Articles by Teanau Tuiono

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

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

culture and innovation

Luxon must act after Peters caught making false claims on employment bill

The Green Party is calling on Christopher Luxon to hold Winston Peters accountable for making false claims about union engagement on the Employment Relations Amendment Bill."Winston Peters' behaviour following the passing of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill is a disgrace," says Green Party Workplace Relations spokesperson Teanau Tuiono.   "He has falsely claimed that unions didn't raise their concerns with NZ First early enough. That is simply not true.   "We fully back unions' calls for Luxon to step in and act.  ...

Posted at February 23, 2026 7:00 AM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Government rams through law attacking workers

“The passing of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill is a dark day for Aotearoa, and shows this government is on the side of big corporates and against the workers.” says Green Party Workplace Relations spokesperson Teanau Tuiono.  “Workers have a basic right to seek remedies for unjustifiable and unlawful dismissal. This law effectively destroys that right, leaving workers completely exposed to abuses of power by their employers.”   “This law also makes it easier to dismiss workers and gives bosses the ability to mischaracterise employees as contractors, meaning that...

Posted at February 17, 2026 4:45 PM by Teanau Tuiono

nature and climate

Green Member’s Bill to recognise the personhood of tohorā

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

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

culture and innovation

Govt’s Christmas gift to workers: An effective pay cut

The Government’s announcement today of a measly two per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers.“This is just a sour cherry on top of a terrible year for our workers, who have been under constant attack under this Government,” says Green Party spokesperson for Workplace Relations, Teanau Tuiono. “With inflation projected to exceed the increase, a two per cent ‘raise’ is as good as snake oil. Once again, the people who stand to lose out are predominantly...

Posted at December 12, 2025 1:18 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Greens to protect employee status of Uber Drivers

The Green Party is committed to protecting the employee status of Uber Drivers, especially after the Supreme Court echoed the rulings of lower courts and upheld their rights.“A Green Government will honour the Supreme Court ruling and protect uber drivers from any legislation that seeks to take their employee status,” says the Green Party’s Workplace Relations & Safety spokesperson Teanau Tuiono. “Uber drivers face increasingly precarious conditions at a time of a cost of living crisis, while Uber continues to...

Posted at November 17, 2025 3:57 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Women to bear the brunt of sick pay changes

The Government’s move to strip back sick leave from part-time workers is yet another blow to women across Aotearoa.“Stripping back sick leave for part-time workers means women will, inevitably, shoulder more unpaid labour,” says the Green Party’s Workplace Relations and Safety spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “We can and must ensure that women are paid fairly, are treated with respect and are safe - things this Government is actively undermining. “Getting sick doesn't depend on whether you’re full or part-time. Under these...

Posted at September 23, 2025 3:47 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Greens stand with our teachers in fight for fair pay

The Green Party supports the thousands of teachers striking for better pay and conditions today.“The working conditions of our teachers are the learning conditions of our kids. It’s time to support our teachers so they can support the next generation,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Workplace Relations, Teanau Tuiono.  “We can, and must, ensure teachers in this country are paid fairly. We have everything we need to ensure our teachers are properly supported and that our students have what...

Posted at August 20, 2025 1:30 PM by Teanau Tuiono

nature and climate

Shane Jones’ gift to big fishing a blow to sustainability

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

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

culture and innovation

ERA changes hurt workers, pander to big business

The Green Party says proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act announced today by the Government will further undermine workers’ rights while pandering to big business.“This cruel Bill will cut off our most vulnerable workers from the rights that belong to them,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety, Teanau Tuiono. "Our economy has been built by our workers - supporting them means supporting ourselves. For generations, workers’ rights have been hard-won and should be protected as...

Posted at June 17, 2025 12:13 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Concern over signs Govt will reduce sick leave for workers

The Green Party is calling on the Prime Minister to stand up for workers’ rights for once and rule out reducing sick leave entitlements.“This Government for the wealthy keeps finding new ways of eviscerating workers’ rights and tilting power to employers,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety, Teanau Tuiono. “Our economy is built upon the backs of our workers, so to erode their rights to sick leave is nothing short of an attack on the morale...

Posted at June 16, 2025 10:49 AM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Ban on engineered stone essential to protect workers

The Green Party has renewed its call for the Government to ban the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone products, as the CTU launches a petition for the implementation of a full ban.“Let’s put people before profits and protect our workers by banning this dangerous product,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety, Teanau Tuiono. “Workers are the backbone of our economy, and their safety must be protected from dangerous practices including the use of engineered...

Posted at April 28, 2025 10:54 AM by Teanau Tuiono

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

nature and climate

Shane Jones has no shame

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

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

democracy and international relations

Govt urged to rule out any involvement in AUKUS

The Green Party is calling on the Prime Minister to rule out joining the AUKUS military pact in any capacity following the scenes in the White House over the weekend. “President Trump’s appalling treatment of his Ukrainian counterpart is a clear warning that we must avoid AUKUS at all costs,” says the Green Party’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “Aotearoa must stand on an independent and principled approach to foreign affairs and use that as a platform to promote peace.  “What...

Posted at March 03, 2025 10:30 AM by Teanau Tuiono

nature and climate

Fisheries consultation must put sustainability before profit

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

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

democracy and international relations

Greens welcome Gaza ceasefire, but say more work to do

The Green Party has welcomed the provisional ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, and reiterated its call for New Zealand to push for an end to the unlawful occupation of Palestine. “We welcome the signs of a meaningful ceasefire, but there remains work to do to secure lasting peace,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Teanau Tuiono. “This is a victory for Palestinians and the wider solidarity movement who have long pushed for a ceasefire. However, it must be...

Posted at January 16, 2025 12:16 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Govt’s miserly 1.5% minimum wage will take workers backwards

The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many.“This adds insult to injury for our workers who have been under constant attack under this Government,” says Green Party spokesperson for Workplace Relations, Teanau Tuiono. “The Green Party’s Income Guarantee provides a clear alternative, a commitment to every New Zealander that no matter what, you will...

Posted at December 17, 2024 10:40 AM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation

The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. “This is dire, draconian and outright disgraceful even by the Government’s own standards,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Workplace Relations, Teanau Tuiono.  “The ability to strike, organise and collectively bargain is a democratic right. These are critical tools that have empowered workers to contest and challenge unfair working conditions in the uneven playing field between them...

Posted at December 09, 2024 6:33 PM by Teanau Tuiono

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

democracy and international relations

Urgent wake-up call on climate

The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. “Climate action is more urgent than ever, but this Government is taking Aotearoa backwards,” says Green Party Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Teanau Tuiono. “The Government needs to start taking our pledges under the Paris Agreement seriously and increase our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).The Commission’s advice shows that domestic emissions reduction efforts can take us a long way in meeting these pledges – if we put...

Posted at November 08, 2024 12:27 PM by Teanau Tuiono

democracy and international relations

NZ must pursue independent foreign policy

The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy.“The US election result should be a wake-up call that our country must steer clear of the AUKUS military pact,” says the Green Party Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teanau Tuiono. “We cannot be hustled into a military alliance with the US, especially when it’s about to be led by a volatile firebrand with fascist leanings who cozies up to autocrats and dictators,...

Posted at November 07, 2024 11:46 AM by Teanau Tuiono

nature and climate

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

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

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

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

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

democracy and international relations

Greens support call for divestment from illegal Israeli settlements

The Green Party echoes a call for banks to divest from entities linked to Israel’s illegal settlements in Palestine, and says Crown Financial Institutions should follow suit.“How we spend our money counts - the Government must ensure that our country does not assist, or profit from, crimes against humanity,” says the Green Party Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teanau Tuiono. “Aotearoa has a long and proud history of advocating for peace. As a country which urges others to follow international law, we...

Posted at October 09, 2024 11:32 AM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Govt attacks workers’ rights once again

Today’s announcement from the Minister of Workplace Relations emphasises how deep in the pocket of big business this Government really is. “This is the latest episode in a series of assaults on workers' rights,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Workplace Relations, Teanau Tuiono.  “Our economy has been built upon the backs of our workers, by supporting our workers we support ourselves. Across generations and over many decades, the rights of workers have been hard fought for and should be celebrated...

Posted at September 15, 2024 6:35 PM by Teanau Tuiono

democracy and international relations

Potential intelligence sharing with Israel must be investigated

Concerns have been raised that our spy arrangements may mean that intelligence is being shared between Aotearoa and Israel. An urgent inquiry must be launched in response to this.“Any potential connection to Israel’s genocidal regime must be investigated. Aotearoa cannot afford to have any links to the crimes against humanity being committed in Gaza,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Teanau Tuiono.  “As a nation, we have a proud and enduring history of standing up for peace and...

Posted at September 12, 2024 5:39 PM by Teanau Tuiono

services and systems

ECE teachers deserve better than this Government

The Green Party is unsurprised but disappointed by today’s announcement from the Government that will see our Early Childhood Centre teachers undermined and pay parity pushed further out of reach. “The Government has built on its archaic anti-worker legacy by undermining the pay of our ECE teachers,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Early Childhood Education, Teanau Tuiono. “The working conditions of our teachers are the learning conditions of our tamariki. We can help set up the next generation for success...

Posted at September 04, 2024 12:02 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Government must respect Court’s Uber employee decision

Today’s court ruling upholding the rights of Uber drivers is a message to the Government that it must not tamper with employment protections. “This decision is a monumental win for workers’ rights. We call on the Prime Minister to rule out and refrain from pushing policies that undermine today’s decision and the rights of our workers,” says the Green Party’s Workplace Relations & Safety spokesperson Teanau Tuiono. “The judgement couldn’t be clearer - maintaining the status quo means upholding the rights...

Posted at August 26, 2024 2:54 PM by Teanau Tuiono

democracy and international relations

Govt must act on Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine

The Green Party is calling on the Government to take action off the back of the International Court of Justice ruling on Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine.“Silence is complicity, and New Zealand cannot ignore the ICJ’s detailed and damning assessment of Israel’s long-term illegal occupation of Palestine,” says the Green Party’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teanau Tuiono. “The ICJ’s Advisory Opinion couldn’t be more clear: Israel has breached international law over decades of incursions and illegal settlements on Palestinian land.  “As...

Posted at July 23, 2024 1:14 PM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Government sets out to undermine workplace safety

The Government’s announcement of a roadshow consultation on work health and safety is a smokescreen for its plan to throw out regulations which keep workers safe.“More workers are going to die as a result of this move - it’s that simple,” says Teanau Tuiono, the Green Party’s workplace relations and safety spokesperson. “The Government’s decision to cut funding to the tune of $10 million from an already under-staffed Worksafe NZ was the entree. The main course will be sweeping cuts...

Posted at June 14, 2024 11:23 AM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Workers’ rights must be respected in review of Holidays Act

The Government must ensure workers’ rights are at the core of any changes made to the Holidays Act 2003. “An erosion of workers’ rights and a decay in the balance between employer and employee will become core to the legacy of this Government if it continues on its current trajectory,” says Green Party spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety, Teanau Tuiono. “The Government’s tampering with the Holidays Act looks set to complicate leave entitlements and leave workers with less - especially...

Posted at June 05, 2024 2:58 PM by Teanau Tuiono

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

democracy and international relations

Aotearoa must follow in the footsteps of countries recognising Palestinian statehood

The Green Party is calling on the Government to follow in the footsteps of Ireland, Spain and Norway in recognising Palestinian statehood. “This is about rectifying the wrongs of the past, resolving the injustices of the present and laying the foundations for a future which sees Palestine grounded in peace,” says Green Party Foreign Affairs spokesperson Teanau Tuiono.  “Day after day, the death toll continues to rise. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza shows that urgent international action is needed to create...

Posted at May 23, 2024 11:27 AM by Teanau Tuiono

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

culture and innovation

Knowingly cruel, Govt makes Aotearoa a more precarious place for working people

Just days after axing Fair Pay Agreements, this Government is once again trampling over people’s working rights by making it possible for bosses to fire new staff without reason. “Today National has made Aotearoa a more cruel and precarious place for thousands of working people,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for workplace relations and safety, Teanau Tuiono.  “Building a healthier, more prosperous and better future for Aotearoa means addressing the problem of low-paid and precarious employment.  “Over the last seven days,...

Posted at December 21, 2023 9:57 AM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Government turning its back on working people

The Green Party stands with unions and working people in defense of Fair Pay Agreements.“Fair Payment Agreements would have put more money in the pockets of people teaching our mokopuna, keeping our hospitals  clean and safe, stocking the supermarket shelves, and getting us around on the bus. It takes a particularly cruel government to turn its back on the people who do so much for our communities,” says the Green Party’s workplace relations spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “There are thousands of...

Posted at December 13, 2023 11:44 AM by Teanau Tuiono

culture and innovation

Government knowingly making life harder for people

Leaked government documents confirm this government will consciously do serious harm to the lives of working people and their whānau.“Our lowest paid people deserve a pay increase, not a government that is deliberately deciding to put the profits of big businesses ahead of making sure working people are paid what they deserve,” says the Green Party’s workplace relations and safety spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “For many people, the cost of paying the bills and putting food on the table has been...

Posted at December 04, 2023 6:07 PM by Teanau Tuiono

services and systems

Greens back striking teachers

The Green Party stands with ECE teachers striking for better funding and conditions.“The working conditions of our teachers are the learning conditions of our tamariki. The Green Party is calling on the incoming Government to prioritise our teachers and address the many issues the sector faces” says Green Party education spokesperson Teanau Tuiono. “We acknowledge that this is the first time early childhood teachers and workers have taken strike action - and they would not have taken that decision lightly....

Posted at November 08, 2023 8:47 AM by Teanau Tuiono

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

services and systems

Free school lunches paid for with a wealth tax

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

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

te tiriti o waitangi

Dental stories collection reinforces need to invest in kaupapa Māori solutions

The Green Party has released a collection of stories showing the dire need for free dental care in Aotearoa.“These submissions tell us that whānau are having to loan money or forgo crucial dental treatment entirely, due to cost. For some, it's a choice between food on the table or a trip to the dentist," says the Green Party Māori Development, and Pacific Peoples, spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “These stories reinforce that for decades Māori and Pasifika have not been able to...

Posted at August 10, 2023 3:42 PM by Teanau Tuiono

te tiriti o waitangi

Green Party releases policy to return land to Māori

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

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

services and systems

Greens back striking secondary teachers

The Green Party backs secondary teachers resuming strike action.“The Green Party is calling on the Government to prioritise our teachers and address inadequate pay. The wellbeing of our teachers is the wellbeing of our tamariki,” says Green Party’s education spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “Teachers make a huge contribution to our communities. They are valued by so many families across Aotearoa, so it’s important the Government comes to the table with an offer that reflects this. “Teachers need salaries that actually keep...

Posted at May 31, 2023 10:34 AM by Teanau Tuiono

te tiriti o waitangi

Greens welcome much needed investment but Labour can go further for Te Ao Māori & Pasifika in the Budget

Today the Green Party’s Te Mātāwaka (Māori and Pasifika) caucus supported the 2023 Budget, but there’s still room for improvement."While we acknowledge the investment for Māori there's still much more to do to address generations of under-funding.” Says Green Party’s Māori Development spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “We are glad to see there is a focus particularly on Māori housing, the Green Party has always advocated for safe, accessible homes for all. We know that Māori are disproportionately affected by homelessness and...

Posted at May 18, 2023 2:21 PM by Teanau Tuiono

services and systems

ECE extension Green win nearly 10 years in the making

The Green Party is today celebrating Budget 2023 funding extending free ECE to two year olds.“This is a big step for our littlest citizens. Early education is the foundation of a child’s learning journey. The Greens have been advocating for this extension since 2014. We are stoked it’s finally happening,” says Teanau Tuiono, the Green Party’s spokesperson for education. “Extending 20 hours free ECE to two year olds makes as much sense today as it did back then. It will...

Posted at May 18, 2023 2:18 PM by Teanau Tuiono

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

Lower North Island rail on the right track, but more investment needed

Government investment in a new fleet of trains in the lower North Island is another win for Green Party solutions - but much more ambition will be needed to build a truly climate-friendly network of intercity passenger services across Aotearoa.“The time is now to invest in affordable, inclusive, and climate-friendly transport options that work for everyone,” says the Green Party’s transport spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter. “The Green Party has been campaigning for this specific proposal for well over a year...

Posted at April 29, 2023 8:14 AM by Teanau Tuiono and Julie Anne Genter

democracy and international relations

Government gets it right on COVID settings

Maintaining the current COVID-19 isolation requirement is the right decision, the Green Party says.“Self-isolating for seven days when we have COVID is a clear and simple step we can all take to keep others safe - and the Government is right to keep the requirement in place,” says Teanau Tuiono, Green Party spokesperson for the COVID-19 response. “Over the last week alone, more than 12,000 cases of COVID-19 were reported. I expect nearly every one of these people would agree...

Posted at April 11, 2023 5:22 PM by Teanau Tuiono

nature and climate

Greens celebrate passing of Organic Products and Production Bill

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

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

services and systems

Continued strikes show need for bold action

The Green Party backs the demands of thousands of secondary and area school teachers striking today.“The wellbeing of our teachers is the wellbeing of our tamariki. The Green Party is calling on the Minister of Finance to prioritise our teachers and provide the money necessary to increase their salaries” says Green Party’s education spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “Teachers make such a difference to children’s lives. They make a huge contribution to our communities, and they are valued by so many families...

Posted at March 29, 2023 10:57 AM by Teanau Tuiono

services and systems

National’s education policy gets an F

The Green Party has marked the National Party’s new education policy and given it a fail, especially for its failure to address the underlying drivers of school performance.“Our education system should give our tamariki the best possible start on a journey that happens inside and outside the classroom. National clearly has homework to do, as its policy fails to address the real drivers of outcomes and attendance,” says Green Party education spokesperson Teanau Tuiono. “National is once again over simplifying...

Posted at March 23, 2023 1:22 PM by Teanau Tuiono

services and systems

Greens back teachers’ demands

The Green Party backs the demands of the teachers’ strikers.“The wellbeing of our teachers is the wellbeing of our tamariki. The Green Party is calling on the Government to prioritise our teachers and address the many issues the sector faces” says Green Party’s education spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “Teachers make such a difference to children’s lives. They make a huge contribution to our communities, and they are valued by so many families across Aotearoa. “However, while they may be valued by...

Posted at March 16, 2023 5:00 AM by Teanau Tuiono

services and systems

Greens back teachers’ strike

The Green Party stands with teachers in their request for fair pay and decision to strike.“The working conditions of our teachers are the learning conditions of our tamariki. The Green Party is calling on the Government to pay teachers what they deserve,” the Green Party’s education spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono. “Teachers make a huge contribution to our communities and teaching should be an attractive profession. Children have their whole lives ahead of them and our teachers can have a huge personal...

Posted at March 10, 2023 7:02 AM by Teanau Tuiono