PREFU has given a good insight into what was required to ensure New Zealanders were largely supported to continue work and remain healthy during COVID-19, but it is clear we need additional revenue raising measures ongoing, Green Party Co-leader James Shaw said today.

In Aotearoa, there is enough to go around. But the tax system has allowed wealth to accumulate with a small number of us, while most of us have only modest assets. We tax work in Aotearoa, but we don’t tax wealth.  COVID-19 has exposed wealth inequality, and the economic response to the pandemic is making inequality even worse with government stimulus spending benefiting wealthy asset owners. The Greens have a plan for a more equal Aotearoa, so everyone can flourish....

In the wake of COVID-19, we must empower small businesses in Aotearoa to flourish, create new jobs, and support their local communities. The Green Party knows that supporting sustainable business is one of the best ways to renew our economy. COVID-19 has shaken up “business as usual,” and highlighted existing issues like cash flow insecurity and the power imbalance in commercial tenancy arrangements. We all need our local businesses to be resilient and well equipped to protect the environment. We...

A sustainable economy means good working conditions and fair distribution of the benefits of our natural resources. As we respond to the disruption caused by COVID-19 and continue the transition to a climate safe future, sustainable jobs are more crucial than ever before. However, Aotearoa’s economy is still based on unsustainable extraction and exploitation – and it is vulnerable to economic shocks. The Green Party believes job creation must prioritise restoring our environment, caring for people, and replacing emissions intensive...

A strong manufacturing and technology sector will create jobs in low-emissions industries and ensure we can sell Aotearoa’s skills to the world. The digital revolution is an opportunity to create a more sustainable economy, address social inequalities, and connect communities. Aotearoa’s economy relies too much on exporting large volumes of low-value raw commodities. If the Government makes smart choices, Aotearoa can develop a green economy with world class, modern manufacturing and technology sectors at its heart. Reviving our local manufacturing...

“The Green Party is proud to welcome New Zealand’s first Wellbeing Budget to deliver change for New Zealanders,” Green Party Co-leader James Shaw said today. “Budget 2019 is a massive boost for the delivery of the Green Party’s Confidence and Supply Agreement. “The major new investments in mental health, strong action on climate change, sustainable land use, and better rail options are a direct result of the Green Party’s campaigning, and we are now in a position to deliver them....

“The Wellbeing Budget is a first step in changing the way we look at the economy and our place in it”, said Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. “The wellbeing of our people and environment should be at the centre of everything the Government does. I am pleased to see the Government is starting to take this approach for the first time. The economy exists to serve our people and the environment, not the other way around. “Where we spend money...

The Green Party welcomes further steps to combat tax evasion, Green Party Co-leader James Shaw said today.

Mr Speaker, on Election Night 2017, I said that, “New Zealanders have voted for change!” The three Opposition parties that night commanded a majority of votes, and I said it was time for us to work together to create the Government of change that New Zealanders wanted.