Everyone should be treated equally, with access to what we need to live a good life.  In government we've fought to implement policy that ensures everyone gets a fair go and that we reduce the inequality experienced by women, young people and Māori in particular.  We've achieved a huge amount Incomes for women are increasing through better starting salaries and addressing systemic bias in the public service. We've introduced a bold new model to get all of government working together...

The 2019 Youth Parliament has declared a climate emergency via a motion in the Parliament.   The motion was put forward by Chlöe Swarbrick’s youth MP Luke Wijohn, after concerted work from all Youth MPs in the Green Party caucus.   Green spokesperson for Youth Chlöe Swarbrick said:   “Our rangatahi are doing what some adults in this Parliament refuse to do – they’re recognising the need for urgent and immediate climate action.   “It should be called what it...

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...

Young people should be empowered to create a better Aotearoa New Zealand and overcome the challenges created by previous generations. Democracy must include young people Young people should have representation or a voice on local and community boards. The Local Government Act should require councils to resource Youth Councils and employ child and youth advocates. Civics, human rights, and environmental education should be taught in schools. The health system should meet the needs of young people Improving youth mental health...

The Green Party in government will fund free counselling for all New Zealanders aged 25 and under as part of a $260 million youth mental health package. “Free counselling for any young person who wants to talk about the ups and downs they are experiencing with a trained professional will make a huge difference to people’s wellbeing,” Green Party leader James Shaw said today. “Everyone goes through ups and downs and as a society we can do more to recognise...

NZ First has chosen to put political game playing ahead of the safety of children by proposing a referendum on the ten year old amendments to the Crimes Act. NZ First MP Tracy Martin said on Q&A this morning that her Party wants to hold a binding referendum to repeal the 2007 amendment to section 59 of the Crimes Act. “I think it's appalling that NZ First is willing to remove a basic protection for our kids in the hope...

The Green Party is joining with youth, justice and disability groups in calling on the National Government to raise the age of youth justice to include 17-year-olds today, and help improve the lives of thousands of young people. A Government Bill before the House today will consider changes to the Child Youth and Family Act and has the ability to raise the age of youth justice from 16 to 17-year-olds. “Allowing 17-year-olds to be included in the youth justice system...