Greenweek: MMP even better, a once in a generation opportunity, and lacewing flies via Flickr

We're really pleased to see the Electoral Commission proposing some sensible changes to MMP such as removal of the 1 seat coat-tailing rule and reduction of the party vote threshold to 4%. Email not displaying correctly? View in browser Events Public Meeting 'Low Wage Economy' How the Government's drive for a low wage economy affects us all and what we can do about it – with Jan Logie MP and Denise Roche MP Wellington 16th August Timaru 21st August Christchurch 22nd August Julie Anne Genter speaks at The Road Ahead - How would you spend $30 billion? Hear Julie Anne Genter argue the case for a smart transport future on this discussion panel organised by Generation Zero. Wellington 23rd August Gisborne Public Meeting 'Save Our Schools' Catherine Delahunty MP and Labour MP Nanaia Mahuta take a look at education today in NZ under the current Government's programme. Gisborne 27th August 'Inside Child Poverty' documentary screening and discussion hosted by Holly Walker MP Come and see the documentary that lays bare NZ's most pressing issue. Whanganui 27th August View more events Snippets Lacewing Fly on Flickr Scientists have discovered a previously unknown species of lacewing insect after stumbling upon a series of photos posted on Flickr. [Treehugger] Mind the gap between corporate behaviour and sustainability What factors lie behind the misalignment of company behaviour and its sustainability goals, asks Michael Townsend. [Guardian] The Atlantic Forest In this fragmented Brazilian forest, few species survive. [NY Times] Arctic sea ice heads for record low Going, going... Next month could see Arctic sea ice shrink to its smallest extent yet, beating the previous record, set in 2007. [New Scientist] Youth must work together for a better world On this occasion of the International Youth Day, the Global Young Greens call on young people from all around the world to come together to build relationships and networks with one another. [Global Greens] Send snippet ideas to Ryan Kennedy. Follow us             www.greens.org.nz Kia ora Waikato We're really pleased to see the Electoral Commission proposing some sensible changes to MMP, such as removing the 1 seat coat-tailing rule and lowering the party vote threshold to 4%. The MMP review is a chance to strengthen MMP and ensure that New Zealand's electoral system achieves the important principles of fairness, proportionality, and diversity. The input from the public so far has been fantastic and we hope that people will continue to share their thoughts on MMP. Russel Norman Green Party Co-leader Weekly too often? Switch to Greenweek monthly digest          Take action Keep Our Assets Please support the petition calling for a citizens initiated referendum on asset sales. We need over 300,000 signatures nationwide. Download the petition, print and sign it. We also need help with signature collection. Help stop asset sales: sign up to volunteer here Protect our oceans The Government wants to know what you think about the five marine reserves proposed for the South Island's West Coast. If you love and want to protect our oceans and the unique and special wildlife that lives there please make a submission now. Video   What's still wrong with the Food Bill? Green MP Steffan Browning responds to a question from Facebook, 'Steffan where are you at with your negotiations with Kate Wilkinson, can we have an update please?'. Watch the video...   Holly Walker on her Lobbying Disclosure Bill We believe the public has a right to know who's lobbying MPs about what. This Bill would bring some much-needed transparency into political lobbying in New Zealand. Watch the video... View all video News Once in a generation opportunity to protect our children Press release, 14 August 2012 The Government has been given a once in a generation opportunity to tackle the root causes of child vulnerability and should join with all parties to create an action plan for children, the Green Party said today. Read more... Chance to become world leaders in animal welfare Press release, 13 August 2012 The review of the Animal Welfare Act is an opportunity to improve animal welfare outcomes, that everyone should be involved in, the Green Party said today. Read more... 18 year unemployment high a testament to Government's economic mismanagement Press release, 9 August 2012 The latest dire unemployment statistics are a testament to the failed economic management of the Key Government, Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said today. Read more... Outstanding rivers need better protection Press release, 9 August 2012 The Green Party welcomes the launch of the Outstanding Rivers campaign by Anton Oliver, and an alliance of recreational and environmental NGOs. Read more... View more news Blog posts Marriage Equality - idea whose time has come Blog post by Kevin Hague Marriage equality is about basic fairness. It is a pretty basic principle of law that discrimination that disadvantages a particular group based on irrelevant criteria is unacceptable, particularly when it is practised by the State. Read more... Tangata Tiriti - What Does It Mean? Blog post by Catherine Delahunty A couple of bloggers who comment on the performance of Maori MPs have recently included me in their analysis because of the Te Tiriti focus in my political work. Read more... Eating for the world Blog post by Mojo Mathers The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have just released a book of articles and presentations that examines how to make sure that everyone has the food they need to be healthy and happy – also known as being 'food secure'. Read more... Victory over pokie machines for the Victory community Blog post by Denise Roche Last week's win for the community of Victory, who finally rid themselves of pokies in their local bar, is an example of what can be achieved when a community takes action. Read more... View more blog posts Send us your feedback We'd love to hear your views. Simply email us and let us know your thoughts. 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