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 supports nurses’ continued push for pay equity and calls on the Government to deliver the back pay they had expected.

The Green Party is throwing its support behind the 10,000 allied health workers taking work-to-rule industrial action today because of unfair pay and working conditions.

The Green Party does not support the Government’s decision to move Aotearoa to ‘orange’, or the removal of mask rules for schools.

The Green Party does not support changes to COVID protection measures and calls on the Government to act urgently to keep our most at-risk communities safe. 

The Government must not remove COVID-19 protection measures until it is very clear that the Omicron outbreak has passed, the Green Party says.

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.

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

The Green Party supports the Government’s decision to move Aotearoa New Zealand to traffic light level Red at 11.59pm tonight, but says its success will depend on the support that is made available to the most vulnerable.