The decision relates to the Waihi North extension of OceanaGold's Waihi mine.  “There is no way this beautiful piece of native forest, or any publicly owned land, should be turned over to an Australian mining...

Posted at April 22, 2026 3:05 PM by Marama Davidson

te tiriti o waitangi

Greens unveil diverse list with large Māori representation

The Green Party has announced 13 Māori candidates in its final list for the 2026 General Election with 9 in the top 20 and Marama Davidson number 1.Co-leader Marama Davidson says, “Our skilled and diverse candidate list includes Māori with strong leadership experience, working together to deliver real outcomes for whānau, hapū and iwi. “The 13 Māori candidates reflect a long standing commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity and partnership. We must reflect an Aotearoa that works for everyone....

Posted at April 22, 2026 12:00 PM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Greens’ State of the Planet calls for National Electrification Plan

The Green Party has used its 2026 State of the Planet address to set out a vision for a resilient, independent Aotearoa and to call on the Government to create a National Electrification Plan.Co-leader Marama Davidson spoke about the middle-east crisis, the case for an independent, principled foreign policy, and the Green Party’s consistent stance on getting off fossil fuels.  "What is happening in the Middle East is first and foremost a human catastrophe. Civilians are being killed and injured. Livelihoods are being destroyed. International law...

Posted at April 19, 2026 4:04 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson

nature and climate

9,000 students faced unsafe drinking water at school last year

The Green Party has released data showing 9000 students across more than 70 schools and pre-schools faced unsafe drinking water in 2025, with water breaching safe Drinking Water Standards at some point during the year. “No child should face a health risk from the water coming out of a drinking fountain at their school. The data paints a troubling picture of the state of drinking water in Aotearoa,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.  "While many of these schools had treatment systems in place, for whatever reason the treatment has failed."  "Drinking water standards set safe limits for things like bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants in...

Posted at April 02, 2026 8:52 AM by Marama Davidson and Lan Pham

te tiriti o waitangi

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

services and systems

Greens announce plan to end homelessness & fix housing crisis

The Green Party has announced today their new campaign A Home for Everybody, calling to end homelessness, fix renter’s rights, and end the housing crisis once and for all. “In a country like Aotearoa, with our wealth of resources and skills, there is no excuse for people to go without a decent home, let alone any home at all,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.  “In 2022, 46% of renting households spent more than 30% of their income on rent, compared to 19% of renters in 1988. Since 2003, house prices have increased by 230%, while the median household income...

Posted at March 26, 2026 9:17 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson

Government's fossil fuel relief package fails to meet the crisis

The Green Party says the Government's fossil fuel crisis relief package leaves too many New Zealanders behind. "The Luxon Government has turned its back on hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders, asking them to foot the bill for Trump's war on Iran," said Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.  Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says “the Government’s narrow tweaks to tax credits leaves behind the tens of thousands of people their economic plan has pushed out of work, only to then punish with new obligations and sanctions.  “So much for planning...

Posted at March 24, 2026 1:04 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson

Greens Offer Votes To National Party For Immediate Relief In Fossil Fuel Crisis

The Green Party is offering its votes to the National Party to get on with passing a sensible and urgent fossil fuel crisis relief package. With the Greens’ and National’s combined 63 votes, no other political party’s support is necessary.The Green’s proposed package includes: Making public transport free for users; A Relief Payment for low income people or people who live rurally to help meet additional transport costs; A Windfall Profits Tax to prevent corporate price gouging; Reversing changes to...

Posted at March 23, 2026 9:02 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson

people and communities

We’re committed to generations of storytelling through Auckland Polyfest

Surrounded by festival goers this morning at Auckland Polyfest 2026, The Green Party announced that a Green Government would bridge the funding gap currently faced by Polyfest organisers.“Polyfest is whakapapa, Polyfest is healing: Polyfest is the best of us. The Green Party wants to preserve and protect this,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. "Polyfest is currently underfunded by over $1 million, creating real uncertainty about its future. “Aotearoa can be a country that resources our storytellers to thrive. The Green Party celebrate and support...

Posted at March 19, 2026 10:05 AM by Marama Davidson and Teanau Tuiono

Government’s failure to provide any relief for fuel crisis

Finance Minister Nicola Willis today announced no new support for families hit by the fuel crisis."Nicola Willis pulled together a press conference to announce that there is no new support on the way for families, despite it costing $23 more than normal to fill an average petrol car and $36 more to fill a diesel vehicle," says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. “Governments across the world are taking steps to support their citizens while our government has no answers on providing relief to everyday...

Posted at March 16, 2026 5:21 PM by Marama Davidson

te tiriti o waitangi

Green Party announces 14 Māori candidates in the initial candidate list for the 2026 General Election

The Green Party announces 14 Māori candidates in the Delegate List for the 2026 General Election, which will now inform the membership voting process.Co-Leader Marama Davidson says, “our diverse Māori candidates are supported by whānau, hapū and iwi, further strengthening Māori voice in the Green Party and across the motu. I am proud that our list reflects the importance of our staunch Māori candidates to our Party.” The Māori candidates on the list with their ranking number are: 1. Marama...

Posted at March 12, 2026 4:00 PM by Marama Davidson

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

people and communities

Child poverty stats highlight Government's failing record

The Green Party is calling out this Government's record on child poverty following the release of the latest child poverty statistics.  "It's clear this Government has done nothing to reduce child poverty, choosing landlords and the wealthy over our tamariki," says Green Party Co-leader and Child Poverty spokesperson, Marama Davidson.   “Today’s figures show 1 in 7 children are living in material hardship. That means their households are struggling to afford their basics needs: food, clothing, heating and transport.   “For Māori and pacific children, the...

Posted at February 26, 2026 2:25 PM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Highest unemployment rate in a decade a tragedy for families

The latest labour market figures confirm that the unemployment rate, under the National Act NZ First coalition, has risen to 5.4%, New Zealand’s highest unemployment rate since September 2015.  “This National Act NZ First coalition is a government of despair” says Marama Davidson, Co-Leader of the Green Party.The latest labour market figures confirm that the unemployment rate, under the National Act NZ First coalition, has risen to 5.4%, New Zealand’s highest unemployment rate since September 2015.  “This National Act NZ First coalition is a government of despair” says Marama Davidson, Co-Leader of the Green Party.  “There are more people without jobs and without income now, under...

Posted at February 04, 2026 4:12 PM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Government sacrifices nature to the bulldozer

Christopher Luxon’s Government continues to show its true colours on environmental protection, today rejecting most of the advice of expert panels established to consider the right level of protection for stewardship land on the West Coast, and reducing the protection of tens of thousands of hectares recommended for National Park status.“The Government’s announcement today shows their complete disregard for, and failure to, protect our taonga places and species,” says the Green Party’s conservation spokesperson, Marama Davidson. “Our national parks and...

Posted at December 11, 2025 1:35 PM by Marama Davidson

people and communities

Our trans whānau deserve better than this Government

Following last week’s political posturing from Christopher Luxon’s Government, the Greens promise to do everything in their power to ensure everyone gets the healthcare they need, and that needs to include our trans whānau.“Trans rights are human rights and our trans whānau deserve access to critical healthcare,” says Green Party Co-leader, Marama Davidson. “Aotearoa can be a country that leads with compassion, evidence and aroha. But right now, the Government is fanning the flames of an imported culture war by...

Posted at November 24, 2025 11:17 AM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Marama Davidson Mining Revocation Announcement Speech

Today, we are announcing that a Green Government will commit to revoking any consents or permits handed out under the fast-track process for coal, gold and seabed mines.These projects, if approved, will have been through a process that categorically fails to meet our standards of transparency, accountability, and environmental responsibility. We don’t believe that’s acceptable. More importantly, these types of mining are profoundly destructive. Each leaves behind polluted water, scarred landscapes, and divided communities. They extract resources from our land,...

Posted at November 17, 2025 2:57 PM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Greens pledge to revoke most destructive fast-track mining consents

Today, the Greens are announcing that a Green Government will commit to revoking any consents or permits handed out under the fast-track process for coal, Hardrock gold and seabed mining.“The fast-track process fails even the most basic standards of transparency, accountability, and environmental protection,” says Green Party Co-leader, Marama Davidson. “We can have an economy that employs people without destroying the ecological basis of our existence for the profits of the few. But, if we are serious about leaving behind...

Posted at November 17, 2025 2:12 PM by Marama Davidson

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

services and systems

Govt fails to move energy system away from fossil fuels

More Government support for investment in oil, gas and LNG infrastructure is another step away from the sustainable and affordable energy network that this country needs.“Today’s underwhelming announcement does nothing to guarantee lower energy bills for struggling households and businesses,” says the Green Party Co-Leader, Marama Davidson.  “While the devil will be in the detail, these purported ‘reforms’ appear to only entrench the dominance of the gentailers and deepen our reliance on fossil fuels - a risky, expensive and increasingly...

Posted at October 01, 2025 8:47 AM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Greens support CTU call for public investment in energy

The Greens back the call from CTU for bold, future-focussed action for our energy system.“Energy is a public good fundamental to our wellbeing. It should never have been treated as a commodity for private profit,” says Green Party Co-leader, Marama Davidson. “We can be a country where everyone has access to reliable, affordable and renewable energy. We just need the political will to do it. “For thirty years, electricity market privatisation has driven us towards short-term thinking, while gentailer  profiteering...

Posted at September 30, 2025 11:24 AM by Marama Davidson

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

te tiriti o waitangi

He maimai aroha ki a Ariki Tā Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII

The Green Party acknowledges the life, contribution and passing of Tā Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII, the ariki of Ngāti Tūwharetoa. "We are mourning Tā Tumu Te Heuheu, an unrelenting ariki who loved his whakapapa: tāngata and taiao alike," says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. “Tā Tumu was respected across Aotearoa for his kaitiakitanga, particularly as kaitiaki of Tongariro, the maunga tapu first gifted to the Crown by his ancestor Horonuku Te Heuheu Tūkino IV. “Tā Tumu’s last great battle was...

Posted at September 23, 2025 11:22 AM 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

Whakanuia te Arikinui, whakanuia te Kiingitanga

The Green Party celebrates te Koroneihana Tuatahi o Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, reaffirming our shared commitment to kotahitanga, our environment, and Māoritanga.“Whakanuia te Arikinui Kuini Ngawai hono i te po!,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. “Kuini Nga wai hono i te po has spoken eloquently and reassuringly a year on from losing our beloved Kiingi Tuuheitia, her beloved father. We acknowledge the enormous contribution Kiingi Tuuheitia made to Aotearoa, particularly his efforts to unify...

Posted at September 05, 2025 3:20 PM by Marama Davidson

people and communities

Green Party launches open letter to Minister for Children

The Green Party has launched an open letter calling on the Minister of Children to adopt seven promises to children in state care. “We are urging the Minister to ensure no more tamariki fall into harm,” says Green Party co-leader, Marama Davidson. “Every child in Aotearoa deserves to grow up with safety and stability, wrapped in aroha. Unfortunately, too many of our children in state care are being failed by our Government. “The Minister of Children’s responsibility is for children in...

Posted at August 15, 2025 1:33 PM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Marama Davidson AGM Speech 2025

Ko te rākau e tupu ana, e taea te whakahoki, ki te one i tupu ake ai. Nō reira, ko tātou ko te kauri, ko te kauri ko tātou.Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.  Nearly 200 years ago, our shared ancestors landed on a promise to “take the best possible care of each other.”  To care for future generations.  And to care for the lands we live on. The promise of Tiriti justice offers us a unique opportunity to...

Posted at August 09, 2025 2:11 PM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Greens aim high for sake of people and planet

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson has set out her party's ambitions to be a leading force in the next Government at the party's Annual General Meeting in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington today. “We’re not here to just lead the opposition, we are here because we want to lead the next Government, the most progressive Government Aotearoa has seen,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.   “Real power lies with us, the people. When we come together - grounded in care for each other...

Posted at August 09, 2025 2:10 PM by Marama Davidson

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

nature and climate

New study shows speed of Antarctic ice melt, Govt fans climate flames

As the Government pulls out of global climate commitments, a significant new report shows that sea ice around Antarctica is melting at unprecedented speed.“This is a clear and urgent signal that the climate crisis is accelerating, and a critical tipping point may have already been passed. It’s not a distant threat to think about somewhere down the line; it’s here,” says the Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. “The Aotearoa we all deserve is entirely within our grasp. Devastatingly, this Government...

Posted at July 07, 2025 3:21 PM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Govt’s private hospital contracts little more than Band-Aid

The Government’s directive to give private hospitals 10-year outsourcing contracts to perform elective surgeries is yet another step down the path of privatisation in our healthcare system.“This is a clear signal from this Government that they have no intention, now or in the future, to properly resource a strong, publicly delivered system,” says the Green Party’s Co-Leader, Marama Davidson. “Our communities across the motu understand the value of a system built on equity, access, and care – not profit. “We...

Posted at June 17, 2025 10:13 AM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Green Budget: Early Childhood Education for Everyone

The Green Party has unveiled its new plan to make Early Childhood Education (ECE) free.“This is about making ECE for everyone,” says Green Party co-leader, Marama Davidson. “Every child deserves the best possible start in life. However, ECE costs are a huge stress and barrier for many families. “Families in Aotearoa face some of the highest ECE costs in the world. A lot of families pay around $10,000 a year per child – making ECE the biggest household cost after...

Posted at May 14, 2025 11:00 AM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Wildlife law change a deep betrayal of public trust

The Green Party is appalled by the Government’s use of urgency to rewrite the Wildlife Act–without consultation, without an impact statement, and in direct response to a court ruling in favour of protecting wildlife.“The Government is rushing legislation through Parliament to make it easier to kill kiwi and other precious wildlife," says Green Party co-leader and Conservation spokesperson, Marama Davidson. “Our native taonga should be treasured. They connect us to our whenua and whakapapa, and form a critical component of...

Posted at May 08, 2025 9:59 AM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Procurement proposals pose risk to people and planet

The Green Party is concerned by the impact the Government’s proposed changes to procurement processes could have on people and planet.“These proposals are nothing more than an attempt to weaken workers’ rights and erode environmental protections,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.  “Instead of undermining the accountability and responsibility Government agencies have to our people and Papatūānuku, we should be empowering our workers and protecting our environment from exploitation. “This government’s idea of creating value is zero-sum, short-term, and extractive...

Posted at March 12, 2025 12:48 PM by Marama Davidson

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 Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson

services and systems

Report highlights urgent need for “life-changing” free dental care

ActionStation’s Oral Healthcare report, released today, paints a dire picture of unmet need and inequality across the country, highlighting the urgency of free dental care for all New Zealanders. “Quality dental care isn’t a luxury, it’s a human right. It’s time we treat it like one,” says Green Party co-leader Hon Marama Davidson. “For decades, successive governments have chosen to exclude dental care from the public health system. This is a political choice–and different choices can be made. No one...

Posted at February 25, 2025 9:34 AM by Marama Davidson

people and communities

Static child poverty stats highlight need for urgent action

This morning’s Stats NZ child poverty statistics should act as a wake-up call for the government: with no movement in child poverty rates since June 2023, it’s time to make the wellbeing of our tamariki a political priority.“Poverty is a political choice we do not have to accept. We can choose to end it–our mokopuna deserve nothing less,” says Green Party co-leader and Child Poverty spokesperson, Hon Marama Davidson. “Every child in Aotearoa deserves a warm, dry home and a...

Posted at February 20, 2025 12:13 PM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Govt funding for biodiversity an embarrassment

The Government’s newly announced funding for biodiversity and tourism of $30-million over three years is a small fraction of what is required for conservation in this country.“Touting this funding announcement as a win for biodiversity is frankly embarrassing, given the deep cuts made to conservation last year,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Conservation, Marama Davidson. “We can and must do more to protect biodiversity in our country by adequately funding conservation programmes through comprehensive, government-backed stewardship. “This new funding...

Posted at February 17, 2025 5:25 PM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

A step forward on cancer drug funding but more to do

The Green Party welcomes the announcement of more funding for cancer treatments and medicines, however, calls for more to be done to address the severe health inequities that come with cancer.  “Today’s announcement is welcome news, however, there remains much to do in ensuring everyone has the care and support they need when facing cancer,” says the Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. “We know that not everyone in Aotearoa has access to support - far from it. We also know that...

Posted at June 24, 2024 4:40 PM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Marine Protection Bill encouraging, but more work required

The Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill is an encouraging example of what cross-party co-operation can achieve.“Today was a positive step forward, but there is still a mountain to climb when it comes to protecting and preserving the health of our ocean,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. “While we join the Environment select committee in supporting the recommendations for amendment, the Green Party would have liked to see the ecological integrity and mauri of Tīkapa Moana /...

Posted at June 20, 2024 2:59 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson

te tiriti o waitangi

Budget neglects Māori and disregards Te Tiriti

The Green Party’s Te Mātāwaka (Māori and Pasifika) caucus has labelled this year’s Budget as unambitious for Māori and unapologetic in its disregard for Te Tiriti. “Today’s Budget is pathetic, underwhelming and lazy,” says Green Party co-leader, Marama Davidson  “The Minister for Māori Development is clearly asleep at the wheel, I suspect he didn’t even bother to get in the waka.” “The Government has chosen to turn back time on Te Tiriti progress with a Budget that does little for Māori...

Posted at May 30, 2024 3:00 PM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Fast-track submissions period must be extended

The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. "Smoke, mirrors and shadows continue to shroud the Government’s fast-track legislation,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.  “It is outrageous for Minister Bishop to release the list of stakeholders invited to participate in the fast-track process only hours before public submissions close and after...

Posted at April 19, 2024 4:26 PM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Opportunity to build a more sustainable economy

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. The Consumer Guarantees (Right to Repair) Amendment Bill would empower consumers with more of a right to repair their products, minimising waste and reducing costs.  “Too much of what we use ends up in landfill burdening our environment and also our pockets. This can change. Instead of...

Posted at April 11, 2024 1:33 PM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Time to get serious on delivering for families

The Green Party calls on the Government to get serious about supporting families.“Tax rebates for childcare will be nothing more than a drop in the ocean for families struggling to get by,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.  “It is insulting for the Government to offer support for childcare if in every other area of life they are going to make life so much harder. Once again, National is demonstrating that they're not actually interested in supporting people.  “Parents are...

Posted at March 25, 2024 4:38 PM by Marama Davidson

people and communities

Legacy politics has failed whānau, it’s time to act

Today’s Salvation Army’s State of the Nation Report shows clearly why politics matters. Only the Green Party has a plan to end poverty. We have what we need to ensure all whānau and tamariki have what they need to live a good life.“Political parties should always be judged on the difference they make to people’s lives. Today’s Salvation Army report is an indictment of successive governments. Politics to the bigger parties seems to be more about taking turns at running...

Posted at February 15, 2024 2:12 PM by Marama Davidson

nature and climate

Luxon’s free pass to the fossil fuel industry needs to be stopped

Chris Luxon is giving big oil and gas corporations a free pass at a time when countries all over the world agree to transition away from fossil fuels.“This Government is giving the global fossil fuel industry a free pass and we urgently need to stop it happening,” says co-leader of the Green Party, Marama Davidson.  “World leaders have finally agreed that we must move away from fossil fuels if we are to have a liveable future. Yet here in Aotearoa,...

Posted at December 14, 2023 1:41 PM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Only the Green Party will make life better for renters

Green Party co leader Marama Davidson spoke at a Fair Rents rally at the University of Auckland today.“In the first 100 days of a new government, we will introduce legislation to make sure everyone who rents always has a safe, healthy and affordable place to call home,” says Green Party Marama Davidson.  “For far too long, inaction by successive governments has forced thousands of people to pay through the roof to live in cold, damp, and unhealthy homes that are...

Posted at October 06, 2023 2:22 PM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Only the Green Party will build houses at the scale Aotearoa needs

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is visiting The Commons Project at Housing First Ōtautahi, which helps vulnerable whānau connect and engage with services.“Everyone deserves to have a safe, warm, dry place to call home. The Green Party will ensure this by clearing the public housing waitlist in 5 years and building 35,000 new warm, affordable, public houses over the next five years,” says Green Party co-leader, Marama Davidson. “Under this Government, with the Greens’ support, Kāinga Ora is building more...

Posted at October 04, 2023 11:06 AM by Marama Davidson

people and communities

Green Party will end child poverty

The Green Party will double the Best Start payment and make it available for every child under three years of age - and it will be paid for with a fair tax system.“Parents all over the country are being forced to cut back on food to pay the bills. Our plan to double the Best Start payment will help make sure parents and caregivers have everything they need to give their children the best possible start in life,” says Greens...

Posted at September 26, 2023 1:00 PM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

People need a government that will build many more homes

Labour’s plan to build more homes is a welcome step forward, but it lacks ambition.“The Green Party will make sure everyone has a safe, warm, dry place to call home by building 35,000 new warm, affordable, public houses over the next five years,” says Green Party co-leader, Marama Davidson.  “The time is now to scale up building new homes - not let it plateau at a level that falls short of the current build programme. If people want a government...

Posted at September 24, 2023 3:51 PM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Every party needs to step up on school lunches

Labour has finally said it would continue free school lunches - and the Green Party is calling on every party to step up.“Aotearoa can be a place where no child ever goes hungry, but to make that happen we will need to be a lot bolder. This election we have a chance to elect a government with the courage to unlock the money we need to make sure every child has a full puku,” says Green Party co leader Marama...

Posted at September 22, 2023 11:11 AM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Free school lunches paid for with a wealth tax

The Green Party will expand free school lunches and pay for it with a fair tax system. “The time is now to make sure that every child has healthy, affordable food at home and at school. The Green Party’s plan to expand free school lunches alongside our Income Guarantee will make sure no child in Aotearoa goes hungry - and it will all be paid for with the wealth tax,” says Green Party co leader Marama Davidson.  “Right now, thousands of...

Posted at September 19, 2023 12:45 PM by Marama Davidson and 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

nature and climate

Healthy Ocean Act - Marama Davidson Speech

He mōhio ō tātou tīpuna ki te tirotiro taiao.I mātakitaki rātou i ngā huringa o te marama, o te rā, o ngā whetū me ō rātou hononga ki te moana.   I whakapaipaingia ake e rātou ēnei māramatanga i ngā marama, i ngā tau, i ngā rautau me te āta tuku iho. *** Toitū te marae a Tāne-Mahuta, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata. If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive.  I grew...

Posted at September 10, 2023 12:00 PM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Greens welcome launch of Te Ohu Tāmaki and challenges other parties on housing

The Green Party is welcoming the launch of Te Ohu Tāmaki, and affirms its commitment to clear the social housing waitlist in 5 years - and challenges other parties to say they will do the same. “The commitment of Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga is to build a broad alliance that will think differently about how we grow community voice and power is something the Green Party is 100% on board with,” says Marama Davidson. “We especially acknowledge the commitment to improving...

Posted at September 06, 2023 6:19 PM by Marama Davidson

services and systems

Marama Davidson Free Dental for All Speech

Ata mārie and welcome. Let me start by saying a massive thank you to all of you for being here today. I know you’re here because you want to change Aotearoa for the better. You know that Aotearoa can be a country where everyone has enough to cover the weekly shop and a warm, dry place to live. You just want a government with the courage to make it happen.  A few weeks ago, the Green Party announced our Income Guarantee....

Posted at August 06, 2023 11:01 AM by Marama Davidson

people and communities

The time is now to strike anti-Pacific racism from New Zealand law

A Green Party member’s bill pulled from the ballot today would strike an anti-Pacific racist law from the country’s books and help heal the wrongs of the past.“Forty years ago the Government passed a law stripping people from Western Samoa of the automatic right to New Zealand citizenship. It is a racist law and it is time to strike it off the books,” says the Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. Teanau Tuiono’s Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act...

Posted at August 03, 2023 12:21 PM by Marama Davidson

te tiriti o waitangi

Green Party releases policy to return land to Māori

The time is now to be bold and make sure land wrongly taken from Māori is returned.The Green Party is today launching a policy which will return stolen land to tangata whenua. In the next term of government the Green Party will introduce legislation to restore Māori control over Māori land, so that whānau and Papatūānuku can thrive. “The Aotearoa we know today has been built off of Māori land, much of which was wrongly taken through breaches of Te...

Posted at July 17, 2023 11:00 AM by Marama Davidson and Teanau Tuiono

services and systems

Marama Davidson Speech - A Home for Everyone

A decent home is the foundation to a decent life. To be warm and dry in your home is a human right.In a country like Aotearoa, where we have the resources, there are no excuses to deny anyone that right. Three weeks ago, when we announced the Green Party’s Income Guarantee, we said that poverty is a political choice. And we choose to end it. The housing crisis is also a political choice. For decades, politicians have chosen to enable...

Posted at July 02, 2023 11:00 AM by Marama Davidson

people and communities

Greens welcome paid parental leave increase, urge Govt to go further

The Green Party is today welcoming the increase in paid parental leave payments, but is urging the Government to continue supporting families when leave ends.“We need to make sure our tamariki have the best possible start in life, and are supported to grow and thrive. With rising food prices, high childcare costs and less secure jobs, many parents are struggling to pay for things like warm clothes and food. Our Income Guarantee would make sure every child gets the support...

Posted at June 19, 2023 4:47 PM by Marama Davidson

te tiriti o waitangi

Green Party announce ten Māori candidates in the initial list for the 2023 election

These candidates bring with them a vast range of experiences, knowledge and skills to this year's election. The Green Māori voice this year is strong, bold and shows the diversity of tangata whenua voices. The Māori candidates on the list with their ranking number are: #1 Marama Davidson #4 Dr. Elizabeth Kerekere  #6 Teanau Tuiono #8 Hūhana Lyndon  #13 Darleen Tana  #14 Kahurangi Carter  #16 Benjamin Doyle  #23 Reina Tuai Penney #24 Mike Davidson  #27 Rochelle Francis   This list is...

Posted at April 03, 2023 4:43 PM by Marama Davidson

people and communities

National would make life harder for people

Christopher Luxon and the National Party are not telling the full story when it comes to childcare, the Green Party says.“Childcare is a public good, not an individual work expense. All tamariki deserve the best start in life, and need a Government that will take action to raise incomes and invest in better access to early childhood education,” the co-leader of the Green Party, Marama Davidson says.  “Making childcare more affordable for families requires Green Party action across a range...

Posted at March 05, 2023 1:41 PM by Marama Davidson