A National Government would leave nurses behind, the Green Party says.

Today Greens Te Mātāwaka Chair and Health Spokesperson, Dr Elizabeth Kerekere, said “The Greens have long campaigned for an independent Māori Health Authority and pathways for Takatāpui and Rainbow healthcare. “We welcome the substantial funding going into the new health system, Pae Ora, particularly for the Māori Health Authority, Iwi-Partnership Boards, Maōri health providers and workforce. The $191 million for PHARMAC will also improve the lives of many who cannot access the medicine and treatment they need.

The Green Party welcomes the next steps towards implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Aotearoa, and calls on the Government to get on with the mahi of upholding Tangata Whenua rights.

The Green party is calling for “test to stay” in schools and early childhood education, and free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for all to protect vulnerable communities.

Border changes announced today underscores the need for the Government to step-up protections for the most at-risk communities.

The Green Party has launched a petition calling on the Government to create a Ministry for Rainbow Communities.

The Greens are celebrating conversion practices finally being banned in Aotearoa New Zealand, following the third reading of the Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill tonight.

The Green Party’s Te Mātāwaka caucus has released Hoki Whenua Mai - a discussion document outlining what the Crown should do to redress the on-going injustices of the Treaty settlement process.

Now the Government has decided on a date to reopen the border, the Green Party says additional steps should be taken to keep everyone safe.

Don’t forget whānau and communities most at risk, says the Green Party, as the Government lays out its three-phase plan for Omicron.