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People and Communities

people and communities

Luxon delays relief for regular people as living costs increase 3.2%

Household living costs increased 3.2% over the past 12 months, yet this Government is choosing to delay real relief and instead dangle it as an election promise, says The Green Party.“Luxon can talk about all they have done for the economy, but families can’t pay their bills with his empty words and promises,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. According to the recent Consumers Price Index from Stats NZ, food costs increased 2.5% over the past 12 months, including a...

Posted at July 29, 2026 9:56 AM by Marama Davidson

people and communities

Green Party AGM 2026 Speeches

The following speeches were delivered at the Green Party 2026 AGM. Chlöe Swarbrick Ko te mea tuatahi, tēnei te mihi ki ngā mana whenua o tēnei rohe. Tēnā koutou.  Ko te mea tuarua, ka mihi au ki a koutou, kua tau mai nei i tēnei wā. No reira, e ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā rau Rangatira mā, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.  The Buy Kiwi Made campaign turns 21 years old this year. It was an innovation...

Posted at July 26, 2026 2:09 PM by Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson

people and communities

Greens Bill pushes to stop supermarkets binning edible food while families go hungry

The Green Party has introduced a Member’s Bill that would require New Zealand’s largest supermarkets to partner with food rescue organisations so perfectly good food reaches people instead of landfill.“Food is abundant. In a country that grows enough food to feed millions, no one should be going hungry while perfectly good kai is thrown away,” says Green Party Zero Waste spokesperson Kahu Carter. The Waste Minimisation (Food Waste) Amendment Bill is modelled on France’s Garot Law. It would require the...

Posted at July 23, 2026 3:26 PM by Kahurangi Carter

people and communities

Green Party calls for union membership as default setting for new employees

 The Green Party is backing unions through the Automatic Union Membership Members' Bill, which would make union membership the default setting for new employees.  "Workers are the backbone of our economy and this country. Unions give workers a voice in their workplace and help fight for their rights and best interests," says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.  “This will also be a policy we will be taking into the election, but we want to act now if the current government...

Posted at July 16, 2026 9:18 AM by Marama Davidson and Teanau Tuiono

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

people and communities

Homelessness at historic levels in New Zealand

The Green Party says the Government’s new funding for homelessness, announced yesterday, is a drop in the bucket to address the crisis in New Zealand.  "This is the worst homelessness in our history, with 57,000 women homeless and half of all homeless people under the age of 24. The Government's response has been a drop in the bucket to meaningfully address this crisis," says Green Party housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul.  "The Housing First waitlist is rising while 33% of emergency housing...

Posted at June 18, 2026 2:18 PM by Tamatha Paul

people and communities

Pasifika left behind by Budget 2026

Today Nicola Willis delivered a third Budget in a row which prioritises the super-rich and powerful over Pasifika peoples, says the Green Party.“This is a heartless Budget that continues to punish Pasifika peoples,” says Green Party Spokesperson for Pacific Peoples, Teanau Tuiono.   “At a time when Aotearoa has more kids in poverty, more people are homeless, and more people without work, it is Pasifika people who are suffering the most.   “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples, which the Coalition parties have used as a political football for years, is facing close to $3 million in funding cuts. That is close to $3 million in funding cuts to initiatives that directly relate to our Pasifika wellbeing.   “Pasifika...

Posted at May 28, 2026 3:03 PM by Teanau Tuiono

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

people and communities

Government rushes disability bill through Parliament without disabled people at the table

The Green Party says the Government has failed disabled people by rushing the Strengthening Disability Support Services Bill through its first reading just days after it was quietly introduced, with little warning and no meaningful consultation with the disability community.“Nothing about us without us is supposed to mean something in Aotearoa. Instead, disabled people were blindsided,” says Green Party Disability Spokesperson Kahurangi Carter. “This bill was introduced on Monday night with no consultation with disabled people and, incredibly, disability groups...

Posted at May 22, 2026 1:55 PM by Kahurangi Carter

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

people and communities

Luxon backs anti-trans bill as families struggle to pay the bills

The Government should be focused on the cost-of-living crisis facing whānau across Aotearoa, not pushing through NZ First's Definition of a Woman and Man Bill, says the Green Party."People are struggling to pay the rent and the power bills. There is so much this Government should be focusing on," says Green Party Rainbow communities spokesperson Kahu Carter.  "Luxon has chosen to vote in favour of this Bill while communities are warning it will cause real harm, kids are going hungry, and people...

Posted at May 21, 2026 10:43 AM by Kahurangi Carter

people and communities

Greens oppose rushed disability support law changes

The Green Party is opposing the Government’s Disability Support Services Bill, saying disabled people and whānau have once again been shut out of decisions that directly affect their lives.“The Government introduced this Bill without consultation with disabled communities, despite acknowledging that the proposals were sensitive and directly affected disabled people and carers,” says Green Party Disability spokesperson Kahu Carter.  “Nothing about us without us. Disabled people and whānau deserve to be part of decisions that affect our rights, wellbeing, and daily lives.” ...

Posted at May 20, 2026 10:16 AM by Kahurangi Carter

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

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

people and communities

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

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

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

people and communities

First step toward recognition of trans rights in healthcare

The Green Party welcomes this morning’s High Court decision granting The Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa’s (PATHA) application to halt a ban on life-saving medication for trans youth, until a full review can be heard.“Trans rights are human rights and our trans whānau deserve access to critical healthcare,” says Takatāpui and Rainbow Communities spokesperson, Kahurangi Carter. “This is a step in the right direction in the fight for trans rights to be recognised and upheld, and it affirms the...

Posted at December 17, 2025 3:16 PM by Kahurangi Carter

people and communities

Inflated student loan debt stopping New Zealanders from coming home

After collating stories from over 400 New Zealanders living and working overseas, the Green Party is calling for an urgent cross-party inquiry into the student loan repayment scheme for overseas-based New Zealanders.“The system isn’t working, because it isn’t fair,” says the Green Party's Overseas New Zealanders spokesperson, Lawrence Xu-Nan. “We should be welcoming our friends and whānau home for Christmas, but for many of those living overseas with student loans, they’re simply too worried about their debt . “78 per...

Posted at December 09, 2025 11:02 AM by Lawrence Xu-Nan

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

people and communities

One year on from apology, Government still missing in action

Today marks one year since the Government’s formal apology to survivors of abuse in state care. On that day, words were spoken that recognised the harm done, acknowledged the suffering that was endured, and promised change.“One year on, we must question the value of an apology made by a Government that refuses to listen and respond to the voices of survivors,” says the Green Party’s Spokesperson for Children, Kahurangi Carter. “Survivors have repeatedly called for the Government to implement all...

Posted at November 12, 2025 8:45 AM by Kahurangi Carter

people and communities

Greens support union action against pay equity changes

The Green Party supports five major unions taking the Government to the High Court over its changes to pay equity laws.“Working women deserve to be paid what is fair, and they deserve so much better than this Government,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Women, Kahurangi Carter.  “We can and must ensure that women are paid fairly. Workers should be valued and treated as equals, regardless of gender, ethnicity or age. “Unions have rightly highlighted where the Government’s pay equity...

Posted at August 18, 2025 10:10 AM by Kahurangi Carter

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

people and communities

New report confirms Oranga Tamariki is failing tamariki and Government is failing Māori

A new report, ‘Outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori and their whānau in the oranga tamariki system 2023/24,’ has confirmed that Oranga Tamariki is severely failing our most vulnerable Māori youth. “The Government is setting our tamariki up to fail by throwing them into a system that harms instead of helps our kids who are most in need," says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Children, Kahurangi Carter. “Our tamariki and rangatahi deserve to be loved, nurtured and safe in whānau and...

Posted at June 11, 2025 3:55 PM by Kahurangi Carter

people and communities

Report exposes damage of rushed cuts to Oranga Tamariki

Today’s report into last year’s Oranga Tamariki contract procurement process confirms the Government’s brutal cuts were rushed, poorly managed, and made with no concern for the impact on tamariki.“It is now crystal clear that these cuts have come at the expense of the safety and wellbeing of our children,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Children, Kahurangi Carter. “All tamariki in Aotearoa have the right to be loved, nurtured and safe in whānau and communities that have what they need...

Posted at May 15, 2025 4:01 PM by Kahurangi Carter

people and communities

Govt takes workplace equity efforts backwards

The Green Party has called out the Government’s latest attack on workers with the announcement that it is halting all pay equity claims.“Women deserve fair pay. This move to undo years of pay equity progress is a monumental step backwards from the Government,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Women, Kahurangi Carter.  “Workers should be valued and treated as equals regardless of their gender, ethnicity or age. We can and must ensure that women are paid fairly, are treated with...

Posted at May 06, 2025 12:28 PM by Kahurangi Carter

people and communities

Greens continue to call for Pacific Visa Waiver

The Green Party recognises the extension of visa allowances for our Pacific whānau as a step in the right direction but continues to call for a Pacific Visa Waiver. “The Greens continue to call for our Pacific neighbours to be granted Visa Waiver status as a necessary step to strengthen and honour our relationships in the region,” says Green Party spokesperson for Pacific Peoples Teanau Tuiono. “While an extended visa period will lessen the financial and administrative burden for our Pacific...

Posted at April 11, 2025 11:35 AM by Teanau Tuiono

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

people and communities

Govt child poverty targets allow for increase in poverty

The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. “The Government has set itself a standard that would make it ok for more children to be thrown into poverty,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Child Poverty Reduction, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Every child deserves to get the possible start in life. We can and we must eliminate child poverty....

Posted at December 13, 2024 4:14 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

people and communities

Gender-affirming care must centre evidence and health needs, not political posturing

The Ministry of Health has today released an evidence brief regarding the use of puberty blockers in gender-affirming healthcare, amid moves by the government to limit access. “Trans rights are human rights and our trans whānau deserve access to critical healthcare,” says Green Party spokesperson for Rainbow Communities, Kahurangi Carter. “Today, ACT have espoused some incredibly transphobic rhetoric that aims to cause harm and division. We need to do better for our young people than spread misinformation and resort to scare...

Posted at November 21, 2024 3:57 PM by Kahurangi Carter

people and communities

Govt’s child wellbeing strategy ‘shallow and shameful’

The Government is turning its back on children by not only weakening child poverty reduction targets, but also removing child mental wellbeing as a priority focus in their Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy. “Poverty is a political choice, one that this Government is choosing for our children,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Child Poverty Reduction, Ricardo Menéndez March.  “Every child deserves to get the possible start in life. We can and we must eliminate child poverty. The good news is...

Posted at November 21, 2024 9:55 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

people and communities

Pasifika justice as Member’s Bill passes final reading

Teanau Tuiono’s Member’s Bill, the Citizenship (Western Samoa Restoration) Amendment Bill, has passed its third reading and will become law.“This is a huge, historic win for Pasifika Justice, one that offers our country an opportunity for healing,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Pacific Peoples, Teanau Tuiono. The legislation restores the right to citizenship for people from Western Samoa who despite being eligible for New Zealand citizenship were stripped of that right due to a cruel and targeted law in 1982....

Posted at November 20, 2024 6:10 PM by Teanau Tuiono

people and communities

Green Party stands in support of survivors of abuse in care

Today, the Green Party stands alongside the survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based care as the Government issues an historic apology.“Today marks a long-awaited acknowledgment of the harm and trauma endured by survivors," says the Green Party’s Spokesperson for Children, Kahurangi Carter. “This is a significant milestone which recognises the years of courage and resilience required to bring these survivor experiences to light, despite efforts by the state over the decades to cover up the abuses they suffered....

Posted at November 12, 2024 11:00 AM by Kahurangi Carter

people and communities

Without action, an apology will be empty air

For tomorrow’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care to hold any water, the Government must not pursue the same policies that drove the abuse in the first place.“An apology without accountability - or worse, actively perpetuating the same harms - is nothing more than empty air" says the Green Party’s Spokesperson for Children, Kahurangi Carter. “This Government has a responsibility to ensure that no one ever again suffers the horrific abuses these survivors have. The Government...

Posted at November 11, 2024 12:01 PM by Kahurangi Carter

people and communities

Another step towards Pasifika justice

The Green Party acknowledges the historical importance of MP Teanau Tuiono’s Member’s Bill, Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 Bill, passing its second reading in Parliament today. “Today marks another momentous step on our journey towards justice in Aotearoa,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Pacific Peoples, Teanau Tuiono. Teanau Tuiono’s Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 Bill would restore the right to citizenship for people from Western Samoa who were born between 1924 and...

Posted at October 24, 2024 11:15 AM by Teanau Tuiono

people and communities

Time to shut down failed Youth Justice Residences

The Green Party is calling for Youth Justice Residences to close, following a protest in which a group of young people spent the night on the roof of an Oranga Tamariki justice facility.“Rangatahi deserve more than child prisons and military bootcamps. They deserve opportunities," says the Green Party Spokesperson for Youth, Tamatha Paul. “Instead of punching down on our most vulnerable, we should be providing our rangatahi with meaningful life opportunities, healthcare that addresses their needs, but most importantly, the...

Posted at October 22, 2024 2:32 PM by Tamatha Paul

people and communities

Significant step forward for Pasifika justice in Aotearoa

The Green Party has welcomed news that MP Teanau Tuiono’s Member’s Bill has moved forward with unanimous support from the select committee. “This is a significant step forward and a monumental milestone for Pasifika justice in Aotearoa,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Pacific Peoples, Teanau Tuiono. “Today, Parliament’s Governance and Administration Select Committee reported my Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 Bill to the House for its second reading.  “Committee members were unanimous in supporting the primary...

Posted at October 09, 2024 5:50 PM by Teanau Tuiono

people and communities

Greens celebrate huge step forward for ADHD community

The Greens welcome today’s long-coming announcement by Pharmac of consultation to remove the special authority renewal criteria for methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and modafinil and to fund lisdexamfetamine.“Today will be celebrated by hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders living with ADHD,” says Green Party Co-leader and Mental Health spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick.  “Finally, we have achieved concrete steps for more accessible and affordable treatment.  “This announcement has been years in the making, and is only happening because of the mahi of many behind...

Posted at September 12, 2024 11:16 AM by Chlöe Swarbrick

people and communities

Greens call on Govt to wake up on child poverty

The Green Party says the latest statistics on child poverty in this country highlight the callous approach that the Government is taking on this issue of national shame.“Not only is it clear that the Government isn’t focussed enough on stopping child poverty, but also that its policies are making the problem worse by entrenching low-income households in the poverty cycle,” says the Green Party’s Spokesperson for Poverty Reduction, Ricardo Menéndez March. “We can eliminate child poverty - we have enough...

Posted at August 28, 2024 3:42 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

people and communities

Govt fails disabled communities again

The Government’s move to limit the role of Whaikaha is a major setback for disabled people. “The Government is reverting to a tried, tested and failed model while neglecting the voice of disabled communities,” says the Green Party Spokesperson for Disability Kahurangui Carter. “Disabled people know best about the support they need and should be empowered to make the choices that are best for them. Weakening this Ministry does not empower our disabled people - it erodes their agency. “Once again,...

Posted at August 15, 2024 11:04 AM by Kahurangi Carter

people and communities

Govt undermines OT frontline services, breaks pledge

The Minister for Children Karen Chhour’s pledge that cuts to Oranga Tamariki would not impact frontline services has been broken.“This Government’s broken promises and callous cuts to frontline services will see our rangatahi continue to suffer,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Children Kahurangi Carter. “The minister promised that her cuts wouldn’t affect frontline services, but just this week we’ve seen a core provider, Tākai, announce its closure - a sad demise for an organisation that provided critical support to...

Posted at July 31, 2024 1:00 PM by Kahurangi Carter

people and communities

Govt must listen to experiences of abuse survivors

The Government must do all it can to bring abuse in care to an end following the release of the independent inquiry. “We cannot let history repeat itself, we must learn from our mistakes and bring abuse in care to an end,” says the Green Party Spokesperson for Children, Kahurangi Carter. “The difficult journeys and harrowing testimonies from survivors who contributed to the Royal Commission of Inquiry cannot be ignored. It is incumbent on the Government to listen and learn from...

Posted at July 24, 2024 4:01 PM by Kahurangi Carter

democracy and international relations

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

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

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

people and communities

Government missing in action on Pasifika issues

This year’s Budget reflects the heartlessness of the Coalition Government when it comes to Pasifika, according to the Green Party’s Te Mātāwaka (Māori and Pasifika) caucus.“I can summarise this Budget in one word: pathetic,” says Teanau Tuiono, the Green Party Spokesperson for Pacific Peoples.  “The Minister couldn’t even muster the energy to put out a press release - the Government is missing in action on Pasifika issues. Our communities deserve more. “It’s not just cuts to frontline public health and...

Posted at May 30, 2024 3:19 PM by Teanau Tuiono

people and communities

Government ignorant of evidence in neglect of tamariki

Today’s justification from the Minister for Children for scrapping protections for our tamariki was either a case of ignorance or deliberate deception. “Severe neglect and tremendous incompetence have completely consumed this Government’s approach to our tamariki. Minister Chhour is attempting to use a mixture of smoke, mirrors and blatant disinformation to cloud over the damage the repeal of 7AA will do,’ says Green Party spokesperson for Children, Kahurangi Carter.  “Minister Chhour’s comments that Section 7AA creates conflict for Oranga Tamariki when...

Posted at May 14, 2024 2:52 PM by Kahurangi Carter

people and communities

Significant step forward in fixing cruel and unjust past

A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. “Fairness is at the heart of this Bill. We had a group of New Zealand citizens who had their citizenship recognised and then had their citizenship removed by statute. That is unfair.” says Green Party spokesperson for Pacific Peoples Teanau Tuiono. Teanau Tuiono’s Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982...

Posted at April 10, 2024 6:04 PM by Teanau Tuiono

people and communities

MPP cuts unforgivable

Slashing the Ministry of Pacific Peoples by 40% will have a devastating impact on pacific communities and further highlights how little this government cares about anything other than cutting taxes for the wealthiest few. “Aotearoa is a Pacific nation. The interconnectedness of our whakapapa and history across Te Moana nui a Kiwa is as extensive and deep as the moana itself,” says Green Party’s Pacific Peoples Spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “When Pacific peoples, communities, and cultures thrive, Aotearoa thrives.  “For many years,...

Posted at March 28, 2024 1:38 PM by Teanau Tuiono

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

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

people and communities

Greens secure representation for rainbow athletes

The Government has tonight adopted an amendment to the Integrity Sport and Recreation Bill at a crucial stage of the Parliamentary process that will ensure LGBTQI+ representation.“The establishment of a new Integrity Sport and Recreation Commission will be key to ensuring that everyone who participates in sports and recreation in Aotearoa is protected and their wellbeing is looked after. Today, the Green Patty has made sure our rainbow community will be included in this,” says Green Party rainbow spokesperson Ricardo...

Posted at August 16, 2023 8:44 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

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

people and communities

Greens urge Govt to prioritise voices of residents in review

The Green Party is welcoming a review announced today of the Retirement Villages Act, and is urging the Government to make sure voices and rights of residents are emphasised more than industry.“Every person deserves to have access to decent housing, including in their final decades of life. Successive governments have enabled an aggressive for-profit model which dominates many retirement villages. This has failed to centre the wellbeing of residents who do not have the same rights as tenants and we...

Posted at August 02, 2023 11:50 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

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

democracy and international relations

The time is now for overstayer amnesty

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

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

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