News

Articles by Tamatha Paul

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

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

Greens call on Government to make Civil Defence Payment available

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

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

te tiriti o waitangi

Government rams through sweeping changes to Te Tiriti in legislation

The Green Party is condemning the Government’s weakening of Te Tiriti o Waitangi provisions across multiple pieces of legislation. "Pushing through these sweeping changes in secret shows this Government is a dishonourable Treaty partner," says Green Party MP Tamatha Paul.  Documents seen by Paul outline Cabinet's decision to amend Treaty provisions across 23 pieces of legislation.   Under the changes, the standard of Treaty obligation would be reduced to no higher than "take into account".   Treaty references in other laws would be repealed entirely. The decisions were made in...

Posted at April 19, 2026 6:35 PM by Tamatha Paul

Wellington Council budget cuts would ruin capital city’s green reputation

The Green Party is astounded to read a Wellington City Council working group’s newly released cost-cutting proposal which includes major slash and burn cuts to climate change and transport.“Our city has been internationally recognised for its leadership in reducing emissions and transforming our transport system. This cost-cutting proposal completely guts that reputation and decades of good Green mahi within the council” says Green Party Wellington Central MP, Tamatha Paul.  “Wellington’s competitive factor is that we are a green city in every...

Posted at March 13, 2026 5:56 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Increasing homelessness requires increased political commitment to end homelessness

The Green Party is calling on the Government to commit to solutions to end homelessness, following the National Homelessness Data Project’s latest report which shows that, in every area, rates of homelessness are either unchanged or getting worse.“Make no mistake, increases in homelessness are a direct result of this Government’s cruel decision to make emergency housing tougher to access and to cut public housing builds,” says Green Party housing spokesperson, Tamatha Paul. “Auckland homelessness has more than doubled between 2024...

Posted at December 15, 2025 3:35 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Greens strengthen New Zealand’s first ever stalking law

The Green Party’s successful amendment to New Zealand’s first ever stalking law will better protect victims of stalking and harassment.  “Late last night, the Green Party joined with all parties across Parliament to welcome a long-overdue bill that addresses a longstanding gap in our legislation which focuses on stalking and harassment” says Green Party Police spokesperson, Tamatha Paul. “To everyone who got involved and made their voices heard; thank you. Today’s decision shows what’s possible when people organise around a vision...

Posted at November 20, 2025 9:11 AM by Tamatha Paul

te tiriti o waitangi

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

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

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

services and systems

Govt homelessness announcement a drop in the ocean

The Government’s 300 new social housing places will fail to even begin to address the homelessness crisis in Aotearoa, says the Green Party. “This barely touches the sides of the homelessness crisis deepened under this Government,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Housing, Tamatha Paul.  “Housing is a human right, but this Government is treating it like a business where profit comes first and people come second.  “While every new Housing First place is valuable, the lease of 300 new places...

Posted at September 05, 2025 12:19 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Government rolls out red carpet for mega-rich on housing

The Green Party is calling out the Government for making it easier for wealthy overseas investors to buy a house here while many renters and home-buyers cannot afford to.“Rather than making home ownership easier, the Government is rolling out the red carpet for rich investors,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Housing Tamatha Paul. “Housing is a human right, but this Government treats it as a business where profit comes first. The Government’s entire economic plan is based on rich...

Posted at September 01, 2025 3:46 PM by Tamatha Paul

te tiriti o waitangi

Greens launch petition to restore Te Reo electorate names in capital

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

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

services and systems

Govt confirms homelessness is rising, fails to take responsibility

The Government’s Homelessness Insights report has confirmed that homelessness is on the rise. “The Government has confirmed what we have all seen on our streets, which is that homelessness is on the rise under its watch,” says Green Party spokesperson for Housing Tamatha Paul.  “Housing is a human right and something we can afford to provide to everyone, no matter how tough times get. “The changes to emergency housing eligibility have created misery in our communities. This is how the Government...

Posted at July 23, 2025 3:19 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Greens call on Housing Minister to be honest about homelessness

The Green Party is calling on the Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka to come clean about the impact his decisions are having on homelessness following an interview with Q&A this morning where he dodged questions and avoided accountability. “Tama Potaka needs to tell the truth and admit that his cuts to accessing emergency housing are behind the rise in homelessness that we are seeing across the country,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Housing, Tamatha Paul. “Housing is a human...

Posted at July 20, 2025 10:26 AM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Healthy Homes standards need more teeth

With mandatory Healthy Homes standards coming into effect for all tenancies tomorrow, the Green Party is calling for a new Rental Warrant of Fitness system to give the new standards true effect.“Healthy Homes standards are only meaningful if they are enforced by a system that is independent and has teeth,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Housing, Tamatha Paul. “We should turn the Healthy Homes standards into a Rental Warrant of Fitness that is certified by independent certifiers, not self-certified...

Posted at June 30, 2025 4:27 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Housing crisis will rage on with Budget 2025

Budget 2025 makes clear that the Coalition Government has no long-term plan to help communities most in need of public housing.“This Budget treats housing like a game of monopoly, where a select few get homes while others are left out in the cold,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Housing, Tamatha Paul.  "By cutting more money from social and transitional housing, the Māori Housing Programme and emergency housing, this Government for landlords has abandoned all hope of solving the housing...

Posted at May 22, 2025 4:36 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Greens call for compassionate release of Dean Wickliffe

The Green Party is calling for the compassionate release of Dean Wickliffe, a 77-year-old kaumātua on hunger strike at the Spring Hill Corrections Facility, after visiting him at the prison.“We are calling on the Minister of Corrections to urgently intervene when it comes to the safety and survival of Dean Wickliffe who is entering day nine of his hunger strike,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Corrections, Tamatha Paul. “People in prison are human beings and have rights. The Minister...

Posted at March 19, 2025 12:50 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Government plan fails on growing public housing stock

The Green Party says the Government is giving up on growing the country’s public housing stock, despite overwhelming evidence that we need more affordable houses to solve the housing crisis.“The Government has given up on the housing crisis, using the review into Kāinga Ora to push their privatisation agenda,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Housing Tamatha Paul. “Public housing is as essential as public healthcare and public education. Housing is a human right that this Government is denying our...

Posted at February 04, 2025 11:37 AM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Open season on renters begins with no-cause evictions

The Green Party says that with no-cause evictions returning from today, the move to allow landlords to end tenancies without reason plunges renters, and particularly families who rent, into insecurity and stress.“Open season on renters has begun, as this Government for landlords creates more insecurity and pain for renters,” says the Green Party's Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul.  “No-cause evictions mean that renters can be removed from their homes without reason, undermining housing stability and perpetuating insecurity. It’s another cruel step...

Posted at January 30, 2025 10:45 AM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Greens welcome deadline extension but reiterate call for Bill to be binned

The Green Party welcomes the extension of the deadline for Treaty Principles Bill submissions but continues to call on the Government to abandon the Bill. “We welcome the bare minimum decision to extend the deadline but know this Bill must be put in the bin altogether. Our founding agreement should never be up for negotiation by one tiny part of one side,” says the Green Party’s Justice Committee representative, Tamatha Paul.  “Te Tiriti o Waitangi is enduring. Governments are temporary. “There...

Posted at January 09, 2025 1:07 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas

Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season.“The Government is giving renters a Christmas gift that no-one asked for: no-cause evictions,” says the Green Party's Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul.  “Housing is a human right, but this Government is treating it like a business. Housing forms the foundation for our communities to thrive, it is something we...

Posted at December 13, 2024 8:52 AM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Failed boot camp experiment must end

As legislation to set up boot camps passed its first reading, the Green Party urged the Government to abandon this failed policy experiment for the good of our rangatahi.“We risk repeating a shameful part of our history and ruining the lives of our rangatahi by bringing back boot camps,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Justice, Tamatha Paul. “Our rangatahi need and deserve opportunities and support through their formative years so they can realise their full potential.  “Boot camps are...

Posted at November 21, 2024 4:59 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Justice Select Committee opens floor for Treaty Principles submissions

Today, the Justice Select Committee has decided to officially open submissions for the controversial Treaty Principles Bill. “It is time for our communities to translate the energy harnessed over the course of the hīkoi into action, and bring their voices to the political table,” says Green Party MP for Wellington Central, Tamatha Paul. “Making our opposition heard is crucial to upholding Te Tiriti and the deep commitment it represents to every one of us in Aotearoa. This Bill challenges the very...

Posted at November 19, 2024 10:18 AM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Greens join King’s Counsel in calling for Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned

The Prime Minister must answer the call from a group of senior lawyers of the King’s Counsel to abandon the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. “It’s time to be brave and back our founding agreement over the dirty deal you made with a coalition partner, Christopher. Abandon the Bill and honour the Treaty,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Justice, Tamatha Paul.  “Aotearoa as we know it was built on Te Tiriti. Te Tiriti affirms the rights of Māori to continue to...

Posted at November 13, 2024 6:47 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Not too late to abandon the Bill, Christopher

The Green Party is urgently calling on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill following reports it will be introduced on Thursday. “It’s not too late to do the right thing, Christopher. It’s time to abandon this Bill and honour Te Tiriti,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Justice, Tamatha Paul.   “Te Tiriti forms the founding agreement Aotearoa was built upon. It provides the foundations for an enduring relationship between tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti that ensures everybody...

Posted at November 05, 2024 8:14 PM by Tamatha Paul

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

services and systems

CPI figures show rents continuing to soar

Stats NZ has confirmed that higher rent prices were the biggest contributor to the annual inflation rate. Almost a fifth of the 2.2 per cent annual increase in the CPI was due to rent prices. “Housing is a human right, but this Government is treating it like a game of Monopoly,” says the Green Party’s Housing spokesperson, Tamatha Paul.  “Everyone deserves a warm and affordable place to call home. We have everything we need to make this happen. All we need...

Posted at October 16, 2024 12:19 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Landlord govt finds new way to undermine public housing

Proposed cuts to Kāinga Ora reflect a failure to fully commit to fixing the housing crisis.“The Government is undermining public housing and intentionally aggravating the housing crisis to benefit a privileged few at the expense of everyone else,” says the Green Party’s Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul.  “Housing is a human right. Public housing has always been an important safety net for some of the most marginalised people in our communities. Public housing can help to insulate against the uncertainty and...

Posted at September 25, 2024 4:55 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Govt must end solitary confinement

The Green Party is urging the Government to end the use of solitary confinement within our prisons after new research revealed some prisoners have been held in confinement for more than 900 days. “Solitary confinement is a barbaric breach of human rights that breaks a prisoner’s spirit and decreases the chance of successful rehabilitation,” says the Green Party Corrections spokesperson Tamatha Paul. “My proposed amendment to the Corrections Amendment Bill would remove this draconian form of punishment from our prisons, recognising...

Posted at August 27, 2024 1:36 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Govt must maintain Treaty provisions in Corrections Bill

The Green Party is calling on the Government to support its proposed amendments to leave Treaty provisions in the Corrections Bill. “Treaty provisions are needed to demonstrate a sincere and genuine commitment to reducing the over-representation of Māori throughout our justice system,” says the Green Party’s Spokesperson for Justice Tamatha Paul. “Taking Te Tiriti provisions out of the Corrections Bill goes against the recent recommendations of the Waitangi Tribunal.  “When introduced last term, this Bill took an important step towards addressing...

Posted at August 21, 2024 2:14 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Rising rents continue to inflict hardship on households

Statistics released today show that rents have increased at 4.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. This comes after last month’s 4.8 per cent hike compared to July last year. “Rents are continuing to rise at an alarmingly unaffordable rate despite the Government's claims their policies would result in downward pressure,” says the Green Party Spokesperson for Housing Tamatha Paul. “Housing is a human right and something that should be afforded to all, and affordable to all, regardless...

Posted at August 15, 2024 3:31 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Renters suffer as soaring rents feed rising inflation

The soaring price of renting is driving the rise of inflation in this country - with latest figures from Stats NZ showing rents are up 4.8 per cent on average while annual inflation is at 3.3 per cent.“The everyday struggle for renters is worse than ever, and we are paying through the roof to live in houses that make us sick,” says the Green Party’s Housing Spokesperson Tamatha Paul. “Successive governments have allowed the rental market to tilt further and...

Posted at July 17, 2024 11:46 AM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Labelling kids serious offenders sets rangatahi up to fail

The Government’s archaic ‘tough on crime’ approach is weak on evidence and will do little to nothing to keep our communities safe.“The punitive policies of this Government will fail our rangatahi and fail to address the core drivers of crime. Our rangatahi need opportunities, to learn, to do mahi, to contribute to their communities. This is what will see them reach their full potential,” says the Green Party spokesperson for justice, Tamatha Paul. “If we want young people to turn...

Posted at June 23, 2024 3:23 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Government must build more public houses, not find excuses to sell them

The Green Party says the Government must use the review of Kāinga Ora as a platform to build more homes, not an excuse to sell them off. "History is repeating itself: a National-led Government is once again trying to create social licence for the sale of our public housing stock, at a time when new housing is absolutely essential,” says Green Party Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul.  “Public housing is as essential as public healthcare and education. Aotearoa is in the midst...

Posted at May 20, 2024 4:58 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

No-cause evictions leave no hope for renters

The Government’s introduction of legislation that would enable landlords to end tenancies with no reason marks a dark day for the 1.4 million people who rent their home in Aotearoa. “This Government is well and truly in the pocket of landlords. This comes at the expense of people who rent their homes, who are paying a severe price,” says Green Party Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul.  “The Coalition parties have chosen to tip the balance completely in favour of those who own...

Posted at May 16, 2024 6:21 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Gang policy setting communities up for failure

The Green Party says the Government’s misguided policy on gangs will fail, following the announcement of the establishment of a national gang unit and district gang disruption units to target gang activities. “If unleashing police on gangs to lock up its members worked, we wouldn’t have gangs in Aotearoa,” says Green Party Police spokesperson Tamatha Paul.  “Forcing police into direct confrontation with gangs is simply repeating the same failed tactics that do not work. Gangs thrive where there is poverty and...

Posted at May 14, 2024 12:59 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

A win for Wellington - Greens welcome more housing

The Green Party is welcoming the announcement by the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop to approve most of the Wellington City Council’s District Plan recommendations.“This is a big win for Wellingtonians who want to see more affordable housing close to where they work, study, and socialise,” says the Green Party’s Wellington Issues and Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul. “We’re encouraged by the minister’s decision to take up the Council’s decisions and help make the capital a more liveable city...

Posted at May 08, 2024 2:03 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Surprise: Landlord tax cuts don’t trickle down

The Green Party is renewing its call for rent controls following reports of rental prices hitting an all-time high.“Landlords are the only people who are being well-served by our Government. People who rent are already struggling with sky high rents – and can see very clearly the lie that tax cuts for landlords will trickle down to help,” says Green Party Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul.  Properties on Trade Me’s rental index have risen by an average of $50 in the...

Posted at April 30, 2024 11:37 AM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Three strikes has failed before and will fail again

Resurrecting the archaic three-strikes legislation is an unwelcome return to a failed American-style approach to justice.“New Zealand needs a justice system that treats all people with humanity, dignity, and respect. Bringing back the failed three strikes law will lead to grossly unfair results that disproportionately impact Māori, including much harsher sentences than would otherwise be imposed,” says Green Party Justice spokesperson Tamatha Paul. “It is shameful that New Zealand has one of the highest imprisonment rates in the developed world....

Posted at April 22, 2024 2:37 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Landlord Government leaves little hope for renters

The Government’s announcement on tenancy rules prove that it does not care about renters. "We have a Government that thinks it is running a company not a country, and treats housing as a business. Housing is a human right, and every person deserves a warm, safe and affordable home, whether they own that home or not,” says Green Party Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul.  “Today’s announcement has made it crystal clear that this Government is not pro-tenant but pro-self interest.  “Home ownership...

Posted at April 11, 2024 2:29 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Greens call for strong public build programme following release of report

The Green Party stands with people who live in public housing, people in dire housing need, experts and advocates in demanding better than the Government’s archaic approach to housing those who need our support the most. “The Government must end the shameful housing crisis  by committing to an ambitious public housing programme,” says Green Party Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul.  “The Green Party stands with Public Housing Futures and the Child Poverty Action Group in calling for sustained investment into building public...

Posted at March 26, 2024 7:16 AM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Coalition of cruelty punishing people for being poor

Kicking the most vulnerable people out of state housing and pushing them towards homelessness will result in a proliferation of poverty and trauma across our most vulnerable communities. “In true National Party fashion, the Government is seeking to define a category of undeserving poor people. Ignorant to the consequences of poverty, people living in state housing are now in the Government’s firing line,” says Green Party housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul.  “Today’s announcement that the Government will evict more state housing tenants,...

Posted at March 18, 2024 4:57 PM by Tamatha Paul

democracy and international relations

Māori face significant harm from axing govt funding of background reports

Māori will be among the most impacted by the Government’s cruel, irrational, and senseless plan to stop funding pre-sentencing background reports.“Today the Government has taken us even further away from a justice system that treats everyone with humanity, dignity, and respect,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for the courts, Tamatha Paul.  “While pre-sentencing background reports are available to anyone, the ongoing and heartbreaking over-representation of Māori in our courts means that it is our people who will be hurt the...

Posted at February 07, 2024 4:34 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

Govt gets its priorities all wrong with Kāinga Ora review

The independent reviews of Kāinga Ora announced today should be focused primarily on building enough houses to make sure everyone has a warm, dry, and affordable place to live. “For this government to be more concerned about debt than giving everyone a place to live should tell you everything you need to know about where their values lie,” says the Green Party’s housing spokesperson, Tamatha Paul.  “I can tell you now that the financial situation at Kāinga Ora is not the...

Posted at December 18, 2023 5:21 PM by Tamatha Paul

services and systems

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

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

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