The Green Party is celebrating significant changes to the Misuse of Drugs Act that will ensure police treat drug addiction like the health issue it is. "Today we’ve passed the most transformative change in drug law in New Zealand in over 30 years", Green Party spokesperson on drug law reform Chlöe Swarbrick said. "We’re living up to the rhetoric as a country that implements evidence-based policy, and one that prioritises compassion. "Informed by the real-world practice of police, working across...

Parents and partners of disabled people with high or very high support needs will be paid for caring for their family members, as the Government acts to restore fairness and dignity.

“Everybody in Aotearoa New Zealand knows somebody impacted by mental health challenges. Today’s Government Response to the Mental Health and Addiction Inquiry lays the foundation for the much needed transformation of crucial health services to New Zealanders,” Green Party mental health spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick. “Too many New Zealanders are not reaching out for help when they need it, unsure where to turn. Too many people have been put on waitlists when what they need is to be seen and heard....

The Green Party has succeeded in Government negotiations to secure a clear legal regime for cannabis legalisation, Chlöe Swarbrick confirmed today. Today’s announcement by the Minister of Justice Andrew Little confirms that: A referendum will be held at the 2020 election The referendum will be on a detailed law, so New Zealanders can see what they are voting for Private cultivation will be regulated There will be a ban on advertising of cannabis products Purchase will only be legal in...

The Green Party welcomes the expansion of free youth mental health support announced today, says Green Party mental health spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick. “We understand that mental health services are in crisis and that we need urgent solutions grounded in communities. That’s why the Green Party made this a priority in our Confidence and Supply Agreement with the Labour Party,” Chlöe Swarbrick said. “For the last two years I’ve worked with dedicated advocates at Victoria University Students’ Association in their fight...

Associate Health Minister Julie Anne Genter is pleased thousands of women will have better access to free or very low cost contraception. “For some women, price is a significant barrier to accessing contraception. From this week, a new initiative offers women who have a Community Service Card, those living in low income areas, and various others who could benefit, better access to free or very low cost contraception, including long acting reversible contraceptives,” says Julie Anne Genter. "Long-acting reversible contraception...

The Green Party of Aoteaora New Zealand is welcoming Otago University Student Association’s collaboration with KnowYourStuffNZ and the NZ Drug Foundation to perform drug safety checking at orientation week events.

Health Minister Dr David Clark and Associate Health Minster Julie Anne Genter have announced that Porirua will be the first community to benefit from a trial of free mental health support.

The Green Party welcome the National Party to the drug law reform conversation, with Paula Bennett announced today as the party’s spokesperson on the issue.   

With temperatures high around the country, Associate Health Minister Julie Anne Genter has launched the Ministry of Health’s new Heat Health Plan Guidelines. “Climate change is a big threat to our society, and we need to plan for anticipated weather like hotter days now,” says Ms Genter. “Although it is great to enjoy the outdoors, getting too hot is a serious risk that will happen more in our future. Our health will be impacted by climate change, and we need...