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Democracy is bad for National – Green Party
Allowing people to enroll to vote on voting day improves democracy, says Green Party Electoral Issues spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman. “The only reason given for not supporting these changes is that National are worried it will help other parties. National is admitting it wants to stop people voting in order to help their own political position. “New Zealand has one of the strongest democracies in the world and it is important that everyone has access to it. We’ve seen... -
Money to ensure voters can enrol to vote on Election Day will strengthen democracy: Greens
Budget spending to ensure New Zealanders can enrol to vote on Election Day will strengthen democracy in Aotearoa, Green Party Electoral Issues spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman said today. “We’ve seen overseas, particularly in places likes the United States, where voting is discouraged in an effort to maintain the status quo. “Here in New Zealand, I’m proud that we instead actively encourage participation in our election and broader democracy. “The higher the engagement in elections the stronger our democracy. “At the last... -
Better information sharing to keep victims of family violence safer
From 1 July, family violence agencies and social services practitioners will be able to share information to better respond to family violence. Today the Government released Sharing information safely: Guidance on sharing personal information under the Family Violence Act 2018. This guidance supports the family violence sector to implement new information sharing provisions in the Family Violence Act 2018. “Sharing information safely will help protect people from harm and promote more consistent responses to family violence,” said Jan Logie, Under-Secretary to... -
Green Party welcomes cannabis referendum on fully drafted legislation
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... -
SFO investigation into the National Party shows political donations reform is vital to our democracy
The Serious Fraud Office investigation into political donations received by the National Party is deeply alarming and highlights why we need stronger and more transparent political donation rules says Green Party Electoral Spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman. “Currently there are too many grey areas in the donation rules which allow political parties to auction off our democracy to the highest bidder while hiding the donations.” “We have to strengthen our political donation rules to protect our democracy from being bought and sold... -
National shouldn’t stop the will of the people on MMP changes: Green Party
Green Party Justice spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman has called on National Party leader Simon Bridges to follow the will of the people and add his voice to MMP changes that were recommended in 2012. -
Green Party introduce suite of measures to strengthen democracy
A suite of measures to strengthen democracy are being proposed by the Green Party with a Member’s Bill. -
Next steps in improving our response to family violence
The Ministry of Justice has released a summary of feedback on draft guidance for information sharing under new family violence legislation. The Family Violence Act 2018 outlines how and when family violence agencies and social services practitioners can share information about victims or perpetrators of family violence. “The purpose of the new law is to encourage agencies to work together to identify, stop, prevent and otherwise respond to family violence,” says Jan Logie, Under-Secretary to the Minister of Justice (Domestic... -
Evidence of collusion with oil and gas industry a wake-up call
“Today’s report from the State Services Commission shows Government departments colluded with private security firms working for oil and gas companies to spy on New Zealanders,” Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson said today. -
Māori advisory group on family violence and sexual violence starts work
The Māori advisory group to the Government’s joint venture on family violence and sexual violence began their work today at their first meeting in Wellington. “Te Rōpū marks a significant change to the way Government works with Māori to address some of our most complex and difficult problems,” says Jan Logie. “It brings together a wide range of expertise from across the motu. “Our work to stop family violence and sexual violence is critical, and needs Māori leadership. There are...