Nature and Climate

nature and climate

Calls for fisheries amendment bill to be dropped completely

The Green Party is welcoming the Government's backdown on the Fisheries Amendment Bill, but says the Bill needs to be scrapped completely, not just delayed.“The Government may be at war with nature in their plans to privatise our oceans, conservation land and waterways, but people are pushing back and winning,” says Green Party Co-leader and Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick. Fisheries Minister Shane Jones today confirmed he would delay the Bill until after the election.   “This is the same...

Posted at July 08, 2026 4:14 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Green Party calls on Parliament to get on with solar loans before election

With Labour today announcing their support for a version of the Ratepayer Assistance Scheme, the Green Party is calling on Parliament to pass legislation to make it happen before the House rises for election 2026."Parliament can lower New Zealanders' power bills and reduce emissions before the election kicks off. Now both the red team and the blue team have announced their support for the Ratepayer Assistance scheme, there's no reason we can't progress on a cross-partisan agreement to do this...

Posted at July 08, 2026 11:40 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

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

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

nature and climate

Budget 2026 confirms Luxon’s climate ‘plan’ is a trashfire

Budget 2026 confirms the Government has no plan to meet our commitment under the Paris Climate Agreement, at a cost that previously Treasury calculated as up to $23 billion due by 2030. "New Zealanders have experienced 21 States of Emergency this year, which even the Prime Minister has acknowledged are inflamed by climate change. Yet, his Government continues to pour fossil fuels on the fire," says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.  “We have all known for years that meeting the Paris Agreement, covering 2021 to 2030, will require offshore mitigation. Every bit of domestic action reduced increases the cost...

Posted at May 28, 2026 2:36 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

“End of an era” as Government law change disestablishes Ministry for the Environment

The Green Party is condemning the Government’s disestablishment of the Ministry for the Environment, following the law change required to scrap the Ministry passing through Parliament on Wednesday.“This Government is cementing their place as the most anti-environment Government in New Zealand’s history. This is a shameful end of an era,” said Green Party environment spokesperson Lan Pham.  The Environment (Disestablishment of Ministry for the Environment) Amendment Bill is set to pass through parliament today despite substantial opposition from the public, with more than 99% of submitters against...

Posted at May 27, 2026 5:34 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Luxon quietly borrows $1.4 billion more to hide climate failure

The Green Party has revealed Luxon's failed climate policies have created a $1.4 billion fiscal hole, after the Government's retreat on climate caused the carbon auctions to collapse and the cash it was banking on never arrived.“Nicola Willis and Christopher Luxon lecture New Zealanders about fiscal responsibility and the dangers of debt while actively tanking climate policy, costing us all at least $1.4billion more in debt,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. “This fiscal hole is entirely self-inflicted, with carbon...

Posted at May 27, 2026 12:56 PM by 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

nature and climate

NZ democracy at risk of corporate corruption - Green Party backs urgent inquiry

Allegations that the Prime Minister’s office withheld information about backroom lobbying by major climate polluters - ahead of legislating to prevent court action against those same corporations - must be investigated, says the Green Party.“The facts are that major polluters had a meeting with the Prime Minister and that the full extent of that meeting and the briefings provided by Fonterra and Z Energy were not disclosed, intentionally or otherwise, by the Prime Minister’s office,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe...

Posted at May 25, 2026 9:15 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Bill would protect public conservation land this Government wants to mine

Green Party Member Lan Pham's Bill to prohibit mining on conservation land has been drawn from the ballot today. "Conservation land belongs to all of us. It is set aside to protect native plants, wildlife and the places New Zealanders love, not to be dug up for private profit," says Green Party environment spokesperson Lan Pham.  "This Bill simply protects conservation land in the way most New Zealanders would expect. It keeps conservation land for protection for everyone to enjoy, not exploitation for a few. It shuts the door...

Posted at May 21, 2026 4:44 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Luxon protects polluters’ profits in sweeping, rushed climate change law amendment

The Government’s surprise announcement this morning to amend the Climate Change Response Act is yet another example of Luxon loosening the leash for corporate profits at the expense of our people and our planet, the Green Party says.“Luxon’s Government is using its dying breaths to unravel New Zealanders’ right to hold big polluters accountable,” says the Green Party Co-leader and Climate Change spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick.   “While New Zealanders are demanding affordable power bills and decent jobs, Luxon’s Government has decided to...

Posted at May 12, 2026 12:32 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

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

nature and climate

Luxon missing in action as climate costs pile up

The Green Party says today's National Climate Change Risk Assessment from the Climate Change Commission confirms Luxon's failure to act on climate is driving up the cost of living for New Zealanders.“Luxon likes to talk about preparing New Zealand for a rainy day. The Commission is clear that he is refusing to invest in an umbrella,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.   “This independent, expert assessment shows that Luxon's climate adaptation 'plans' are mere window dressing.”  “The numbers are sobering: 97 per cent of...

Posted at May 07, 2026 12:42 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Overwhelming farmer support for equal welfare standards for pork imports

The Green Party says a new poll has found strong farmer support for fairer import standards for animal products, consistent with the intent of a Member's Bill from Green MP Steve Abel. The Curia poll released today by Animal Policy International found 79 per cent of farmers agree that imported animal products should be required to meet New Zealand's animal welfare standards, while only 10 per cent disagree.  "It's great to see the strong farmer support for closing the welfare gap and ensuring...

Posted at May 06, 2026 9:36 AM by Steve Abel

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

nature and climate

Luxon's Government cut flood protection spending while extreme weather worsens

This Government has cut flood protection spending by 41 per cent compared to the last Government, even as climate-change-charged extreme weather events become more frequent and severe."Luxon's Government gets up after each extreme weather event to talk about much they're spending on flood protection - spending that they've almost halved in comparison to the last Government," says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.   Documents OIA'd by the Green Party confirm Budget 2020 committed $217 million, Budget 2023 committed $122.9 million, and $647.5 million for North...

Posted at April 20, 2026 11:26 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Action needed on widespread drinking water problems

The Green Party says while it is relieved the cause of the recent 'boil water' notice in Auckland was easily addressed, more action is needed to deal with the regular and widespread contamination of drinking water elsewhere in the country."New Zealanders should be able to turn on their tap and access safe, clean drinking water," says Green Party spokesperson for the environment Lan Pham.  "While in some cases, drinking water is contaminated as it moves through pipes in our towns...

Posted at April 08, 2026 4:41 PM by Lan Pham

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

nature and climate

Fisheries Bill sacrifices the future of fishing for corporate profits

The Green Party is warning that the Government’s complete rewrite of the Fisheries Act will privatise one of our largest public assets and push fish stocks closer to wipe out.“The Fisheries Amendment Bill signs away insane industry power over our oceans and fisheries at the expense of regular New Zealanders and the environment that sustains us,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.  “New Zealanders pushed back hard last week, and the Minister was forced to abandon the removal of minimum fish size requirements for commercial operators, but the Government needs to gut the whole damn Bill.  “We cannot let Christopher Luxon and the National Party...

Posted at March 31, 2026 4:31 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Greens call for urgent inquiry into food factory closures

The Green Party is calling for an urgent select committee inquiry into the closure of Heinz Watties, Greggs, and McCain food processing facilities.Green Party spokesperson for agriculture Steve Abel, a Member of the Primary Production Select Committee, has written to the Committee expressing serious concern at the closure of long-standing food production facilities. "Understanding the extent of the impact and risks is a matter of urgency that the Primary Production Select Committee should open an inquiry into," says Steve Abel. ...

Posted at March 30, 2026 12:55 PM by Steve Abel

nature and climate

Fast-track Decision Looms on Destructive Waitaha Hydro Scheme

The Green Party says the Fast Track expert panel should turn down the previously declined ‘Waitaha Hydro’ project, which if approved will destroy an internationally significant South Island river.An application to dam the river as part of the ‘Waitaha Hydro project’ was declined in 2019 by the Minister for the Environment David Parker. It was shown then to offer little benefit to New Zealand, while causing significant impacts on the natural character of the wild Waitaha River and Morgan Gorge,...

Posted at March 13, 2026 5:57 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Cancellation of live exports a win for Animals

The Green Party is claiming a win for animals, following the Luxon Government's confirmation that they have cancelled plans to reinstate the live export of animals at sea.Plans to resume the trade in live animals by sea was part of the National and Act coalition agreement, however the frequently endorsed intention has been scrapped at cabinet, according to Animal Welfare Minister Andrew Hoggard, who said “we needed to get everyone on board to take it forward and haven’t achieved that.”...

Posted at March 13, 2026 5:56 PM by Steve Abel

nature and climate

Environment comes last as Government abolishes dedicated ministry

The Green Party is condemning the Government's decision to disestablish the Ministry for the Environment.“This is failure by a Minister who has turned her back on the very portfolio she was entrusted to protect. Abolishing her own ministry is as monumental as it is shameful,” said Green Party environment spokesperson Lan Pham.  “The Ministry for the Environment exists because in 1986 New Zealanders decided that protecting our natural world needed a dedicated voice at the heart of government.  "Burying the Ministry...

Posted at February 19, 2026 3:46 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Green Member’s Bill to recognise the personhood of tohorā

Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono has launched his Member’s Bill to recognise whales as legal persons with inherent rights, including the right to freedom of movement, a healthy environment, and the ability to thrive alongside humanity. “Our tohorā are sacred ancestors for many communities across Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, but they are under threat from commercial fishing, pollution, and climate change.” says Teanau Tuiono.  “This Bill represents a transformation in how we protect our marine species and the wider moana, to create a law...

Posted at February 09, 2026 10:14 AM by Teanau Tuiono

nature and climate

Pig cruelty won’t stand under Green Government

The Government has passed its Bill to keep mother pigs in cruel cages for at least another 10 years.“Today the Government has locked in cruelty for mother pigs and chosen pork lobbyists over public sentiment and welfare evidence," says the Green Party’s animal welfare spokesperson, Steve Abel. “The phase out of farrowing crates should have been legislated today but Luxon’s Government has instead legalised 10 more years of misery for mother pigs and their piglets. “New Zealanders don’t want to...

Posted at December 12, 2025 4:10 PM by Steve Abel

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

nature and climate

Overwhelming opposition to fast-track legislation Luxon's Government will ignore, again

In a case of déjà vu nightmare, the Green Party stands with 95 per cent of submitters to the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill, opposing this proposed legislation in the strongest terms.“Yet again, Luxon’s Government is squashing long standing environmental safeguards, te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and democratic principles to benefit its wealthy mates and corporations,” says the Green Party’s environment spokesperson, Lan Pham. “Today’s report from the Environment Select Committee shows 95 per cent of submitters oppose the Fast-track Approvals...

Posted at December 04, 2025 3:33 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Government’s ‘climate commitment’ mask finally comes off

In a watershed moment for climate accountability, newly released documents clearly show Luxon’s Government is comfortable knowingly breaching the Paris Agreement, signed up to by John Key 10 years ago.“For the past two years, we’ve raised alarm that the Government’s climate maths aren’t mathing. Today, we know that they’ve known that, and have been comfortable lying about it, for months,” says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. “Months ago, Cabinet made decisions to halve our methane target, informed that doing so...

Posted at December 04, 2025 10:31 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Luxon government backtrack on climate recognised at COP30

Aotearoa New Zealand has today been recognised internationally for all the wrong reasons, presented with the ‘Fossil of the Day’ mantle at COP30 over the Government’s regression on methane targets.“Christopher Luxon’s Government continues to embarrass our country on the international stage, this time after shredding climate progress,” says Green Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick. “Climate targets are not just numbers on a page. They are the scientific fundamentals necessary for life on earth as we know it. “Staying within planetary limits needs...

Posted at November 18, 2025 11:09 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

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

nature and climate

Luxon’s Government shreds climate consensus

Late last night, the Government announced some of the most significant sweeping changes in recent memory to destroy climate action.“Under the cover of night, Christopher Luxon’s Government announced their most significant destruction of climate action yet,” says Green Party Co-leader, Chlöe Swarbrick. “You cannot trust the National Party. They supported the cross-partisan Zero Carbon Act and now, in Government, are stripping the Climate Change Commission of its powers. “Christopher Luxon promised New Zealanders he would abide by our climate commitments....

Posted at November 05, 2025 9:26 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

te tiriti o waitangi

Sad day for democracy as RSB passes second reading

Despite a resounding majority of submitters opposing the Regulatory Standards Bill, Luxon’s Government has pushed it through second reading.“New Zealanders made it clear they don’t want this zombie Frankenstein of the Treaty Principles Bill. Today Christopher Luxon has chosen to ignore them,” says Green Party Co-leader, Chlöe Swarbrick. “Our country has real problems we could be fixing, but instead the Government is stroking the ACT Party’s ego by reviving and pushing through their vanity project which has failed three times...

Posted at November 04, 2025 4:37 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Govt’s Climate Adaptation plan leaves work to be done

The Government’s National Adaptation Framework, released this morning, has a way to go when it comes to clarity for communities, support, and meaningful engagement with te Tiriti.“Climate change is here now. Government’s job is to reduce emissions at the source to prevent the worst, and ensure our communities are protected, prepared and resilient,” Chlöe Swarbrick. “Today the Government has announced a basic framework for data and information sharing, which the Greens have supported since Hon. James Shaw began this Climate...

Posted at October 16, 2025 10:51 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Govt’s downgrade of methane target an accounting trick with devastating real-world consequences

Luxon’s Government halving of methane targets under the guise of “no additional warming” is a cheap accounting trick that will cost our country dearly.“Today Christopher Luxon has downgraded climate ambition, meaning a higher cost of living and ultimately far worse outcomes for the farmers he says he’s doing this for,” says the Green Party Co-leader and Climate Change spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick. “Methane is a superheating gas - 80 times stronger at frying our atmosphere than carbon in the short-term. To...

Posted at October 14, 2025 9:32 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Hauraki Marine Bill a huge step despite Govt backtrack

The passing of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill has been hailed as a significant step by the Green Party, despite concessions for industry.“After decades of exploitation, this Bill is a major turning point in efforts to stop the ecological collapse of our precious marine ecosystems in the Hauraki Gulf,” says the Green Party Spokesperson for the Environment, Lan Pham.  “It’s the most significant marine protection proposal in a generation, and wouldn’t have been possible without the...

Posted at October 07, 2025 5:43 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Environment Minister abusing role to put freshwater at risk

Documents obtained under the Official Information Act have revealed the Minister for the Environment is pressuring local councils to allow ‘water take’ consents for a group of farmers that includes her party colleague, in a catchment already showing signs of serious decline. “The very least New Zealanders would expect from their Minister for the Environment is a duty of care for the environment, no matter their politics,” says Green Party Environment spokesperson, Lan Pham. “Instead, we have a Minister using their...

Posted at October 01, 2025 6:15 PM by Lan Pham

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

nature and climate

Govt must own its role in Canterbury nitrate emergency

The Green Party welcomes Environment Canterbury’s decision today to carry a motion declaring a nitrate emergency, and is calling on the Government to take responsibility for the crisis its own policies have fuelled.“The Government can’t wash its hands of its responsibility in worsening this health and environmental emergency,” says Green Party Agriculture Spokesperson, Steve Abel. “Every New Zealander should have confidence that their drinking water is safe and not contaminated by pollution from intensive dairying. “In just six months, Canterbury...

Posted at September 17, 2025 4:15 PM by Steve Abel

nature and climate

Govt’s ETS auction fails for the eighth time

Another Emissions Trading Scheme auction has failed, throwing the Government’s failure on climate into stark focus.“Ironically, the most effective climate policy under Luxon’s Government is their economic incompetence. Their decisions have seen successive ETS auctions fail, ultimately meaning units end up being cancelled,” says the Green Party Co-leader and Climate Change spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick. “This Government has slashed climate policies and promised we’ll somehow meet our climate targets by relying on market mechanisms, which their own advice tells them will...

Posted at September 10, 2025 2:37 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Chlöe Swarbrick AGM Speech 2025

I want everyone to take a deep breath.I’m serious. I’ll do it with you. Hā ki roto. Hā ki waho. I’m sure this is exactly what our friends in the media think that we do at a Green Party conference. In case you missed it guys, the Morris dancing was last night. I’m joking. But back to the breath. In. Out. We’re here, together. Right now. We’re alive. There’s a lot going on in our world. Genocide. Exploitation. Harm and...

Posted at August 10, 2025 2:44 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Greens urge people to come together for change

Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has rallied the party membership to get out there, get organised, and help the party build the most progressive Government Aotearoa has ever seen.“When we show up and grow our movement beyond traditional circles, we win. The people win,” Chlöe Swarbrick told the Party’s Annual General Meeting in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington today. “New Zealanders care about each other and the planet we all share.  “We build the world we deserve not in speeches, or in...

Posted at August 10, 2025 2:40 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

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

nature and climate

Shane Jones’ gift to big fishing a blow to sustainability

The Green Party is appalled by the Government’s fishing industry plans to allow greater catch limits and stop on-board camera footage from being made public.“Let’s be perfectly clear; this is nothing short of a handout to the fishing industry,” says the Green Party’s Oceans and Fisheries spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “Instead of pandering to industry interests, the Minister must wake up to the reality that he has a responsibility to protect our oceans so that future generations can enjoy what we...

Posted at August 06, 2025 10:46 AM by Teanau Tuiono

nature and climate

Govt pours oil and gas on climate fire as ban repealed

Today, Christopher Luxon’s Government committed to higher power bills and fossil fuel dependence. This Government keeps choosing to undermine our resilience rather than transition to clean, green energy. It takes an average of 16 years to go from exploration to production of fossil fuels. The Government knows reversing the oil and gas ban won’t deliver anything in the short to medium term but ultimately means far greater emissions, and far higher costs. “Just a fortnight ago, Nelson-Tasman was hit with yet...

Posted at July 31, 2025 4:30 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

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

nature and climate

Govt abandons Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance

Christopher Luxon’s Government pulling out of the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance is just the latest sign they care little for the climate crisis or cost of living it’ll exacerbate, says the Green Party. “Luxon’s Government is throwing public money, oil, coal, and gas onto the climate crisis fire. Today they’ve told the world that they don’t care about a stable climate or regular peoples’ lives,” says Green Party co-leader and spokesperson for Climate Change, Chlöe Swarbrick.  “Yesterday, we revealed that...

Posted at June 25, 2025 10:40 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Govt’s $200mill fossil fuel handout in breach of trade agreement

Legal advice commissioned by the Green Party shows the coalition Government’s $200 million “investment” in new gas fields is a clear breach of the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS).“The National Party tell us they’re good economic managers then tank the economy; they tell us they’re committed to our climate commitments then breach those commitments,” says the Green Party Climate Change spokesperson and co-leader, Chlöe Swarbrick. “It took just six months for this Government to breach a trade...

Posted at June 24, 2025 11:25 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Biodiversity credit won’t fix damage done by Luxon Govt

The Green Party says the Government’s newly announced Biodiversity Credit scheme is a tiny positive that doesn’t undo the biodiversity harm caused by the Luxon Government.“This is a bandaid on a gaping wound which does nothing to address a deepening crisis and runs the risk of being mere greenwashing,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Agriculture Steve Abel. “While credit schemes and covenants are an important pathway to protecting vital biodiversity on farmland, these alone are not nearly enough to...

Posted at June 12, 2025 12:20 PM by Steve Abel

nature and climate

Government rightfully sued over illegal climate ‘plan’

Last week, world-leading climate scientists called out the Government’s approach to agricultural emissions. This week, climate lawyers have sued the Government because its Emissions Reductions Plans do not add up.“Luxon’s Government has chosen to pour oil, coal and gas on the climate crisis fire. Their climate ‘plan’ is not worth the paper it is written on. That’s why they’re being sued today,” says the Green Party’s co-leader and spokesperson for climate change, Chlöe Swarbrick.  “I called it a demonstrable lie...

Posted at June 10, 2025 2:01 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Luxon must end climate denial speculation

The Greens welcome the open letter from world-leading climate scientists to the Prime Minister, urging his Government to abandon any plan to water down climate targets.“Christopher Luxon must end any further speculation that his Government is on the climate denial bandwagon. After wasting a year playing around with the mythical ‘no additional warming’ idea, international alarm bells are ringing,” says Green Party co-leader and Climate Change spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick. “The Climate Change Commission is clear that any entertainment of ‘no...

Posted at June 03, 2025 1:04 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

National direction changes mark dark day for people and planet

Today’s sweeping changes to environmental protections paint a damning picture of a government hellbent on profit at all costs, openly allowing more environmentally harmful activities under the guise of progress.“Today is a dark day for rivers, lakes, streams, beaches, forests and all who enjoy and rely on these taonga across Aotearoa,” says the Green Party’s Environment Spokesperson, Lan Pham.  “Taking freshwater as one example, ‘Te Mana o Te Wai’ offered us a clear legal framework that prioritised the health of...

Posted at May 29, 2025 1:46 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Minister for the Environment missing in action in Budget 2025

Budget 2025 makes it crystal clear that this Government has no interest in protecting nature or securing a liveable future for our tamariki.Budget 2025 makes it crystal clear that this Government has no interest in protecting nature or securing a liveable future for our tamariki. “Our environment is in crisis. This Budget proves the Government simply does not care,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Environment, Lan Pham. “They have no understanding that their so-called ‘laser-focus’ on the economy makes...

Posted at May 22, 2025 4:55 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Government pours gas on the climate crisis fire

Budget 2025 has put our climate targets in serious jeopardy, says the Green Party. “Today the Government has done even worse than deny or delay climate action - they’ve actively chosen to pour gas on the fire,” says Green Party Co-Leader and spokesperson for Climate, Chlöe Swarbrick.  “The Government is setting $200 million of our public money on fire to support fossil fuel executives' profit, handing a lifeline to a sunset industry, instead of investing in real, resilient, renewable energy. “They...

Posted at May 22, 2025 4:27 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

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

nature and climate

Greens launch Member’s Bill to close loophole allowing animal cruelty in imports

Today, Green Party MP Steve Abel has added a new Member’s Bill to the biscuit tin to ensure any product sold in New Zealand meets New Zealand’s animal welfare standards, even if it’s produced overseas.“We shouldn’t allow on our supermarket shelves what we wouldn’t allow on our farms,” says Green Party Agriculture and Animal Welfare spokesperson, Steve Abel.  “This is about fairness for animals and for farmers. “We’re proud of our animal welfare laws here in New Zealand, but right...

Posted at May 06, 2025 8:50 AM by Steve Abel

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

nature and climate

Greens question Govt commitment to environmental protection with RMA reform

The Greens are calling on the Government to follow through on their vague promises of environmental protection in their Resource Management Act (RMA) reform.“We have seen this Government bulldoze over biodiversity, freshwater and environmental protections for the sole purpose of profit and now they expect us to believe them when they say they are committed to protecting our natural world,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Environment, Lan Pham.  “Together, we can build a future that works for everyone, within...

Posted at March 24, 2025 5:07 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Another failed ETS auction, another indictment on the Govt’s climate credibility

The ETS auction’s failure today is yet another clear sign that the Government is failing us all on climate action.  “Yesterday, the acting Prime Minister admitted that the Government’s climate commitments were the bare minimum. Worse still, today’s ETS auction failure shows that even the market the Government is relying on doesn’t trust them to deliver,” says the Green Party’s co-leader and Climate Change spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick. “Luxon’s Government has put almost all of their climate eggs in the basket of...

Posted at March 19, 2025 12:19 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Shane Jones has no shame

Shane Jones’ display on Q&A showed how out of touch he and this Government are with our communities and how in sync they are with companies with little concern for people and planet. “Shane Jones is nothing more than a puppet for private interest, parroting industry talking points while allowing our oceans to be exploited and abused for short-term profit that will come with long-term consequences,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Oceans, Teanau Tuiono. “Instead of pandering to industry interests,...

Posted at March 16, 2025 9:57 AM by Teanau Tuiono

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

nature and climate

Fisheries consultation must put sustainability before profit

The Green Party is urgently calling on the Government to prioritise long-term prosperity of our oceans in its consultation on the Fisheries Act.“Our oceans are in a state of decline, continuing to put short-term profit before long-term sustainability will see the health of our ocean life wash away," says Green Party’s Oceans and Fisheries spokesperson Teanau Tuiono. “Minister Jones has stated ‘sustainability will always be the bottom line for fisheries management,’ but we have seen decisions from the Government completely...

Posted at February 12, 2025 10:21 AM by Teanau Tuiono

nature and climate

Greens stand with Coromandel locals against Luxon’s destructive mining policy

Green Party MP Steve Abel this morning joined Coromandel locals in Waihi to condemn new mining plans announced by Shane Jones in the pit of the town’s Australian-owned Gold mine.“These communities have successfully opposed mining for the best part of 50 years - Jones’ latest announcement is a mere blip in history that will be undone when there’s a new Green Government,” says Green Party Spokesperson for Resources, Steve Abel. “They know first-hand that long after the jobs have dried...

Posted at January 31, 2025 10:53 AM by Steve Abel

nature and climate

Where’s the “culture of yes” on climate ambition?

The Green Party is calling on the Government to strengthen its just-announced 2030-2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement and address its woeful lack of commitment to climate security.“This new NDC is the closest thing the Government could do to breaking the Paris Agreement and walking away from our international climate commitments without actually doing it,” says the Green Party Co-Leader and Climate Change spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick.  “The expert, independent Climate Change Commission demonstrated how reductions of over...

Posted at January 31, 2025 8:15 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Aotearoa must step up as Trump plays with climate fire

The Green Party is calling on the Government to stand firm and work with allies to progress climate action as Donald Trump signals his intent to pull out of the Paris Climate Accords once again.“Every human being, from Aotearoa to the United States of America, lives on the same planet,” says Green Co-leader and Climate Spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick. “Every action, of any Government, that increases climate changing emissions increases the frequency and severity of catastrophes like the Los Angeles fires...

Posted at January 21, 2025 12:13 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Green Government will revoke dodgy fast-track projects

The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. “The industry is on notice: consents granted under this regime that shortcut our democracy, sidestep environmental protections and degrade te taiao will be revoked by a Green Government,” says the Green Party Spokesperson for the Environment, Lan Pham.  “This legislation is our out-of-touch Government’s gift to Kiwis to digest while they enjoy their summer...

Posted at December 17, 2024 5:37 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Govt’s emissions plan for measly 1% reduction

New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets.  “The Government’s plan relies on fairytale technologies and covering the equivalent of Ireland in pine trees. Christopher Luxon is setting us up to fail and hoping you don’t read the fineprint,” says Green Party co-leader and spokesperson for Climate Change Chlöe Swarbrick. “Confronting the climate crisis...

Posted at December 13, 2024 11:16 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan

Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. “Our plan is for an Aotearoa that puts people and planet first,” says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. “Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, He Ara Anamata shows how we can achieve robust, systemic change that cuts pollution at the source, working with nature every step of the way.  “Anthropogenic climate change has been created by an unsustainable, insatiable economic system....

Posted at December 08, 2024 1:53 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Government smokescreen to downgrade climate ambition

Today the ACT-National Coalition Agreement pet project’s findings on “no additional warming” were released.“Whether it’s climate action or child poverty, Christopher Luxon committed at the election, then quietly tried to change the targets and reduce action while in Government,” says Green Party Co-Leader and spokesperson on Climate Change, Chlöe Swarbrick.  “There’s a reason climate scientists balked when the Government announced it would review agricultural emissions: it was an obvious smokescreen to lower climate ambition, as the report and Ministerial comments...

Posted at December 04, 2024 4:56 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

You can’t bank on pine trees in a climate crisis

Today’s Government announcement to limit farm forestry conversions tinkers around the edges, instead of focusing on the real problem and stopping pollution at the source.“Banking on pine trees to cut pollution is barely a band-aid on a gas leak,” says Green Party Climate Change spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick. “The Government’s changes are an acknowledgement that there’s a problem in converting productive, food-growing land into biodiversity-squashing pine plantations, but they stop far short of fixing that problem. “Polluters will still be allowed...

Posted at December 04, 2024 1:33 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Prime Minister shirks responsibility on global climate commitment

In an interview with Q&A this morning, the Prime Minister refused to say whether he would commit to meeting the Paris Agreement, the international climate agreement which commits all countries to act locally to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees.“Climate commitments aren’t numbers on a page to be toyed with at political whim. They’re hard scientific limits, requiring each country to do our bit for a liveable planet,” says Green Party Co-Leader and spokesperson for Climate Change Chlöe Swarbrick. “This...

Posted at December 01, 2024 12:15 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

NZ’s global climate rankings plummet as Govt removes agriculture from ETS

The Government has passed legislation to remove agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) while Aotearoa’s reputation on climate action plummets. “While our Climate Minister is on the other side of the world telling the UN climate conference about the need to act, at home, his Government is ramming through law to delay and deny that very action,” says Green Party Co-Leader and spokesperson for Climate Change, Chlöe Swarbrick, who is currently attending COP29.  “The world isn’t stupid - and that’s...

Posted at November 21, 2024 5:56 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Government plan to reinstate live animal exports a “national disgrace”

The Government has taken a giant step backwards by reinstating live animal exports. “This decision is cruel and cuts against the grain of our values as a nation,” says the Green Party’s Animal Welfare spokesperson, Steve Abel. “Animals deserve a life free from suffering. Harmful practices that put profit ahead of their welfare are unacceptable. “The reality is that live export, by its nature, cannot uphold any such standards, and this move contravenes both the spirit and the letter of New...

Posted at November 20, 2024 6:16 PM by Steve Abel

nature and climate

Government’s move to monetise access to nature a slippery slope

The Green Party is voicing serious concerns over the Government’s proposal to charge for access to public conservation land, released today.“Commercialising our environment risks transforming nature from being accessible to all to a privilege afforded to a select few,” says Green Party Spokesperson for Environment, Lan Pham. “Aotearoa’s parks, forests, and wildlife are taonga—treasures—that everyone should enjoy. We should be investing in a conservation system which protects our unique natural ecosystems for generations to come. “This proposal, however, takes us...

Posted at November 15, 2024 11:04 AM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Fast Track Bill threatens environment, climate and reputation

The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. “This flawed legislation poses a huge threat to our environment, and spells bad news for our climate and international reputation,” says the Green Party Spokesperson for the Environment, Lan Pham. “The environment provides the basis for life itself. We must be responsible stewards of the natural world which sustains us, and ditch the regressive exploitative and extractive approach that benefits an already wealthy few at the...

Posted at November 13, 2024 8:02 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Greens call for bottom trawling ban and call out Minister for lacklustre response

The Green Party is urgently calling on the Government to ban bottom trawling, following news a New Zealand bottom trawler caught 37kg of coral in international waters, prompting the suspension of all fishing in the area until 2026.“We either ban bottom trawling or we allow our ocean ecosystems to be ripped apart and washed away,” says the Green Party Spokesperson for Oceans and Fisheries, Teanau Tuiono. “Our oceans are the lifeblood of Aotearoa. It is incumbent upon us to protect...

Posted at November 01, 2024 11:06 AM by Teanau Tuiono

nature and climate

Luxon needs to address the cow in the room

The Green Party was appalled to hear Prime Minister Christopher Luxon claim we are “doing everything we can” on climate change, while his government does nothing to address emissions in our most polluting sector. “Christopher Luxon's commitment to climate action is a national disgrace and global embarrassment," says the Green Party Spokesperson for Agriculture, Steve Abel. “Agriculture is the biggest emitting sector in Aotearoa - accounting for more than half of our emissions. Luxon has done everything he can to make...

Posted at October 29, 2024 1:47 PM by Steve Abel

nature and climate

Fast-Track, off the rails: Submitters show strong opposition to Bill

Despite resounding public opposition, the fast-track legislation is being pushed through Parliament with provisions that could have real consequences for people and planet.“More than 90 per cent of submitters opposed this Bill. People know that the fast track will derail our environment," says the Green Party Spokesperson for the Environment Lan Pham. “Our well-being is intertwined with the environment. By looking after nature, we look after ourselves. We need to move on from the archaic, exploitative and extractive approach that...

Posted at October 18, 2024 4:05 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

International Energy Agency issues wake-up call on climate action

Today’s report from the International Energy Agency highlights how far this Government’s actions are dragging us backwards in the fight against climate change. “Luxon’s decision to pour fossil fuel on the climate crisis fire actively undermines not only energy security and resilience, but a climate-safe future,” says Green Party Co-Leader and spokesperson for Climate Change Chlöe Swarbrick.  “Today the International Energy Agency issued its annual energy outlook with the key message: energy security and climate action are inextricably linked.  “The IEA...

Posted at October 17, 2024 10:27 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Govt’s shameful backtrack on marine conservation

The Green Party has condemned the Government’s late change to allow commercial fishing in protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf.“This Government has bent over backwards to give fishing lobbyists exactly what they asked for, in an area of precious biodiversity facing ecological collapse,” says the Green Party Spokesperson for the Environment, Lan Pham.  “Healthy marine environments are the lifeblood of our planet. We can have healthy and thriving fisheries and marine life - now and in the future - if...

Posted at October 13, 2024 10:11 AM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Trojan Horse approach to fast-track projects threatens environment

The Government’s fast-track list is another example of its reckless approach to the environment and disregard for due process. “The government is set to unleash environmental destruction across Aotearoa, while using some potentially worthy projects as a diversion,” says the Green Party's spokesperson for the Environment, Lan Pham. “Our environment forms the foundation for life as we know it. By looking after nature, we look after ourselves. We need to move on from the archaic, exploitative and extractive approach that has...

Posted at October 07, 2024 12:51 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Work to do on climate adaptation

The Finance and Expenditure Committee’s inquiry into climate adaptation is something that must be built on for an enduring framework to manage climate risk.“Climate change is here. We must both mitigate further climate changing emissions and we must adapt. Good policy does both,” says Green Party Co-Leader and spokesperson for Climate Change, Chlöe Swarbrick.  “The Finance and Expenditure Committee inquiry into climate adaptation was the latest step in the opportunity to build an enduring framework that supports communities to plan...

Posted at October 01, 2024 8:03 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Green Government will revoke oil and gas permits

The Green Party vows to reinstate the oil and gas ban and revoke permits when it returns to government following the coalition’s introduction of legislation to reopen offshore oil and gas exploration this afternoon. “A Green Government will reinstate the oil and gas ban and revoke any permits granted under the current fossil fuel-obsessed regime,” says Green Party Co-Leader and spokesperson for Climate Change, Chlöe Swarbrick. “We can have an economy that supports people and the planet, instead of exploiting both....

Posted at September 24, 2024 3:54 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Govt must act to avoid the worst of NIWA’s climate projections

New climate projections from NIWA underscore how urgently climate action is needed.“A future of flood and drought painted by NIWA is the reality of an unabated climate crisis,” says Green Party Co-leader and spokesperson for Climate Change, Chlöe Swarbrick.   “These projections show us that climate delay is the new denial, and emphasise how this Government’s plan to increase emissions will cost us all dearly. “We can have an economy that works for people and planet, instead of exploiting both. That...

Posted at September 18, 2024 3:14 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Greens call for public to back Wrybill in BOTY and beyond

The Green Party is calling on the public to support the Ngutu Pare Wrybill not just in this year’s Bird of the Year competition but also in pushing back against policies that could lead to the destruction of its habitat and accelerate its extinction.“We need to save Christopher Luxon’s Bird of the Year from his own Government,” says the Green Party's spokesperson for Environment, Lan Pham.  “Two years ago, Christopher Luxon held a pretend press conference announcing his support for...

Posted at September 02, 2024 12:14 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Fast track still on track to environmental destruction

Our environment remains at risk despite the Government's proposed changes to its controversial fast-track legislation. “The tinkering and shallow re-packaging of the contentious fast-track legislation fails to address the severe threat it poses to our natural world,” says Green Party spokesperson for Environment, Lan Pham.  “Our environment forms the foundation for life as we know it. By looking after nature, we look after ourselves. We need to move on from the archaic, exploitative and extractive approach that has already seen us...

Posted at August 25, 2024 2:44 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Ohinemuri River pollution highlights mining risks

The harrowing images of the severely polluted Ohinemuri River caused by an old mining shaft could become a more common occurrence under the mining regime the Government is looking to roll out. “The state of the Ohinemuri river paints a picture of what the future looks like if the Government unleashes mining across the country,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Resources Steve Abel.  “We need to work with nature, not against it. This is how we leave behind an Aotearoa...

Posted at August 24, 2024 4:45 PM by Steve Abel

nature and climate

Government back off track on climate action

Today’s Draft Emissions Reduction Plan shows the Government couldn’t care less about a liveable climate for all.“The Government is pouring oil, coal and gas on the climate crisis fire. Today’s draft Emissions Reduction Plan lays bare that they have no plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050,” says Green Party co-leader and spokesperson for Climate Change Chlöe Swarbrick.  “In a nutshell, their ‘plan’ means largely giving up on stopping pollution at the source and a whole lot of wishful thinking....

Posted at July 17, 2024 8:07 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

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

nature and climate

Failure of climate auction highlights government inaction

The lack of bids at today’s ETS auction is a sad indictment on this Government's staggering indifference to the climate crisis and their lack of a plan. “The market clearly lacks confidence in this Government, and is responding to the reality of the coalition’s inaction over their rhetoric,” says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.  “This morning the Minister of Finance seemed caught unaware about how the Emissions Trading Scheme works, and this afternoon, that market showed it has no confidence in...

Posted at June 19, 2024 2:29 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Budget cuts chances of liveable future

Scrutiny of Budget 24 and advice to the Minister of Finance shows the Government is knowingly increasing emissions and shredding climate action.“The Government's Budget comes at a tremendous cost to our climate. People and planet pay the price,” says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.  “For the first time, we have it in black in white that the Government knew their budget decisions would increase emissions – and that’s only for the initiatives they decided to do the analysis on. “The...

Posted at June 19, 2024 1:02 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Farmers among first and worst hit by climate change

The Government has once again kicked the climate action can down the road by removing agricultural emissions from the Emissions Trading Scheme. "Climate delay is the new denial. Today’s announcement from the Government that it will shred progress on agricultural emissions pricing is just the latest episode of disregard for our climate and environment,” says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.  “The Climate Minister’s sheepish statement that we’ll still somehow meet climate change commitments is a far cry from reality. He and...

Posted at June 11, 2024 12:10 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Government to add oil and gas to climate fire

The Government deciding to lift the oil and gas ban in the middle of a climate crisis is a severe step backwards that will have serious consequences for our future. “The Government is tipping oil and gas onto the climate crisis fire, lining the pockets of fossil fuel companies, while everyone else will pick up the bill,” says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.  “Today’s announcement is the latest episode of this Government putting profit before people and planet.  “Iwi Māori and...

Posted at June 09, 2024 11:00 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Government throws the environment on the scrap heap

The Government has shown its disdain for nature by undermining and cutting programmes which protect and conserve our environment.“For all the Government’s hot air about Budget ‘24, they forgot about the fundamental thing that upholds it all - the environment,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for the Environment, Lan Pham. “Hundreds of millions of dollars has been cut from environmental protection and conservation programmes, including freshwater quality improvements, climate change programmes, and cleaning up contaminated sites. “They’ve even cut funding...

Posted at May 31, 2024 4:42 PM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Coalition of cowards slashes investment in climate action

Actions speak louder than words and this Government's attack on the climate will ripple through generations, says the Green Party. “The other day, Government parties said, ‘Drill, baby, drill,’ and today, they may as well have said, ‘burn, baby, burn’,” says Green Party co-leader and climate spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick.  “This Government has slashed and burned almost all climate and environmentally minded policy whilst pouring coal, oil and gas over the roaring climate crisis fire. Today’s Budget has seen funding from almost...

Posted at May 30, 2024 2:45 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Coalition of coal will prove catastrophic for climate

The Government’s plans to ramp up coal mining in the heat of a climate crisis will see our chances of a liveable future melt away.“This Government is gaslighting New Zealanders with extra oil, coal and gas. There is no future in burning our planet,” says Green Party co-leader and spokesperson for Climate Change Chlöe Swarbrick.  “The science is crystal clear. If we want to prevent a future filled with climate catastrophe and extreme weather, fossil fuels need to stay in...

Posted at May 23, 2024 5:20 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Greens welcome cross-party approach to climate adaptation

The Green Party is welcoming Climate Change Minister Simon Watts’ continuation of Hon. James Shaw’s cross-party work on climate adaptation, now in the form of a Finance and Expenditure Committee Inquiry.“Just over a year ago our North Island was hammered by deadly and devastating climate-change charged weather events. Many are still grappling with the clean-up, insurance issues and infrastructure gaps. These are the consequences of a warming planet and we must do everything we can to both mitigate climate changing...

Posted at May 10, 2024 5:00 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Further environmental mismanagement on the cards

The Government’s resource management reforms will add to the heavy and ever-growing burden this Government is loading on to our environment. “This legislation will accelerate the decline of our natural world and add fuel to the climate crisis fire in what is another classic case of environmental mismanagement from this Government,” says Green Party environment spokesperson Lan Pham.  “This is an absurd dereliction of duty that will do nothing to build the infrastructure New Zealand needs, and will instead accelerate environmental...

Posted at April 23, 2024 12:46 PM by Lan Pham

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

Government throws coal on the climate crisis fire

The Government’s policy announced today to ease consenting for coal mining will have a lasting impact across generations. “Today the Government has announced the latest frontier in its relentless assault on our planet, easing the path for more climate-heating coal mining,” says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.  “The window of opportunity to respond to the climate emergency is quickly closing. The International Energy Agency has made it crystal clear that if we want to limit global warming within the 1.5 degrees...

Posted at April 16, 2024 12:00 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

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

nature and climate

CCC issues warning over further climate delay

Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements.“We once were proud to punch above our weight on the world stage but today’s draft advice from the Climate Change Commission tells us there’s a lot of work to do if we hope to live up to that legacy,” says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.  “Science has evolved on the inconvenient non-negotiables...

Posted at April 08, 2024 6:51 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Methane target review is dangerous duplication

The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said.“Delay is the new denial when it comes to climate change,” said Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. “There is already a legally required, independent review of emissions reduction targets this year - which two of the three governing parties voted for. Best case, this newly announced review is a shining example...

Posted at April 06, 2024 2:18 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Scrapping Significant Natural Areas shows significant neglect

The Government adding Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) to its already roaring environmental policy bonfire is an assault on the future of wildlife that makes Aotearoa unique. “Significant Natural Areas (SNA) represent some of the most crucial pockets of our native habitat and act as a sanctuary for our most rare and threatened indigenous plants and species. Suspending the identification of SNAs and jeopardising existing ones condemns our flora and fauna to a future of continued decline and degradation,” says Green Party...

Posted at March 14, 2024 10:30 AM by Lan Pham

nature and climate

Govt trashing nature for its industry mates

The Government’s repeal of the Natural and Built Environment Act is rushed, ideologically motivated, and will be hugely damaging to the health of our communities and the environment. “This new government is more interested in winding back the progress and trashing the environment than it is about setting out a clear vision for the future of Aotearoa,” says the Green Party’s environment spokesperson, Lan Pham.  “Aotearoa needs a planning and resource management system that puts climate resilience and flourishing nature...

Posted at December 20, 2023 2:52 PM by Lan Pham

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

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

nature and climate

The Time is Now for Oceans Protection

Community organisations, mana whenua and the Greens have written to the incoming Minister of Oceans and Fisheries to call for the progression without delay of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill.“The Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana/Te Moananui ā Toi ecosystem is on the brink of collapse. The incoming Government must not only continue progress on the hard-fought-for Marine Protection Bill, but do the scientifically necessary actions to end bottom trawling in the Gulf and protect at least 30% of our oceans,”...

Posted at November 28, 2023 6:54 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Greenpeace nitrates research proves need for strong freshwater regulation

The Green Party is welcoming the release of an interactive map which enables people to monitor nitrate levels in their drinking water.“The research released today shows just how disastrous the new Government’s plan to roll back freshwater protections would be, particularly for rural communities,” says Green Party MP, Lan Pham. “Everyone should be able to swim in and take kai from clean, healthy rivers and drink water without fear of becoming sick. “But right now the health of our rivers,...

Posted at November 27, 2023 12:46 PM by Lan Pham

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

nature and climate

Racing Minister gambling with dogs’ lives in unnecessary and self-imposed delay

The Green Party is concerned with reports that the Racing Minister is kicking decisions on the future of greyhound racing until after the election.“This is a bizarre concession to an industry who’ve spent the past ten years persistently failing to meet animal welfare standards,” says Green Party animal welfare spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick. “As long as the greyhound racing industry continues, dogs will unnecessarily die and be injured. These deaths and injuries are not a bug, they are a design feature....

Posted at April 20, 2023 1:09 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick

nature and climate

Greens celebrate passing of Organic Products and Production Bill

Following decades of work by the Green Party alongside the organics sector, people will finally be able to be confident that products labelled organic have met standards.“Clear, trusted, national organic standards are crucial for giving people confidence in the products they are buying. The Green Party has been working alongside advocates for years to get mandatory organics standards and we are delighted this bill has passed today,” says Green Party agriculture spokesperson Teanau Tuiono. “Until now, the organics market in...

Posted at March 30, 2023 11:01 AM by Teanau Tuiono