The NZ Green Party delivers their 'State of the Planet' address for 2023.
Video / Green Party Aotearoa
Greens co-leader James Shaw is jokingly speculating Christopher Luxon won’t be the leader of the Opposition come this year’s election.
Shaw, delivering the party’s State of the Planet address in Auckland alongside co-leader Marama Davidson, warned those in attendance that a National/Act Government would be the “most reactionary, race-baiting, right-wing government” in decades.
“Labour and National may be duking it out for the so-called political centre but this October, New Zealand will either elect the most progressive, climate-focused government that we have ever had ... or hand the keys to the most reactionary, race-baiting, right-wing government that we have seen in decades.
“A government for the wealthy few at the expense of many, not just in this generation but also those to come, a government of climate inaction and delay.”
Green co-leader James Shaw is in Auckland today together with Marama Davidson to deliver their State of the Planet speech. Photo / Alex Burton
Shaw said unlike 2020, neither Labour nor National would govern without support from minor parties, which included a shot at Luxon.
“Just like Labour will need our support, the only way that Christopher Luxon - or whoever follows him - will become the Prime Minister is with the support of David Seymour and Act Party.
“It would be an alliance addicted to fossil fuels and to helping the wealthiest and most powerful.”
Luxon has repeatedly stated his intention to stay on as leader of the Opposition, which has been echoed by deputy Nicola Willis.
With respect to climate policies, Shaw claimed National and Act would promise “simple fixes to complex problems”.
Shaw had regularly faced questions whether he would resign as Climate Change Minister in light of the Government’s shifting focus on the cost of living at the expense of climate change policies.
Today, he confirmed he would continue advocating for a government that would prioritise climate action.
“The only way to face the great challenges of our time with the urgency that those challenges demand is to have more Green MPs in Parliament and more Green ministers in the next government.”
In light of Cyclone Gabrielle and other severe weather events, Shaw said climate action must include boosting rooftops solar panels and community turbines to reinforce power supplies, stronger homes and bridges, more disaster resources given to communities and advancing public transport options.
In an earlier statement, Shaw said the Green Party would only accept the “strongest possible climate action” from parties that want its support in forming a government after the upcoming election - a strong message to Labour after it axed several climate-focused policies.
“To any political party that wants the Green Party’s support to form a government after the election, let us put it as simply as we can: the Green Party will not accept anything less than the strongest possible climate action,” Shaw said.
“The stakes are too high, the consequences of failure too great.”
On Monday, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins resumed his policy bonfire with a focus on transport policies, including some that were intended to reduce New Zealand’s emissions, such as the $568 million clean car upgrade scheme, the social leasing car scheme and some public transport goals.
In response, Shaw - also the Climate Change Minister - made a disapproving but fairly tepid statement on how the Government was needlessly delaying climate action.
“Every time we kick climate action into the future, we make it harder for ourselves to meet those targets,” he said on Monday.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins made the bold call to axe several climate change-focused policies amid his aim to reduce the cost of living. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Hipkins said his aim in scrapping the policies was to sharpen the Government’s focus on the high cost of living.
Shaw, however, believed this year’s election would be driven by climate issues.
“Only the Green Party will confront the climate emergency with the urgency it demands and take action to build an Aotearoa that works for everyone.
“Over the next seven months, the Green Party will set out a plan for Aotearoa to cut climate pollution and improve our communities.
“Our message will be simple: To get the government Aotearoa needs, we need more Green MPs in Parliament and Green ministers sitting around the decision-making table. That is how we can best influence the next government.”
Davidson acknowledged how the high cost of living was the priority issue for many, but she believed climate change and inequality went hand in hand.
“The Green Party is clear: we can address climate change and inequality at the same time,” she said.
“The only way to confront big problems we face with the urgency they demand is to have more Green MPs, and more Green ministers in the next government.”
