Support shouldn’t be conditional and our plan isn’t either. Our plan is a new, simple safety net that works for all of us. It’s our plan to improve our communities long-term, so all people in New Zealand can live with dignity, put a roof over their heads and food on the table. Here’s our Poverty Action Plan headlines: A Guaranteed Minimum Income of $325 per week for students and people out of work, no matter what. A Universal Child Benefit...

Click here to read our easy read version of this policy Everyone deserves to be able to fully participate in our society. This means recognising the rights of disabled people and making changes to end discrimination. Nearly one in four people in Aotearoa lives with a disability, and many more of us have a whānau member or close friend who does. Current laws, policies, and social norms mean there are many barriers in the way of disabled people being able to...

Our Poverty Action Plan will completely change the way we support people in New Zealand so when people ask for help, they get it. It overhauls the broken welfare system and guarantees that everyone who needs it, no matter what, has a minimum income they can rely on.  Sign on to our plan to show your support for this bold policy for change.  Here’s how our Poverty Action Plan works for all of us: A Guaranteed Minimum Income of $325...

The Green Party will aim to build an Aotearoa where disability is valued, and policy is human rights based. We will implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in all New Zealand law and policy areas so that disabled people can live with dignity and autonomy, and with any access provisions and support that they choose. We prioritise systemic advocacy including eliminating or reforming ableist laws and policies, promoting and investing in disabled leadership and advocacy,...

Chlöe Swarbrick's Members Bill to support disabled general election candidates has passed into law.

Green Party MP Chlöe Swarbrick is stoked that her Election Access Fund Bill was pulled from the Members’ Ballot today. If passed, the Bill will establish a new contestable fund to be overseen by the Electoral Commission. People with disabilities who wish to run as election candidates will be able to apply for money from the fund, to make the electoral process more accessible; for example a profoundly deaf candidate could apply and use the money to hire a sigh...

Chlöe Swarbrick MP's Election Access Fund Bill was written to support disabled people in accessing and participating in elections and standing for political office. It establishes a contestable fund that will be administered by the Electoral Commission. The Fund may be used by any disabled candidate to cover disability-related costs of standing in a general election. These costs could include:  NZSL interpreter support for candidate forums, notetaker or transcribing costs, costs of translating material into braille, or travel costs to attend candidate...

Information released yesterday showing that disabled people who rent are much more likely to live in cold, damp homes is clear evidence that National’s housing policies are failing, the Green Party said today. Statistics New Zealand has released new data that shows that 38 percent of disabled people in rented homes said they have difficulty keeping their house warm, compared to 25 percent of non-disabled renters. “National could make a difference for disabled people today by providing better support for...

  National needs to clear the backlog of people waiting for cochlear implants and fund the programme properly, the Green Party said today. A story last night revealed that more than 200 people are waiting for this crucial surgery and highlighted the plight of Levin-based surf lifesaver Danielle, who may completely lose her hearing without an urgent implant.   “Everyone who needs a cochlear implant should be funded to receive one; it’s just that simple,” said Green Party disability issues...

The Green Party is throwing its support behind the Access Alliance’s new campaign to make Aotearoa 100% accessible for everyone. The Access Alliance is a coalition of disability organisations campaigning for legislation that will set national standards for accessibility across all areas of New Zealand life and the economy. “This is a question of fairness. New Zealanders with disabilities need to have the same access to public infrastructure, services, workplaces and online information that everyone else has”, said Green Party...