The Green Party is stressing the importance of public ownership and meaningful iwi Māori involvement in the governance of the new three waters entities announced by the Government today.

The Green Party welcomes the passing of the Local Electorate Act Māori Wards Amendment Bill which ensures Māori have a say on local issues across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Green Party welcomes the Government’s position to support the representation of Māori in councils.

The Green Party says Auckland Council’s proposed COVID budget cuts are regressive and dangerous for the climate.

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...

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.