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A Greener way to measure success
Green Party Co-Leaders Marama Davidson and James Shaw have welcomed today’s announcement by Statistics New Zealand that a broad set of indicators will be developed to measure the nation’s success. “Aotearoa New Zealand will become the first country in the world to produce a comprehensive set of indicators to measure things such as our natural environment, our social wellbeing and our human and social capital,” James Shaw said. “Our new wellbeing measures will change our thinking and our decision-making. What... -
Greens propose new Taranaki Marine Energy Regional Research Institute
The Green Party today proposed creating a Taranaki-based Regional Research Institute focused on developing marine energy technology as part of the transition away from oil drilling. Green Party energy and resources spokesperson Gareth Hughes made the announcement at a First Union meeting in New Plymouth. Marine energy includes tidal and wave generation. “New Zealand risks falling behind in the global race to develop marine energy technology and the Green Party will help stimulate research into this exciting clean energy sector... -
Green Party remains opposed to the TPP-11
The Green Party today remains deeply concerned about the TPPA’s successor agreement, TPP-11. "The most egregious clauses in the original TPPA were the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanisms, which were included largely at the insistence of the United States. Now that the US isn't a part of it anymore, the remaining countries should simply remove the ISDS mechanisms," said Green Party Leader James Shaw. “As long as the ISDS mechanisms remain in place, the TPP-11 undermines New Zealand’s ability to... -
Greens propose new wood processing and manufacturing Regional Research Institute
The Green Party today proposed creating a Regional Research Institute focused on developing high-value wood-based products for export and use in New Zealand. Green Party leader James Shaw made the announcement at the New Zealand Institute of Forestry Annual Conference in Rotorua. “The Greens in government will support foresters and innovators to add value to the timber they grow already, creating new jobs in the regions and greater demand for timber,” said Mr Shaw. “From my office window I can... -
Green Infrastructure Fund to help NZ become carbon neutral by 2050
The Green Party today announced a plan to kick-start the green economy, create jobs in the clean technology and infrastructure sectors, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. “The Green Investment Fund will be the Kiwibank of the clean economy, kick-starting our transition to a carbon neutral economy by 2050,” Green Party Co-leader James Shaw said. “New Zealand needs to jump on board the global response to climate change and get a piece of the economic action, instead of letting it... -
National wastes chance for green jobs and clean environment
WasteMINZ’s A Wasted Opportunity confirms that National has squandered potentially up to 9000 green jobs, $500 million in economic benefits, and a cleaner environment for New Zealand, the Green Party said today. The report examines the potential impacts of adjustments to the waste levy - a per tonne charge set by the government - and concludes that a higher rate would have a host of economic and environmental benefits for New Zealand. “A Wasted Opportunity is a damning indictment on... -
A Minister for Manufacturing
The Green Party will establish a Minister for Manufacturing in Cabinet, to better represent the interests of manufacturers and ensure they thrive. This announcement is about creating well-paid, clean-tech jobs for the future, right here in New Zealand. Manufacturing innovation is a critical part of our transition to a clean, low-carbon economy. For manufacturing to thrive and take advantage of new technologies like 3D printing, we need leadership across the whole sector now. National hasn’t shown this leadership. We hear... -
National dithers while tyres burn
The Government's decision to waste nearly $20 million on subsidies for big business to burn tyres is further evidence of their mismanagement of the waste sector, the Green Party said today. -
National’s pretence of action hides a bribe for the wealthiest
Steven Joyce’s first – and final – Budget gives with one hand, takes away with the other, and gives the biggest break to the wealthiest New Zealanders, the Green Party said today. “National has always been long on grand announcements and short on real results. Steven Joyce’s first – and final – Budget is no different,” said Green Party Co-leader James Shaw. “The only pie Bill English should be eating today is humble pie. We’ve had nine years of National...