Articles by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Government clears the way to automate decisions about people's survival

The Green Party is condemning the Government's move to hand decisions on benefits over to automated systems, warning it will leave more people in hardship without the support they are legally entitled to."Handing decisions about people's ability to survive to a machine is a deliberate choice to make it harder for people to get the help they need," says Green Party social development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March.  The Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Bill will be introduced today for its first...

Posted at May 29, 2026 11:07 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

National’s public housing reform ‘cuts costs’ at the expense of our most vulnerable

The Green Party is warning that the Government’s changes to public housing will see more public housing tenants evicted and driven deeper into poverty. “Luxon’s Government has built on their despicable pattern of finding ‘savings’ in their budget from the empty pockets of the poorest people in New Zealand,” says Green Party Housing spokesperson, Tamatha Paul.  “They are balancing their budget on the backs of pensioners, beneficiaries and disabled people who rely on public housing.”  “Increasing rents by 20% on top of unaffordable food costs, power bills and medical bills is simply cruel.”  “Ironically, they say they want to limit time spent in public housing, yet these changes mean that these tenants will never be able to...

Posted at May 21, 2026 1:07 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March and Tamatha Paul

culture and innovation

Rising food prices hitting New Zealanders while supermarket duopoly not held accountable

Rising food prices are hitting New Zealanders in the pocket and driving them to hunger says MP Ricardo Menéndez March, Green Party spokesperson for Commerce and Consumer Affairs."While the supermarkets have been making $1 million a day in excess profits, food prices have surged 4.5% over the last year. Fruit and vegetables, a core staple, are up a massive 9.4%.” “The stark contrast is appalling, and these ridiculous prices are not sustainable for New Zealanders who are being strong-armed by...

Posted at March 17, 2026 1:33 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Government legalises debts for survivors of sexual violence and abuse in state care

The Government today passed legislation entrenching nearly 40,000 people, including many sexual abuse and abuse in state care survivors in debt.  Pushing survivors of sexual abuse, survivors of abuse in care and injured people into debt is cruel and inhumane," said Green Party spokesperson for social development Ricardo Menéndez March.   "The Government had every opportunity to not entrench an unlawful policy that has harmed survivors of abuse. They were asked to exempt them, but today they refused.   "Just over a...

Posted at March 05, 2026 5:59 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Greens call on the Government to increase and extend the Civil Defence Payment to all regions affected

The Civil Defence Payment is finally being activated for some communities impacted by last week’s climate-charged weather events, after the Greens urged the Government to make the support available.“While we welcome the Civil Defence Payment, the Government needs to increase the payment and make it available to all regions affected by the extreme weather events” says Green Party Social Development and Employment Spokesperson, Ricardo Menendez March.  “It shouldn’t have taken this long, and it shouldn’t have taken such persistence from the Greens to activate this payment.   “We wrote to the Prime Minister earlier this week and we’re glad that pressure worked.  “We intend to keep the pressure...

Posted at January 29, 2026 4:37 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

No sign of Govt’s ‘green shoots’ in latest jobs figures

Today’s figures, which show fewer jobs in the construction and manufacturing sectors than a year ago, are further proof that the Government for the rich is failing working New Zealanders.“These figures paint a damning picture of an economy that’s failing to provide enough jobs or security for workers,” says the Green Party’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “New Zealanders should be in control of our economy, our jobs, and our future. We can create the jobs we...

Posted at January 28, 2026 12:58 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Christmas stolen for NZ born footballer facing deportation

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

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

services and systems

Another blow to young people as unemployment reaches near nine-year high

Unemployment has surged to its highest level in close to nine years, with young people bearing the brunt of the crisis.“The Government must take ownership for its decision to cut thousands of jobs, and then punish those left unemployed," says the Green Party spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Since mid-2023, this Government has driven the loss of 150,000 jobs in Aotearoa, including 80,000 jobs in the 15-35 age bracket.  “This isn't just an economic crisis. The...

Posted at November 05, 2025 11:29 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Govt for the rich failing unemployed New Zealanders

Today’s Ministry of Social Development stats, which show record numbers of New Zealanders relying on benefits, are further proof that the Government for the rich is failing unemployed people and fuelling poverty.“These figures paint a damning picture of an economy that’s failing to provide enough jobs or opportunities,” says the Green Party’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “New Zealanders should be in control of our economy, our jobs, and our future. We can create the jobs we...

Posted at October 16, 2025 11:35 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Overstayers need pathway to residency

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

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

services and systems

New high in unemployment as Govt punishes the jobless

Latest stats indicating the worst unemployment numbers since the outbreak of the pandemic are further proof that the Government’s policies are forcing people further into hardship and poverty. “The Government should take ownership for its decision to cut thousands of jobs, and then punish the unemployed,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Instead of sanctioning people for being unemployed when there is no work, we can build a workforce with good jobs that support...

Posted at August 06, 2025 11:47 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Time for Govt to get serious on household debt

The Green Party is calling on the Government to intervene following a new report on rising household debt from FinCap. “Every family deserves to live with dignity, no household should be forced to go into debt to survive,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Ricardo Menéndez March.  “The Voices report released today shows that the Government needs to put an end to debt collectors exploiting families in vulnerable situations and do more for those struggling.  “We support...

Posted at July 31, 2025 9:00 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

People need opportunities not punishment to find jobs

The Green Party is calling on the Government to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to helping people into jobs following a new report, ‘The Pipeline of Potential,’ that highlights how people out of work need opportunities, not punishment, to find employment. “Instead of punishing people for being unemployed when there is no work, we can build a workforce with good jobs that support the common good,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Workforce Planning, Ricardo Menéndez...

Posted at July 24, 2025 8:46 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Benefit sanctions double under National as unemployment soars

Latest figures from the Ministry of Social Development show the Government is pushing more and more people into unemployment, while punishing them with sanctions for being out of work. “It’s no wonder people are fleeing the country in droves with this Government punishing people for being unemployed at a time when there are little to no jobs,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development, Ricardo Menéndez March. “This is blatant cruelty dressed up as policy. People deserve to live in...

Posted at July 17, 2025 11:08 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Govt parent boost changes prioritise rich over poor

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

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

services and systems

Govt’s budget balanced on the backs of low-income families

The Government is quietly leaving some of our poorest families hundreds of dollars worse off, ignoring warnings that changes to the accommodation supplement and public housing subsidies will disproportionately target disabled, older, Māori, Pasifika, and young people.“This is a stealth cut, pushed through with no acknowledgement of the harm it will cause,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Housing, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Housing is a human right. We can build an Aotearoa in which everyone has what they need, and...

Posted at May 30, 2025 8:46 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

‘Growth Budget’ = growth in poverty

The Government’s Budget is failing families in poverty by pulling the rug on young people receiving income support and allowing more children to go without enough food on the table.“This ‘Growth Budget’ will result in a growth in poverty, particularly for the vulnerable teenagers who have had support stripped away from them,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “The Government has just told teenagers doing it tough that they are on their own....

Posted at May 22, 2025 2:50 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Social Security Amendment Bill pushes poverty on people

The Government’s just-passed Social Security Amendment Bill is set to create more benefit sanctions that will push families deeper into poverty. “Instead of punching down on the poor like the current Government, we can end poverty and provide everyone with what they need to live good lives,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Calling these new sanctions non-financial is misleading, as they’ll still deprive people of the ability to access financial support like hardship...

Posted at May 15, 2025 4:19 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Govt for the rich is failing the unemployed

The latest job market statistics show that unemployed people are being failed by a Government more focused on punishing the poor than creating jobs.“This Government for the rich is failing unemployed people and fuelling poverty,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “The economy belongs to us, we can build it for us. We can ensure people have stable employment and incomes instead of slashing jobs and cutting back on support for those trying...

Posted at May 07, 2025 11:32 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

More children going hungry under Coalition govt

The Government yesterday released its annual child poverty statistics, and by its own admission, more tamariki across Aotearoa are now living in material hardship.“The Government should be ashamed of the fact that more children are going without enough food and bare essentials under their watch,” says Green Party Social Development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. “Everyone in Aotearoa deserves a warm, dry home, a bed of their own, and a full belly. What’s achingly sad is that we have all the...

Posted at April 11, 2025 9:55 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Government tramples on the rights of disabled migrant children

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

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

services and systems

Benefit levels fail to keep families out of poverty

The Salvation Army’s State of the Nation report is a bleak indictment on the failure of Government to take steps to end poverty, with those on benefits, including their children, hit hardest.“Poverty is a political choice this Government is choosing for our communities, intentionally exacerbating inequality and pushing thousands of families into hardship,” says the Green Party Spokesperson for Social Development, Ricardo Menéndez March. “In this country, we have the means and resources to ensure all whānau have the basics...

Posted at February 12, 2025 8:16 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Govt’s lack of a plan shows in soaring unemployment stats

The latest labour market figures confirm unemployment has risen to levels not seen since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.“This Government lacks a plan for creating jobs, its only plan is entrenching poverty for our poorest communities,” says the Green Party’s Social Development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. “Our country has the means to build an economy that works for everyone and leaves nobody behind. We can invest in the public services and infrastructure which support our communities into meaningful jobs...

Posted at February 05, 2025 11:49 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Govt’s sanctions regime fails us all

The Government’s newly released data paints a damning picture: the sanctions regime targeting beneficiaries is an abject failure. “Benefit sanctions deprive people of the means to survive and there is no evidence they support people into paid employment,” says the Green Party’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “This is blatant cruelty dressed up as policy. People deserve to live in dignity and to be supported in times of need, not punished.  “The Government's own data shows their vindictive...

Posted at January 23, 2025 12:02 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

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

services and systems

Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families

Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials.“Poverty is a political choice this Government is choosing, pushing through policy that will punch down on those in need,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development, Ricardo Menéndez March. “People deserve to live in dignity and to be supported in times of need. In this country we can afford to look after...

Posted at December 13, 2024 9:14 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Govt continues to punch down

The Government’s new initiative to get people off the benefit won’t address the core drivers of poverty such as low incomes, lack of access to adequate housing and lack of employment opportunities. “This shallow, soundbite policy will see poverty continue to proliferate,” says the Green Party’s Social Development Spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “People deserve to live in dignity, they deserve to be supported in times of need. We can afford to look after one another, all that is missing is the...

Posted at December 03, 2024 9:00 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

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

services and systems

Near four-year high unemployment reveals dire need for new direction

Today, Statistics New Zealand’s latest labour market report revealed that unemployment has reached 4.8 per cent, the highest rate since late 2020, during the COVID pandemic.“The Government’s economy for the rich is leaving thousands behind," says the Green Party’s Spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez-March. “We can build an economy that works for everyone and leaves nobody behind by investing in the public services and infrastructure which support our communities as well as programmes like jobs for nature...

Posted at November 06, 2024 11:15 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Louise Upston cherry-picks data to punch down on the poor

The Government has very conveniently cherry-picked data from the latest MSD projections to justify its cruel agenda and punch-down policy when it comes to people living in poverty. “Poverty is a political choice this Government is choosing for our communities,” says the Green Party’s social development spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “We can choose to look after each other and ensure everyone has enough to get by and that nobody gets left behind. The solutions exist and they are right at our...

Posted at October 31, 2024 10:08 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Soaring benefit sanctions push more into poverty

Sanctions on beneficiaries have sky-rocketed since the Coalition Government came to power, pushing more families into poverty.“This heartless Government has more than doubled benefit sanctions, stripping people of their dignity and ability to put food on the table,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “People deserve to live in dignity, they deserve to be supported in times of need. We can afford to look after one another, all that is missing is the...

Posted at October 17, 2024 10:48 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Urgent intervention needed on supermarkets

The Green Party is calling on the Government to intervene in the supermarket duopoly dominating our supply of groceries following today’s report from the Commerce Commission.“The greed of our supermarkets is coming at a severe cost to our communities. We need urgent intervention to ensure people are coming before profit,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for commerce and consumer affairs, Ricardo Menéndez March.“Everyone deserves to be able to put food on the table for their whānau. The food systems that...

Posted at September 04, 2024 10:53 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

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

services and systems

Govt more interested in punishing beneficiaries than ending poverty

The expansion of compulsory money management and introduction of mandatory community service for beneficiaries reheats failed policies that have not supported people into work both here and in Australia.“People in poverty deserve so much better than the pain and misery this Government is inflicting upon them,” says Green Party Social Development and Employment spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March.  “People deserve to live in dignity, they deserve to be supported in times of need. Everything we need to turn this ambition into...

Posted at August 12, 2024 4:02 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Govt setting poverty trap with punitive policies

Rising unemployment confirmed by the latest labour market figures, along with the Government’s job cuts and punitive policies for beneficiaries, will place great strain on struggling households.“This Government is setting a poverty trap by cutting thousands of jobs while at the same time intentionally cutting benefit increases,” says the Green Party’s Social Development Spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. “As a country we have more than enough to ensure everyone has the means to put food on the table and live in...

Posted at August 07, 2024 12:34 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Government quietly waters down child poverty targets

The Government’s move to dilute child poverty targets is a reminder that it is actively choosing to preserve hardship for thousands of households. “The Government has watered down our child poverty targets by stealth, a decision that will plunge thousands of children into material hardship,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development, Ricardo Menéndez March. “This decision will have severe consequences for our communities and is something the Government has tried to do as quietly as possible. There has been...

Posted at July 25, 2024 2:40 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

MSD figures show Govt determined to punish beneficiaries

The 53.7 percent rise in benefit sanctions over the last year is more proof of this Government’s disdain for our communities most in need of support. “The huge rise in benefit sanctions is just further evidence of the callous politics and cruel agenda at the heart of this Government,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Benefit sanctions hurt people already struggling to make ends meet and limit their chances of escaping poverty.  “This is...

Posted at July 18, 2024 11:33 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Government prioritises punishing beneficiaries again

Frivolous check-ins with beneficiaries are the Government’s latest plan to find excuses to punish those on the Job Seeker allowance and add to the stigma they face.“The Government is more interested in punishing the poor than actually helping people into good employment,” says the Green Party’s social development spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “The Government cannot be serious about supporting people into work when their target of getting 50,000 off a benefit includes people leaving because they died or entered a...

Posted at June 24, 2024 12:13 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Government shows allergy to evidence in benefits crackdown

The Government has been caught in opposition to evidence once again as it looks to usher in tried, tested and failed work seminar obligations for job-seeking beneficiaries.“Poverty is a political choice and this Government is not only choosing to maintain it but also make life even harder for those doing it tough,” says Green Party spokesperson for Social Development and Employment Ricardo Menéndez March. “Minister Upston and her colleagues in cruelty are doubling down on wanting to punish people in...

Posted at May 09, 2024 10:56 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

New unemployment figures paint bleak picture

The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. “Slashing Government spending mixed with severe job cuts and declining state support will prove to be a catastrophic cocktail for our communities already under significant strain,” says Green Party Social Development and Employment spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March.  “Today’s unemployment figures, the highest we have seen in three years, show that the Government’s dated and...

Posted at May 01, 2024 12:16 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Greens join call to create special visa for Palestinians

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

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

services and systems

Govt must prioritise building more homes, not kicking people out

If the Government was serious about moving families into public housing, they would build more houses so there is actually somewhere for people to go. “The shameful reality is that many children are being raised in hotels and backpackers in our country. The Government will make this issue worse by adding more barriers for people to enter secure, permanent public housing,” says the Green Party’s social development spokesperson, Ricardo Menendez March. “How on earth has it escaped the Government’s notice that...

Posted at March 06, 2024 3:06 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Migrant worker changes fall short

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

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

services and systems

Benefit sanctions will punish people who need support

The National-led Government’s plans to arbitrarily increase benefit sanctions will have a lasting impact on the people who need our support the most.“Today’s announcement confirms the Government’s goal of pushing more people into poverty via benefit sanctions,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March.  “Sanctions do not work. They do not support people into meaningful employment, nor support them to participate fully in their communities. Taking away people’s incomes only makes it harder for...

Posted at February 19, 2024 4:15 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Groundhog Day as National once again punishes people on benefits

The coalition Government has today conceded that it did not consider the impact of its benefit changes on children. “It is unconscionable that Cabinet Ministers took the decision to cut yearly increases to benefits, made worse by the disregard of the harm it would do to children,” says the Green Party’s social development spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. While forcing benefit changes through urgency without proper scrutiny, the Minister responsible, Louise Upston told Parliament in answer to questions from the Greens that...

Posted at February 14, 2024 4:09 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

National Govt will make more people poorer

The Social Development Minister, Louise Upston’s plan to increase benefit sanctions and decrease the rate at which benefits increase each year will make life harder for thousands and push more people into hardship.“Everybody should have a warm home to live in and enough food to put on the table, but successive Governments have chosen to set income levels below poverty levels while the rich get richer,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Speaking...

Posted at February 11, 2024 10:53 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Income support for unemployed must be urgently increased

Stats NZ unemployment data released today further highlights the urgent need for this government to step up and provide everyone with enough to get by.“Everyone has the right to safe, decent, and meaningful work. But when we may find ourselves without work, it is equally important for there to be a safety net in place to make sure we always have enough to put food on the table and pay the bills,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Social Development...

Posted at February 07, 2024 2:36 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

National's welfare policy is cruel

The National Party’s job seeker policy announced today is heartless.“National is deliberately and heartlessly choosing to make life harder for thousands of people. A National government would literally leave children to go hungry and punish families. It is cruel, ill-thought out, and will endanger the wellbeing of thousands of people. The policy goes against our shared values of caring for each other,” says the Green Party’s social development spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “The Green Party’s plan will treat people with...

Posted at September 26, 2023 11:04 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Only the Greens will deliver a fair amnesty for overstayers

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

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

democracy and international relations

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

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

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

services and systems

A National/ACT Government would make life miserable for those already worst off

Only a party vote for the Greens will end poverty. ACT’S welfare policy announced today is as cruel as it gets.With National doing absolutely nothing for those on low incomes, it’s clear that these two parties in government would be dangerous for those already struggling. “The Green Party’s plan is the right and compassionate thing to do to make sure that no matter what, everyone will always have enough to cover life’s essentials. All paid for by a simple and...

Posted at September 15, 2023 1:57 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Only the Green Party will deliver free dental care for all

With more Green MPs we can build on Labour’s announcement today and make dental care free for everyone.“With a strong Green voice we can be bolder and provide free dental to everyone, paid for with a wealth tax,” says Green Party health spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. “Everybody in Aotearoa should be able to go to the dentist when they need to. But we know that for far too many Kiwis that it is just too expensive. “The current dental care...

Posted at September 02, 2023 2:20 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

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

services and systems

Greens release dental stories collection

The Green Party has today released a collection of stories showing exactly why dental care should be free in Aotearoa. “We put the call out for people to tell us their stories. What we heard was dire, but not surprising. This is exactly why we have promised to make dental care free for everyone,” says Green Party health spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. “The failure of successive governments to include dental care in the public health system has pushed some people...

Posted at August 10, 2023 3:10 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

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

services and systems

Tell us the tooth: Green Party asks Aotearoa to tell their dental care stories

The Green Party are today launching a campaign asking for people to submit their stories of what it’s really like taking care of your oral health in Aotearoa.“Everybody in Aotearoa should be able to access essential healthcare and go to the dentist when they need to. But we know that for far too many Kiwis that is just simply not possible. Too many people are forced to put it off because it is too expensive,” says Green Party health spokesperson...

Posted at July 25, 2023 12:01 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Greens urge all political parties to support amendment to ban big pharma ads

The Green Party plans to table an amendment to the Therapeutic Products Bill to ban direct to consumer advertising for prescription medicines.“It’s so important that we protect communities against the exploitative advertising strategies of big pharmaceutical companies. We urge political parties across the board to support our amendment. People’s wellbeing should not suffer because of politics,” says Green Party health spokesperson Ricardo Menendez March. “New Zealand is an outlier when it comes to protecting healthcare workers and patients from aggressive...

Posted at July 18, 2023 1:27 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Food prices another clear example of why tax changes are urgent

Rising food prices show exactly why now is the time to shake up the tax system and raise the money we need to lift every family out of poverty.Stats NZ data shows that food prices have increased 12.5 percent for the year ending June 2023, with fruit and vegetable prices increasing 22 percent. “A government with the political courage to tax the wealthiest few could raise enough money to lift every family out of poverty and guarantee everyone enough to...

Posted at July 13, 2023 10:52 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Government must ban dawn raids and grant amnesty

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

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

services and systems

Government needs to end kidney health inequities

The Green Party is urging the Government to ensure everyone can access adequate kidney health treatment.“Today’s report by Kidney Health New Zealand is a reflection of the broader systemic challenges in our healthcare system. People who work in kidney health are under severe stress, too many people are left without adequate treatment and not enough resources are put into prevention”, says Ricardo Menéndez March, Green Party health spokesperson. “We know that food insecurity, lack of access to housing, and inadequate...

Posted at June 28, 2023 10:13 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Food banks are not the solution

The Green Party is today calling on the Government to implement the Income Guarantee, in addition to funding food banks.“Demand for food banks is increasing, but the Greens know that food banks are not a solution, they are a symptom of inequality and poverty. The time is now to lift every single family out of poverty through our Income Guarantee and to pay for it with a fair tax system,” says the Green Party spokesperson for social development, Ricardo Menéndez...

Posted at June 26, 2023 4:12 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

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

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

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

democracy and international relations

Greens secure greater protections for exploited migrant workers

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

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

services and systems

Income guarantee a clear and immediate solution to Prod Comm findings

The Green Party’s Income Guarantee could be a central pillar of the “social floor” recommended today by the Productivity Commission.“Hundreds of thousands of people across Aotearoa are struggling every day to afford life’s essentials. There’s a clear and immediate solution and that’s an Income Guarantee paid for with a fair tax on the wealthiest few,” says the Green Party spokesperson for social development, Ricardo Menéndez March. “A Fair Chance for All, released today by the Productivity Commission shines a light...

Posted at June 20, 2023 10:17 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Greens' Income Guarantee is needed more than ever

Continued rising food prices shows exactly why Aotearoa needs the Green Party’s Income Guarantee.“As food prices continue to rise, tens of thousands of people are struggling to put food on the table and pay the bills. Meanwhile, the wealthiest few are continuing to get richer. This cannot continue. The time is now to lift every single family out of poverty through our Income Guarantee and to pay for it with a fair tax system,” says the Green Party spokesperson for...

Posted at June 14, 2023 3:23 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Enough posturing, let’s get on and build enough public housing

The Green Party is urging the Government to take its own advice and come up with a long-term plan to build thousands more public homes.“Our message is clear: now is the time to commit to a long-term plan to build the homes we need,” says Green Party spokesperson for public housing Ricardo Menéndez March. Speaking at a conference today, the Minister of Housing Megan Woods justified the decision in the Budget to fund only one more year of public housing...

Posted at May 24, 2023 1:28 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Free prescriptions important step forward

The Green Party is today welcoming free prescriptions.“There should be no barriers to anyone accessing the healthcare they need. Often, prescription costs are a significant barrier to care, and a driver for people not accessing medicines that are critical to their wellbeing,” says Green Party health spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. “Five dollars may not seem like much, but for many households it is another unavoidable added cost on top of food and rent. “Without regular treatment for chronic conditions such...

Posted at May 18, 2023 2:20 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Long-term commitment needed on public housing

Budget 2023’s investment in public housing falls short of what’s needed.“Our communities living in motels and in overcrowded homes need long-term funding from the Government to guarantee they all have a healthy, safe, and affordable home, no matter if they rent or own,” says Green Party spokesperson for public housing Ricardo Menéndez March. “There are few things more important to people and whānau than the homes and communities they live in. When people are able to live in stable and...

Posted at May 18, 2023 2:20 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Govt must break up supermarkets

The Government needs to do much more to address supermarket profiteering, which is driving high food prices.“A report released today says that the Government’s proposed reforms will not be enough to address the high cost of groceries,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for commerce and consumer affairs, Ricardo Menéndez March.“The report agrees with what the Green Party has been saying for a really long time: that the time is now to break up the supermarket duopoly.“Not only that but the...

Posted at May 12, 2023 11:38 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Action to support people to put food on the table more urgent than ever

Yet another increase in food prices shows the urgent need for the Government to tax wealth and use the money to help people put food on the table.“As food prices continue to rise, almost half a million people in Aotearoa rely on food banks to afford to eat. Meanwhile, the wealthiest few are continuing to get richer. This simply cannot continue,” says the Green Party spokesperson for commerce and consumer affairs, Ricardo Menéndez March. “A recent survey showed that rising...

Posted at May 11, 2023 10:49 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

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

services and systems

Government must end benefit sanctions and cancel debt

The Government needs to end benefit sanctions, cancel debt to the Ministry of Social Development, and immediately lift benefits, says the Green Party.“The tools to lift every family and child out of poverty exist, the Government just needs to use them,” says Green Party social development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. “The Greens would ensure everyone has enough to live their lives with dignity, by increasing benefits to liveable levels, ending sanctions, wiping debt, doubling Civil Defence Payments, and increasing the...

Posted at April 20, 2023 10:36 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

Labour must come to table on RSE residency

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

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

culture and innovation

Action needed to stop supermarkets taking advantage of people

Supermarket profiteering is driving high food prices and it needs to be reined in urgently, the Green Party says.“The cruel truth is that food price rises driven by supermarket profiteering are making it harder and harder for people to afford to eat. The evidence for an excess profits tax on supermarkets could not be clearer,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for commerce and consumer affairs, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Data released today shows once again that food prices are at record...

Posted at April 17, 2023 11:22 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

democracy and international relations

All migrant workers deserve pathways to residency

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

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

services and systems

Liveable incomes needed

With benefit changes coming into effect tomorrow, the Green Party is calling on the Government to lift benefits to liveable levels to make sure everyone has what they need to thrive.“Let’s be clear, continuing to keep benefits at a level where people do not have enough to thrive is a political choice. The tools to lift every family out of poverty already exist, and the Government needs to use them,” says Green Party social development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. “The...

Posted at March 31, 2023 2:22 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Child poverty stats show need for action

The Green Party is calling on the Government to immediately provide more support to families doing it toughest.Statistics released today by Stats NZ show the situation has not improved and that progress to lift children out of poverty is far too slow. “The tools to lift every family and child out of poverty exist, the Government just needs to use them. They can start by increasing benefits to liveable levels, expanding Working for Families, and doubling Best Start and making...

Posted at March 23, 2023 12:34 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

culture and innovation

Bold action needed to help people eat

Biggest increase in food prices for over three decades shows the need for an excess profit tax on corporations to help people put food on the table.“Supermarkets are pushing up prices and maximising profits, meanwhile everyday New Zealanders are getting fleeced and struggling to put food on the table. The Government needs to tax excess profit and use the money to help people make ends meet,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for commerce and consumer affairs, Ricardo Menéndez March. “A...

Posted at March 13, 2023 1:37 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Govt must urgently wipe MSD debt

The Green Party is calling on the Government to clear debt people are being forced into by MSD, and support those doing it toughest. “Wiping debt to MSD would help people cover the essentials, protect against predatory lenders and give people the freedom and resources to do what is right for their communities,” says Green Party social development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. “Right now thousands of people are struggling to pay bills and put food on the table. Even pre-pandemic people...

Posted at February 27, 2023 11:02 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Additional cyclone support needed for people

The Green Party welcomes the relief funding announced today and calls on the Government to go further by providing additional direct support to people impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle and the January floods.“Immediate steps the Government should take to help people get back on their feet is to double the Civil Defence Payment, expand Working for Families, and introduce the Winter Energy Payment two months earlier than planned,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for social development, Ricardo Menéndez March. “Although extreme...

Posted at February 20, 2023 7:53 PM by Ricardo Menéndez March

services and systems

Greens call for Civil Defence Payment to be doubled

The Green Party is today calling on the Government to double the maximum Civil Defence Payment for Aucklanders affected by flooding.“Families have had their homes, and many of their possessions destroyed in the recent climate-fuelled flooding. As an immediate intervention, the Civil Defence Payment needs to urgently be doubled to reflect rising costs of essentials, and ensure families are back on their feet as soon as possible,” says Greens spokesperson for social development Ricardo Menéndez March. “Currently, for a single...

Posted at February 08, 2023 8:58 AM by Ricardo Menéndez March