Victory for equality and fairness (Politics and Law e-news)

This week, two thirds of Parliament voted for marriage equality. This is a victory, not just for people who are gay, lesbian or have different gender identities, but for our democracy. Email not displaying correctly? View in browser Politics and law e-news Email newsletter on law and order, justice & courts, police, corrections, human rights, Treaty of Waitangi, state services Sign up for news by topic Get a regular wrap-up of news in these topic areas: Economy Environment & Resources Fairness & Society Health & Food International Relations Politics & Law Sign up for Greenweek weekly or monthly digest general news wrap-up from the Green MPs Change subscriptions Talk to MPs Catherine Delahunty Dave Clendon Denise Roche Eugenie Sage Gareth Hughes Holly Walker Jan Logie Julie Anne Genter Kennedy Graham Kevin Hague Metiria Turei Mojo Mathers Russel Norman Steffan Browning Feedback Reply to this email with your views Follow us   www.greens.org.nz Kia ora Waikato This week, two thirds of Parliament voted for marriage equality. This is a victory, not just for people who are gay, lesbian or have different gender identities, but for our democracy. I am proud that all 14 of our MPs voted to support this bill and I'm looking forward to the day that this law passes and all adults in New Zealand are able to marry the person they love. Kevin Hague, Green Party MP Take action Have your say on MMP   The Electoral Commission have released their proposal paper on the future of MMP and are accepting public submissions on their proposals until Friday 7 September. Find out more and have your say Events This Sunday: Keep NZ GE Free public meeting with Steffan Browning Held in conjunction with the vigil organised by Organics NZ in Rotorua. Come along and hear Steffan Browning MP; Jon Carapiet, spokesperson GE Free NZ; and Dr Elvira Dommisse, former Crop & Food Scientist. Rotorua Sunday 2nd September 2:00pm - 3:30pm 'Inside Child Poverty' documentary screening and discussion with Holly Walker Come and see the documentary that lays bare NZ's most pressing issue. Carterton Thursday 27th September 7:30pm - 9:30pm View more events Human rights: Marriage equality There will be no electoral backlash against MPs who support Marriage Equality Blog post by Kevin Hague In the lead-up to the First Reading of Louisa Wall’s marriage equality bill, all MPs are receiving quite a lot of mail and email on both sides of the debate. A point frequently made by opponents of the reform is that they won’t vote for MPs who support the Bill. Read more... Catholic Bishops over-reach on marriage equality Blog post by Kevin Hague It's not a surprise that the NZ Catholic Bishops have chosen to oppose Louisa Wall's Bill for marriage equality. Read more...   Kevin Hague speaks on the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill Speech by Kevin Hague MP, 29 August 2012 Your vote on this bill will stand against your name for ever. Watch video or read transcript... Human rights: Immigration Green Party minority view - Immigration (asylum detention) Bill Blog post by Jan Logie The stated purpose of this bill is to effectively manage the mass arrival of irregular migrants and to make New Zealand a less attractive destination for people-smugglers. The examples given by the Minister prior to the introduction of the bill, of a freighter carrying 500 asylum seekers that made it to Canada and a recent boat entering Australian waters saying they wanted to come to New Zealand, do not make a mass arrival by boat in New Zealand any more likely. Read more... Lobbying Govt funds pro GE-lobbyists jamboree Media release, 29 August 2012 "The hosting of this conference in New Zealand, and the fact the Government is supporting this conference financially shows, an intent to push genetic modification," said Mr Browning. Read more... Treaty of Waitangi Waitangi Tribunal report adds to crisis in asset sales agenda Media release, 24 August 2012 The National Government's asset sales agenda is in crisis and it is time to give it up, Green Party Co-leader Russel Norman said today. Read more... Privacy Privacy across all departments needs checking Media release, 24 August 2012 A review of how government departments protect New Zealanders' privacy is needed after damning reports into ACC yesterday revealed wider concerns, the Green Party said today. Read more... Family court Family Court - Fundamental protection Blog post by Jan Logie Currently the Courts in Auckland are in a real mess, due to a completely bungled new system for processing Family Court cases. Â The Law Society is saying that In some cases protection orders aren’t being served, cases are being delayed and case files are being sent to the wrong places. Read more... Parliament Wondering how well-behaved we might be: reflections on conduct in the NZ Parliament Blog post by Kennedy Graham There was an exchange in the House last week that occasioned some media interest and concern from the public. It took the form of some theatrical antics by cabinet minister Paula Bennett, which prompted a rebuke from the Speaker, Dr Lockwood-Smith. Read more... Parliamentary behaviour Blog post by Gareth Hughes This week the Speaker revealed he has been receiving numerous emails about "absolutely disgraceful" behaviour in the House. Read more... Human rights   Kevin Hague speaks on the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill Speech by Kevin Hague MP, 29 August 2012 Your vote on this bill will stand against your name for ever. Watch video or read transcript... We'd love to hear your views on our email newsletters. Simply reply to this email and let us know your thoughts. Unsubscribe from Politics and Law e-news Opt out of this and all future emails from us Change subscriptions and details - email newsletters, name and address Mailing address: Parliamentary Office, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand Telephone: +64 4 817 6700 Authorised by Metiria Turei and Russel Norman, Parliament Buildings, Wellington               www.greens.org.nz

Time to hit the hard stuff on alcohol arguments (Health and Food e-news)

Now the froth around the debate on the alcohol purchase age has settled, it's time to look at substantial ways of addressing the problems with our drinking culture. Email not displaying correctly? View in browser Health and food e-news Email newsletter on health, medicine, accident insurance, animal welfare, food labelling, GE, organics, sport Sign up for news by topic Get a regular wrap-up of news in these topic areas: Economy Environment & Resources Fairness & Society Health & Food International Relations Politics & Law Sign up for Greenweek weekly or monthly digest general news wrap-up from the Green MPs Change subscriptions Talk to MPs Catherine Delahunty Dave Clendon Denise Roche Eugenie Sage Gareth Hughes Holly Walker Jan Logie Julie Anne Genter Kennedy Graham Kevin Hague Metiria Turei Mojo Mathers Russel Norman Steffan Browning Feedback Reply to this email with your views Follow us   www.greens.org.nz Kia ora Waikato Now the froth around the debate on the alcohol purchase age has settled, it's time to look at substantial ways of addressing the problems with our drinking culture. The purchase age will stay at 18, meaning younger drinkers won't be the scapegoat for the drinking problem in our society. The Green Party will be pushing for changes to seriously address the important factors of availability, price, and advertising – things that would actually make a difference to drinking-related harm – that have been masked by a focus on alcohol purchase age. Kevin Hague, Green Party MP Take action Cruel eggs are stink: Have your say on the Hen Code review Living in a cage is a miserable life for a chicken. The Minister for Primary Industries is sitting on a code of welfare for layer hens that will allow them to continue to be kept in cages. Make a quick submission now. Make a submission on the Animal Welfare Act The review of the Act is a critical opportunity to make meaningful change to the lives of the millions of working animals in farming, racing, and research and provide them with a decent life. Read submission guide and make a submission now. Events This Sunday: Keep NZ GE Free public meeting with Steffan Browning Held in conjunction with the vigil organised by Organics NZ in Rotorua. Come along and hear Steffan Browning MP; Jon Carapiet, spokesperson GE Free NZ; and Dr Elvira Dommisse, former Crop & Food Scientist. Rotorua Sunday 2nd September 2:00pm - 3:30pm 'Inside Child Poverty' documentary screening and discussion with Holly Walker Come and see the documentary that lays bare NZ's most pressing issue. Carterton Thursday 27th September 7:30pm - 9:30pm View more events Alcohol reform   Holly Walker speaks on the Alcohol Reform Bill, Committee stage Speech by Holly Walker MP, 31 August 2012 We have an unhealthy, harmful binge drinking culture in New Zealand, which affects all age groups and income levels. Watch video or read transcript...   Gareth Hughes speaks on the Alcohol Reform Bill, Committee stage Speech by Gareth Hughes MP, 31 August 2012 I rise to speak on the  Alcohol Reform Bill, in favour of keeping it 18. Watch video or read transcript...   Kevin Hague speaks on the Alcohol Reform Bill, Committee Stage. Speech by , 30 August 2012 The Green Party has devoted a lot of time to considering and analysing the evidence and arguments that have been made on the various sides of this debate. Watch video or read transcript... ACC Privacy across all departments needs checking Media release, 24 August 2012 A review of how government departments protect New Zealanders' privacy is needed after damning reports into ACC yesterday revealed wider concerns, the Green Party said today. Read more... Reports show Government role in driving ACC dysfunction Media release, 23 August 2012 Reports into ACC provide the most compelling evidence yet that the Government's focus on saving a buck has caused ACC to lose sight of its role in helping injured and vulnerable New Zealanders, the Green Party said today. Read more... GE Govt funds pro GE-lobbyists jamboree Media release, 29 August 2012 "The hosting of this conference in New Zealand, and the fact the Government is supporting this conference financially shows, an intent to push genetic modification," said Mr Browning. Read more...   Steffan questions the Minister on Government sponsorship of a pro-GE conference Oral question, Steffan Browning MP, 30 August 2012 I am advised that a number of Crown research institutes are also sponsors of the conference, but given that Crown research institutes are only partly Government funded, it is not possible to quantify the Government funding used by Crown research institutes to sponsor the conference as well.  Watch video or read transcript... We'd love to hear your views on our email newsletters. Simply reply to this email and let us know your thoughts. Unsubscribe from Health and Food e-news Opt out of this and all future emails from us Change subscriptions and details - email newsletters, name and address Mailing address: Parliamentary Office, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand Telephone: +64 4 817 6700 Authorised by Metiria Turei and Russel Norman, Parliament Buildings, Wellington               www.greens.org.nz

Climate change: Don't let the Govt put its head in the sand! (Environment and Resources e-news)

Add your voice to the chorus opposing the Government's further weakening of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Email not displaying correctly? View in browser Environment and Resources e-news Email newsletter on climate change, conservation, energy, fisheries, forestry, oceans & marine, peak oil, Resource Management Act, toxins, transport, waste, water View previous issues of Environment and Resources e-news Sign up for news by topic Get a regular wrap-up of news in these topic areas: Economy Environment & Resources Fairness & Society Health & Food International Relations Politics & Law Sign up for Greenweek weekly or monthly digest general news wrap-up from the Green MPs Change subscriptions Talk to MPs Catherine Delahunty Dave Clendon Denise Roche Eugenie Sage Gareth Hughes Holly Walker Jan Logie Julie Anne Genter Kennedy Graham Kevin Hague Metiria Turei Mojo Mathers Russel Norman Steffan Browning Feedback Reply to this email with your views Follow us   www.greens.org.nz Kia ora Waikato Add your voice to the chorus opposing the Government's further weakening of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The arctic sea ice melt this summer is already at a record level. Climate change is happening and we have to step up and do our share. This Government is trying to hide its weakening of the ETS by reducing the time available for the public to engage. Don't let them have their way – have your say. Kennedy Graham, Green Party MP Make a submission on the Bill Events This Sunday: Keep NZ GE Free public meeting with Steffan Browning Held in conjunction with the vigil organised by Organics NZ in Rotorua. Come along and hear Steffan Browning MP; Jon Carapiet, spokesperson GE Free NZ; and Dr Elvira Dommisse, former Crop & Food Scientist. Rotorua Sunday 2nd September 2:00pm - 3:30pm 'Inside Child Poverty' documentary screening and discussion with Holly Walker Come and see the documentary that lays bare NZ's most pressing issue. Carterton Thursday 27th September 7:30pm - 9:30pm View more events Climate change Undemocratic climate change underway: listening to whom you wish to - only Blog post by Kennedy Graham The National Government has decided to kneecap the ETS and it doesn’t really want to hear the views of people who disagree. Read more... Government to delay addressing climate change indefinitely Media release, 23 August 2012 The Government's stopped even pretending it wants to combat climate change with amendments it is making to the Emissions Trading Scheme, Green Party climate change spokesperson Kennedy Graham said today. Read more... Searching for common ground - over common sense: Hon John Banks, climate change, and me Blog post by Kennedy Graham Thursday was one of those rare moments when parliamentary debate tosses up a touch of democracy – a juxtaposition of deeply-held views, expressed back-to-back, in one bill before the House. Read more... Responding to the two global crises: thoughts on the Rio+20 conference Blog post by Kennedy Graham This piece was originally produced for the UN Association of Australia Conference, Brisbane, August 2012 Humanity today faces the first truly global crisis in its 5,000-year political history. Read more...   Julie Anne Genter on the Climate Change Response Amendment Bill, first reading Speech by Julie Anne Genter MP, 25 August 2012 Watch video or read transcript...   Kennedy Graham's speech on the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading and Other Matters) Amendment Bill First Reading Speech by Kennedy Graham MP, 23 August 2012 Emissions reduction is an ecological imperative. Watch video or read transcript... Conservation Where is the Minister of Conservation? Blog post by Gareth Hughes Has anyone seen the Minister of Conservation, Kate Wilkinson? Read more...   Eugenie Sage to the Minister of Conservation on the financial viability of the monorail applicant Riverstone Holdings Limited Oral question, Eugenie Sage MP, 23 August 2012 Is the financial viability of an applicant company a factor in the consideration of concession applications on conservation land; if not, why not? Watch video or read transcript...   DoC putting out the begging bowl to commercial sponsors such as Fonterra Speech by Eugenie Sage MP, 15 August 2012 If Fonterra becomes a commercial sponsor of the Department of Conservation, will this constrain the department's already limited Resource Management Act advocacy? Watch video or read transcript... Water Green Bill to protect waterways passes first reading Media release, 29 August 2012 Green Party MP Catherine Delahunty's Members Bill to close a loophole in the Resource Management Act allowing on-going pollution, passed it's first reading today. Read more... The “Black Drain” Bill passes First Reading! Blog post by Catherine Delahunty Last night was a great night at Parliament for several reasons. Read more...   Eugenie Sage speaks on The Resource Management Act Amendment Bill, first reading Speech by Eugenie Sage MP, 30 August 2012 One might expect a council to use the exceptional circumstances section to justify a stormwater overflow in an extreme weather event or a sewage treatment plant that malfunctions, but it should not be used to justify ongoing discharges over decades. Watch video or read transcript...   Catherine Delahunty's speeches on the Resource Management (Restricted Duration of Certain Discharge and Coastal Permits) Amendment Bill Speech by Catherine Delahunty MP, 29 August 2012 This bill is a simple amendment to section 107 (2)(a) of the  Resource Management Act. Watch video or read transcript... Oceans   Eugenie Sage speaks on the Exclusive Economic Zone Bill - third reading Speech by Eugenie Sage MP, 29 August 2012 It is that fact, that there is no priority given to environmental matters, that means that the bill fails to implement the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention. Watch video or read transcript...   Why we should ban deep-sea oil drilling in New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone Speech by Eugenie Sage MP, 22 August 2012 The costs associated with the Deepwater Horizon blowout in the Gulf of Mexico–and that, of course, was an exploratory well, not a production well–were well over US$15 billion. That reflects the huge environmental and economic risks associated with deep-sea oil drilling. Watch video or read transcript...   Catherine Delahunty's speech on the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Bill Speech by Catherine Delahunty MP, 21 August 2012 If we are talking about the development of resources in this country, we are not talking about the people of the East Coast getting a job; we are talking about Petrobras, Nautilus, and the other multinationals. Watch video or read transcript... Energy Mighty River squanders $3.8m preparing for sale Media release, 28 August 2012 Mighty River's annual report reveals that it has spent $3.8m in the year to June 2012 preparing itself for sale under the Government's asset sales agenda, Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman said today. Read more... Gas hydrates and the extreme energy age Blog post by Gareth Hughes If you needed proof we are in the post-peak oil, extreme energy age one need just look at where the Government is going for their next fix. Read more... Mining, drilling Coal seam gas extraction puts environment at risk Media release, 21 August 2012 "A massive expansion of coal seam gas (CSG) extraction putting our environment and clean green brand at risk is not the solution to the Government's economic woes," said Gareth Hughes Green Party energy spokesperson. Read more... Locking the gates to fracking Blog post by Gareth Hughes Next week renowned Australian environmental campaigner, Drew Hutton is touring NZ talking about the risks of coal seam gas and fracking. Read more... Better choices than digging holes in the ground Blog post by Gareth Hughes The Government’s “drill it, mine it, frack it” economic plan for New Zealand is a lazy gamble that belies a lack a vision. Read more... Science Gluckman on science and the environment Blog post by frog Professor Peter Gluckman, the Prime Minister’s science advisor, delivered a speech today about “Bringing science and policy together for good environmental outcomes”. Read more... We'd love to hear your views on our email newsletters. Simply reply to this email and let us know your thoughts. Unsubscribe from Environment and Resources e-news Opt out of this and all future emails from us Change subscriptions and details - email newsletters, name and address Mailing address: Parliamentary Office, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand Telephone: +64 4 817 6700 Authorised by Metiria Turei and Russel Norman, Parliament Buildings, Wellington              www.greens.org.nz