We’re taking the health of our oceans seriously and our Thriving Oceans Plan sets out exactly how the Green Party will protect them so we all can enjoy them - now and in the future. Successive governments have allowed our oceans to become more under threat more than ever before in human history.  We know that in the aftermath of COVID-19, our recovery cannot be as simple as returning to “business as normal”. We need to invest in and build...

Oceans are the lifeblood of our planet and home to thousands of taonga species, providing us with nourishing food to feed our families, supporting the livelihoods of millions, and vitally absorbing carbon emissions.  But our moana are under threat. Over decades, successive governments have exploited our oceans for short-term economic gain. Overfishing, sediment pollution and seabed mining have put these precious places at risk. We are already seeing the impacts up and down our coast. Fisheries such as crayfish in...

Here in Aotearoa, we can have a thriving and sustainable farming sector that is good for farmers, good for people, and good for the planet. By making smart choices now, about the way Aotearoa recovers from COVID-19, we can think ahead to tackle the climate crisis and create a more resilient system that supports farmers and growers, and protects our land and our water. For decades, successive governments have treated farms like factories, prioritising quantity over quality. It has polluted...

Our farmers are already leading the way toward climate-friendly agriculture - but governments must support them to go further, faster.   The Green Party knows that farmers can be part of how we reset our economy and build back better after COVID-19. By making good decisions about our recovery now, we can have a thriving, sustainable farming sector that is more profitable and reduces its impact on our climate, waterways, and nature. Our Farming for the Future Plan works with farmers...

Click here for our 2020 Farming for the Future Plan A strong and diverse agricultural sector is an important part of an economically viable and environmentally sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand. Farmers who do the right thing by the environment should be recognised and rewarded. Rural communities should be strengthened and enjoy high quality of life Rural communities should enjoy quality public services, including potable water, health care, education, justice, and broadband. The sale of rural property and farms should be...

Protecting and growing our forests cleans the air and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, creates jobs and economic value, sustains the soil and clean water, and helps support our native animals. Indigenous forests should be increased Land-owners should be incentivised to convert to permanent and plantation forestry. Government should expand its ownership of state forests, except where they are returned to Maori under Treaty of Waitangi settlements. Forestry can support Aotearoa New Zealand’s contribution to stopping climate change Economic tools such...

The Green Party is welcoming the announcement by Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor to review New Zealand’s live animal exports rules. “New Zealand’s live animal export laws are in serious need of an update to protect animal welfare and our agricultural brand,” Green Party Animal Welfare spokesperson Gareth Hughes said today. “New Zealand exports tens of thousands of live animals for breeding purposes every year and these animals can face appalling treatment when they arrive in the importing country.” “The...

The Green Party is glad to finally see the rollout of cameras on selected fishing boats but believes it needs to be scaled-up fast. “We need cameras on all fishing boats as soon as possible to help stamp out illegal practices and protect our fisheries for future generations” says Green Party spokesperson for Fisheries, Gareth Hughes.  “The rollout in its current form is too generous with taxpayer’s money, too narrow and too slow. “Whilst we welcome this first step we...

Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage are accelerating work to improve protection of the nationally endangered Hector’s dolphin, after five were accidentally killed in a fishing net off Banks Peninsula. The dolphins were trapped in a commercial set net about six nautical miles north of Banks Peninsula on 17 February. The fisherman reported the incident to Fisheries Inshore New Zealand (FINZ) and to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Mr Nash and Ms Sage have identified a...

Using water for commercial gain is a privilege that should be paid for, the Green Party said today. “We recognise that the issue of charging for water is complex and that everyone needs to be heard on the issue,” said Green Party water and primary industries spokesperson Eugenie Sage. “Our policy is to put an interim charge of 10c per litre on all water for bottling and export, and to consult with New Zealanders on how other commercial uses are...