Climate Change Minister James Shaw has today released the Government’s Climate Action Plan in response to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into the low emissions economy. “Our Government is committed to a just and rapid transition to a low emissions economy, because it’s vital that we play our part looking after our planet. We’re already taking action on many of the Productivity Commission’s recommendations. Climate change is an urgent issue requiring an urgent response, to ensure a stable climate for future...

Central government needs to resource local councils to protect our waterways, Green Party Water spokesperson Marama Davidson said today, following reports that corporate oil dumping into Otuwairoa stream in Papakura is killing eels.   “Eels are a tāonga and a sign of the health of our Creeks. It hurts to see our waterways being dumped in like this.   “This disrespectful and deliberate dumping shows why we need to be holding corporate polluters to account.   “We also need to...

The Green Party is disappointed that the Ngāi Tahu Representation Bill to increase tangata whenua representation on the Canterbury Regional Council was voted down at first reading today, says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. “While tangata whenua have guaranteed political rights on a national level, representation is often lacking or non-existent in local government. This does not always make for robust decision making and in the past has led to significant breaches of Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Marama Davidson said. “Local governments are willing and ready to take this step forward in giving Māori a guaranteed voice in...

The Green Party is renewing its call to remove the double standard that allows for referendum on the establishment of only Māori wards from law.

Local government is essential to democracy. The actions of local governments should enhance the social, environmental, cultural, and economic wellbeing of the communities they serve. Local democracy should empower people and communities Decisions should be made at the level closest to the people and communities affected by them. Local councils that do not already use a ranked choice electoral system should hold referendums offering ranked choice elections to voters. Councils should be supported to explore and trial participatory and collaborative...

The Green Party is disappointed that its Member’s Bill to enable better Māori representation in local government was voted down last night, but is vowing to continue its campaign to make it happen.

The Green Party has today entered a Member’s Bill into the ballot that would make local government representation more equitable by ensuring that the establishment of both Māori and general wards on district and regional councils follows the same legal process.

The Green Party will today support the Hurunui/Kaikoura Earthquake Recovery Bill through Parliament, after the legislation was significantly improved during the Select Committee process, following pressure from the Green Party and others. “We’d caution the Government to use the extraordinary powers in this Bill carefully and in partnership with communities to get quake- affected regions up and running again,” said Green Party civil defence spokesperson Jan Logie. “We hope the many new checks and balances in this Bill create a...

The Green Party is congratulating all Green winners in the local body elections for 2016 after hard fought campaigns, and welcomes the first Pasifika Green Party Councillor in Dunedin. In Wellington, City Councillors Sarah Free, Iona Pannett and David Lee were all re-elected, as was Wellington Regional Councillor Sue Kedgley. Lisa Bridson was re-elected to Hutt Eastern Ward & Capital and Coast DHB. Dunedin City Council’s Aaron Hawkins and Marie Laufiso were successful, as was Brent Barrett in Palmerston North....