GREEN PARTY OF AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND  Green Party Policy [Green Library]  Greens Press  Releases on  Policy Launches  Here, in alphabetical order, are the full Green Party  Policy documents, that have gone through an extensive Greens to  consultation process and been ratified by the Policy re-establish  Committee. For a quick overview of Green Party Policy Ministry of  see the policy highlights (coming very soon). Tourism (2 Nov.  99)  Distinctive  prevention theme  in Greens' health  [*] Agriculture and Rural Affairs Policy policy (28 Oct.  99)  Green Party  [*] Arts Policy announces Housing  Policy (17 Oct.  99)  [*] Conservation Policy - Restoring Our Shared  Treasures, Protecting the Future Green Party  + cover page (.pdf) proposes debt  write-off scheme  in Tertiary  Education Policy  (14 Oct. 99)  [*] Cannabis and Drug Law Reform Policy - Towards a  Harm Reduction Model Greens issue  two-tier welfare  policy (10 Oct.  99)  [*] Housing Policy - Living Well Greens set sights  on the sea (4  Oct. 99)  [*] Industrial Hemp Policy  Stuffed kiwi  message to Nats  [*] Justice Policy - Making Good and Labour (4  Oct. 99)  [*] Research, Science and Technology Policy Greens to bring  birds close to  home (4 Oct. 99)  [*] Safe Food Policy - Towards an Organic Nation Unique New  Zealand dolphin  on edge of  [*] Security Services Policy extinction (4  Oct. 99)  [*] Sexual Orientation Policy - Celebrating a Green Party to  Rainbow Nation release flagship  conservation  policy (3 Oct.  99)  [*] Tourism Policy  Green Party  committed to  ending inner-city  [*] Urban Policy - Living Cities motorway schemes  (2 Oct. 99)  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand - Quality of Life]  In addition there are a number of interim draft policies on  which feedback is invited from members:  * Defence  * Democracy  * Gender Equality  * Justice  * Maori  * Transport  Feedback on these should be sent to the author of the  individual policy, with a copy to the Policy Convenor,  Roland Sapsford. These interim draft policies are available  from any of the policy networkers, (See contacts) or from  the members only Policy section.    Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand > Green Library > Party  Policy  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand] Party Policy  THE GREEN PARTY POLICY ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS  Ratified October 1999  For further information contact: Ian Ewen-Street,  Agriculture Spokesperson.  To propose amendments contact: Roland Sapsford, National  Policy Convenor, for details.  INTRODUCTION  The Green Party is committed to practices that promote  strong rural communities and strong rural economies. These  practices acknowledge the need to protect the land for  future generations and to sustain the level of services  necessary to make rural life not merely viable, but  financially rewarding and positively enjoyable. The services  include health, education, transport, employment, financial  services and recreational opportunities.  Implementation of Green policies will ultimately require  legislative change. Initially it will require consultation  with and acceptance by all New Zealanders, including those  in the rural community. We favour using information,  encouragement and incentives rather than regulation. We  recognize that there are national and local community  benefits (such as reduced health costs) to be gained from  moving to sustainable production practices, but we do not  expect producers to bear the brunt of the cost of  conversion.  KEY POINTS:  * All land-based primary production should be  ecologically sustainable.  * Rural social services and infrastructure will be  supported so as to strengthen rural communities.  * Animals in agriculture should be treated humanely  throughout their lives.  * Productive land ought to remain in the hands of the  individuals, families and communities who work with it.  * Single-desk seller co-operatives and producer boards  that are efficient and accountable to producers will be  retained.  * We all share a common duty to protect & enhance  indigenous ecosystems.  * The Resource Management Act needs the active  involvement of both central government and local  communities to make it work.  * Trade policy must reflect the needs of people and  communities.  * Effective Biosecurity management is an environmental  and economic necessity.  * Climate change is a global reality and we must act to  minimise the degree of change and mitigate its effects  in New Zealand.  * Progress must be measured through changes in quality of  life.  * A healthy economy, a healthy community and a healthy  environment are mutually interdependent.  1. ALL LAND-BASED PRIMARY PRODUCTION SHOULD BE ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE  THE ORGANIC NATION  The Green Party believes that for New Zealand to succeed in  a crowded international market place we must differentiate  our products from those of other countries. We regard  organic produce as the ultimate in value-added product - the  extra value lies in the essence of the product itself,  rather than the processing and the presentation.  We have a policy of promoting a shift to organic production.  We appreciate that this will not yet sit comfortably with  all rural people, but it is nonetheless a mainstay of Green  rural policy. While prices are depressed for many  traditional products, worldwide the demand for organic  production is burgeoning and attracts high premiums. Organic  production also enables families to make a living on smaller  holdings, maintains fertility of the land and ensures the  ongoing sustainability and viability not just of individual  properties, but of entire communities and ultimately the  well being of the national economy into the future.  The Green Party will seek a Government commitment to the  concept of an Organic Nation by the year 2020. This means  having half of New Zealand's production certified organic by  2020, and the remainder in the process of conversion. As a  first step towards this target, we aim to have 10% certified  organic by 2005.  To this end:  * Farmers will receive financial support and incentives  during their conversion to organic production. This  support will be provided in the form of suspensory  loans and mortgage guarantees for a transitional  period.  * Bio-Gro and Demeter production standards will be  endorsed by the government and promoted for domestic  and export purposes.  * An organics advisory service for growers will be  established with some government funding.  * Public Good Science Fund money will be redirected into  research that supports organics.  * Organic growing will be incorporated in all courses and  qualifications in agriculture and horticulture.  * Opportunities to experience organic growing will be  available in all schools.  The Green Party opposes the use of food treatments such as  food irradiation, antibiotics used as growth promotants and  growth hormones. We will seek to phase out these practices  or avoid their introduction.  ENDING OUR DEPENDENCE ON AGRICHEMICALS  Many persistent and dangerous chemicals (such as dioxins,  PCBs and organo-phosphates) have already entered our water  supplies and many other chemicals are present on our food as  surface sprays (as on fruit and vegetables) or part of the  product itself (as in meat). The Green Party will move to  minimise these chemical residues by encouraging organic  production methods and educating about the long term  negative consequences of agrichemicals. Spray drift of  pesticides and herbicides from neighbouring properties is an  issue with negative consequences for health. The Green party  will require all spraying contractors to maintain a license  that can be renewed only by demonstrating good professional  practice in the prevention of chemical trespass.  The Green Party will:  * Set targets for the progressive reduction in total  pesticide use and monitor and report results.  * In consultation with consumers, growers and  manufacturers, develop an immediate timetable for  phasing out the most toxic and persistent pesticides,  such as those identified by the US Environmental  Protection Authority as being possible and probable  carcinogens.  * Fund organics research and the clean up of contaminated  sites through a levy on all toxic and hazardous  substances, calculated in proportion to their toxicity  and persistence in the environment.  * Support the minimising of spray drift and other forms  of chemical trespass.  BIOTECHNOLOGY OR 'FRANKENFOOD'?  Genetically engineered (GE) foods are those in which genes  from one species are artificially transferred to an entirely  unrelated species. This is not simply accelerated  inter-breeding as claimed by its supporters, but the  creation of entirely new lifeforms. GE products have no  safety record and we cannot know the long-term consequences  of their use as food. They may conceivably turn out to be  like thalidomide, DDT and nuclear power stations - promoted  as safe by their vested interest producers, but catastrophic  in their downstream effects on our children and their  children.  The Greens recognize the pressure being applied to NZ  farmers by multi-national corporations wanting them to be  "at the forefront of bio-technology". The motivation of  these corporations does not reflect the best interests of  the farmer or of the community as a whole. There is  absolutely no consumer demand for GE foods - in fact, people  will only buy GE food if they don't know what they are  buying. The only people to profit from GE foods are the  multinational corporations who are desperately pushing to  have them - unlabelled - on our supermarket shelves.  The Greens believe that, as the USA in particular becomes  more dependent on GE food, the consumer revolt will result  in people increasingly seeking pure food from New Zealand.  It is interesting to note that the European Union has  recently imported its soy beans from Australia rather than  Canada and the USA. Australia is the only country that can  guarantee its soy to be free of GE. The soy industry in  Canada has been devastated by the move. The Green Party does  not want New Zealand to repeat the mistakes made by the  Canadians in growing GE produce for unwilling markets.  The Greens intend that, as quickly as practicable, New  Zealand will declare itself and market itself  internationally as a nation free of genetically engineered  foods. The Greens do not support GE food being grown in New  Zealand or being experimented with in New Zealand. Any  imported GE foods should be subject to mandatory labelling.  DIVERSIFICATION  The Green Party supports the notion of increasing the  diversification of farming. We see potential, for instance,  for new crops (such as industrial hemp) which are  ecologically sustainable and for which there appear to be  ready markets. We are already working with the Grains  Council of NZ to change government thinking on the issue of  industrial hemp. We also support initiatives such as the  Southland Topo-Climate South mapping program, which is  actively identifying appropriate new crops and passing on  information about their viability to local farmers.  SUMMARY  Chemical pollution and genetic pollution are not part of  primary production that is ecologically sustainable.  Similarly, the Greens perceive large inputs of chemicals  into the food chain and excessive use of fossil fuels in  agricultural production to be simply not sustainable in the  medium or long terms.  Ecologically sustainable agriculture will provide a  permanent basis for rural prosperity. There is enormous  demand from consumers in the USA, Europe and Japan for  certified organic produce and they are prepared to pay  premium prices for products that are chemical free and GE  free. New Zealand is already recognized (albeit mistakenly)  as "clean and green" and the best possible niche market for  our produce is to build on that reputation and provide pure  food of the very highest quality, which will attract premium  prices.  2. RURAL SOCIAL SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE WILL BE SUPPORTED TO STRENGTHEN RURAL COMMUNITIES.  The Green philosophy of promoting strong local communities  means that people will want to live in rural communities  rather than drifting away. Stable populations mean that  rural communities will be better able to control services  such as schools, hospitals, fire services, etc.  Corporatization and/or privatization of services such as  banking, postal services and telecommunications has meant  rural communities have had these services reduced or lost  them entirely. This has undermined the viability of many  rural communities. This in turn increases pressure for a  switch to 'corporate farming'. Corporate farmers are much  less affected by lack of rural services than are family  farmers.  Large corporates perceive small population centres to be  "inefficient". They are, of course, highly efficient sources  of social life and centres of production. Too often cost  'savings' from withdrawal of services are simply transfers  of cost from business and government to the community.  Increasing costs for rural communities have also occurred  with the introduction of the "user pays" philosophy and the  rapid expansion of urban managerial bureaucracies. The  run-down of health services in particular is a bitter pill  for many rural communities. At the same time, virtually all  trading banks are now foreign-owned and the profit that they  expatriate each year would be sufficient to provide a free  national health service. Roading services are also being  considered for corporatisation in a move with potentially  disastrous consequences for both rural and urban  communities. Similarly, the present increased competition in  fuel pricing structures will not lead to better services or  prices to rural communities. This is because the new  competition always enters the most profitable market places  and causes the established suppliers to withdraw from  marginal areas in order to compete with the new entrant.  The Green Party will:  * support universal provision of good quality health and  education accessible to people in rural communities.  * support retention and control of local services and the  maintenance of community assets and amenities.  * encourage the emergence of a locally owned banking  service (perhaps using the model of the Bendigo Bank in  Australia) in order to keep profits circulating in the  community and to promote local employment.  3. ANIMALS IN AGRICULTURE SHOULD BE TREATED HUMANELY THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES  New Zealand producers, as part of the clean green image of  this country, ought to be conscious of the emerging emphasis  on animal rights and be flexible enough to meet that demand.  Increasingly, consumers in Europe, Japan and the USA are  seeking products from animals that have led low-stress  lives. This is part of a considerable change in philosophy  on the part of consumers and the public generally. Meat,  milk and other products from these animals are then lower in  levels of natural toxins.  The Green Party supports a comprehensive approach to animal  welfare. Livestock must be provided with adequate food,  water and shelter at all times, physical mutilation for  castration, tail docking, ear marking, etc, should be  minimised and transportation kept as low stress for the  animal as possible. Battery hen farming, sow crates and  other forms of cruelty to animals must be eliminated.  4. PRODUCTIVE LAND OUGHT TO REMAIN IN THE HANDS OF THE INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES WHO WORK WITH IT, NOT FOREIGN  INVESTORS.  The Green Party perceives the present push towards the  "corporatisation" of farms as being counter-productive and  ultimately making people serfs on their own land. Local  control of local production means that farmers will receive  the maximum benefit from both their financial investment and  their labour. Rural communities need the opportunity to  shape their own economic destiny as well as support for  essential services. For these communities to thrive, it is  important that the proceeds from rural production are  largely spent within the local economy. The Green Party will  not allow the sale of land to persons who are not NZ  citizens or permanent residents. Foreign companies must  satisfy the criteria of the Overseas Investment Commission,  with an absolute prohibition on companies with more than 49%  overseas ownership buying NZ land.  Foreign speculators, having bought up virtually all of our  state assets (railways, telecommunications, airlines, etc)  then turned their attention to local authority assets (such  as water and roads), now appear to be targeting traditional  family farms and profitable Producer Boards as potential  corporate cash-cows.  The Green Party  * supports development finance for ecologically  sustainable development  * opposes foreign control of land in New Zealand  * supports localisation and local control of agricultural  production  5. SINGLE-DESK SELLER CO-OPERATIVES AND PRODUCER BOARDS THAT ARE EFFICIENT AND ACCOUNTABLE TO PRODUCERS WILL BE RETAINED.  New Zealand is a country that is dependent on exports of  primary products. The recent trend has been for corporations  and other "middle men" to maximize their profit at the  expense of farmers and other small rural businesses.  Producer Boards are a mechanism for enabling farmers to sell  their produce co-operatively and for the best price. The  present push for de-regulation of the Boards is perceived by  the Green Party as multi-national corporations trying to  "muscle in" on one of the few profitable areas left for  farmers. For instance, the highly profitable Dairy Board  presently returns most of its annual profit to its  shareholders. Deregulation would simply mean that those  profits would go to "middle men", rather than farmers.  The Green Party recognizes that Producer Boards can be made  more efficient and more accountable and will encourage them  to do so in consultation with their farmer shareholders.  As part of the need to satisfy burgeoning international  consumer demand for "clean, green" products, the Green Party  will require the Boards to promote certified organic  production and labeling.  6. WE ALL HAVE A COMMON DUTY TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE INDIGENOUS ECOSYSTEMS.  The Green Party believes that conservation of biological  diversity is a shared responsibility. Landowners have a duty  of stewardship towards the land. The wider community  benefits from the exercise of this stewardship and ought to  financially support activities of landowners that benefit  both to the wider community and future generations.  Many activities with ecological benefits also improve  financial sustainability of farming. Farmers will be  encouraged to fence off strips along waterways to reduce  soil erosion, encourage the growth of native plants, promote  wildlife corridors and provide windbreaks. Studies have  repeatedly shown that production actually improves when  these shelter-belts are provided for livestock and for  arable land. Many indigenous ecosystems are susceptible to  over-use of chemicals; the transition to organic production  and the phasing down of agrichemicals will reduce this  problem.  We seek to provide a package of measures so that protection  of indigenous species and ecosystems is seen as both  desirable in its own right and financially attractive.  Language is important in describing measures. The Green  Party opposes 'compensation' for landowners that are  required to change existing practices by reasonable  regulations, such as native forest clearance controls. We do  not believe that land ownership affords a right to destroy  ecosystems on that land, but neither do we expect individual  farmers to pay for "common good" conservation on their own  land.  Rather, much more needs to be done to help landowners to  maintain ecosystems on their land. Educational material and  financial assistance will be available to encourage farmers  to protect indigenous ecosystems. The Green Party would  increase funding to the Nature Heritage Fund, Nga Whenua  Rahui and Queen Elizabeth II National Trust. Larger local  authorities will be expected to work co-operatively with  landowners rather than simply regulate and wait.  Government transfers to regions will help support local  councils whose rating area contains large areas of high  value indigenous forest and offset their loss of income from  rates. Marginal land should be allowed to revert to native  vegetation. The Greens would provide financial relief for  farmers with covenanted land in exchange for active care for  such reverting land.  7. THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT NEEDS THE ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT OF BOTH CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO MAKE IT  WORK.  Especially in rural areas, good environmental management  relies on the goodwill of the people on the land. The  administration of the Resource Management Act by local  authorities has created significant problems for landowners  and communities. At the same time the environment has not  been adequately protected. These dual problems are echoed in  urban areas where many people feel powerless to affect major  developments. The cause of these problems is twofold. There  has been a lack of leadership from central government, with  the absence of National Policy Statements and technical  assistance to small councils. There has also been a profound  lack of community involvement in resource management in many  areas, both rural and urban.  Changing the Act might satisfy political pressure to 'do  something' in election year, but it is unlikely to actually  improve performance. Present proposals to introduce  "contestability" to the consent granting process represent  an enormously retrograde step for farmers. This move to  allow consents to be processed by consultants working for  the applicant (rather than by an elected local authority)  would effectively grant enormous power to corporate land  developers, while simultaneously disadvantaging private  individuals.  The Ministry for the Environment, local councils and the  planning profession need to work more closely together to  produce better results for businesses, communities and the  environment. The Greens strongly support effective  environmental protection through the RMA, but do not support  unnecessary or poorly thought through regulation. No-one  benefits when minor activities are tangled in bureaucracy  while major projects (e.g. food irradiation plants) can slip  through, virtually as an afterthought.  The Green Party will ensure that central government produces  National Policy Statements on key areas and supports much  greater community involvement in the development of plans  and policy statements. We will work with councils and  communities to ensure that the resource consent process is  focussed on good environmental outcomes.  8. TRADE POLICY MUST REFLECT THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES  Despite the total value of exports increasing, the value of  imports has risen at a faster rate. For the last four years,  New Zealand has imported far more than it has exported (in  1995, the balance of trade deficit was $464m, in 1996 it was  $523m, in 1997 it was $516m and in 1998 it was $835m), a  cumulative deficit of $2.34 billion. This living beyond our  means is economic suicide in the long term. The high level  of public overseas debt in the 1970s and 80s has been  replaced by high levels of private overseas debt - in many  cases we are mortgaging our land offshore.  The idea of a massive leap in exports of primary products  due to our membership of GATT (or the World Trade  Organization, WTO) is a myth. Our present lack of tariffs  has not been matched by other countries and New Zealand is  simply being exploited by its trading partners. To survive  we must look at providing what consumers want rather than  hoping for some illusory miracle from trade  'liberalization'.  New Zealand's membership of the WTO and our unilateral  removal of tariffs have had very little tangible benefit to  farmers (or most other groups, for that matter). So-called  "free" trade has created enormous social and ecological  problems, particularly in third world countries and  threatens the sovereignty of nations such as New Zealand.  The Green Party believes our membership of WTO and our  tariff structures should be carefully scrutinized and  reviewed.  The Green Party will:  * encourage the adding of value to products prior to  their export in order to increase employment in New  Zealand, decrease our dependence on imports and  maximize the circulation of profits within local  communities  * act to maximize returns from exports and  import-substitution industries and to reduce our  dependence on imported products.  * discourage importation of food that can be grown  locally and will promote the export of high quality,  guaranteed pollution-free products.  * encourage and actively promote "Fair Trade"  internationally.  9. EFFECTIVE BIOSECURITY MANAGEMENT IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC NECESSITY  STOPPING THE BUGS AT THE BORDER  Effective biosecurity at the border is critical to maintain  the competitive advantage of New Zealand's primary  producers, as well as for environmental protection. The  constant procession of new pests entering the country  indicates that our border control system is failing. Too  often we also appear to be putting trade liberalization  ahead of biosecurity when assessing new products for entry ‹  the risks of this approach are far too high.  The Green Party will watch the current review of border  control closely, but it is likely that a more fundamental  review is required to develop an effective system.  The Green Party would look to derive any additional funding  for border control from those who create biosecurity risks  (e.g. importers) rather than general taxation.  BETTER INTERNAL BIOSECURITY  The Green Party would also put more focus on internal  biosecurity. Greater public awareness is needed to minimise  the spread of pests and weeds within the country (which is  usually not natural spread but human-assisted either  deliberately or inadvertently). The Green Party supports a  comprehensive and well funded partnership approach to  controlling or eliminating widespread plant and animal pests  such as possums and old man's beard.  10. CLIMATE CHANGE IS A GLOBAL REALITY AND WE MUST ACT TO MINIMISE THE DEGREE OF CHANGE AND MITIGATE ITS EFFECTS IN NEW ZEALAND.  PLAYING OUR PART IN SAVING THE WORLD  New Zealand is vulnerable to climate change and associated  extreme and unpredictable climatic events. The very  viability of agriculture in New Zealand depends on the world  taking action to avoid further climatic change. Petroleum  based fuels have a finite life and contribute to global  climate change. Agricultural methane is a significant  greenhouse gas.  Agriculture must play its part in New Zealand being a good  global citizen. However the Green Party also recognizes the  enormous impact of urban car dependence on our greenhouse  gas emissions. We confront this issue directly through our  policies for sustainable cities (Transport and Urban  policies available on request).  The Green Party seeks the immediate introduction of:  * energy efficiency standards for vehicles and appliances  * a low-level carbon tax to provide clear financial  incentives to avoid fossil fuels  * policies which reduce our dependence on inefficient and  destructive means of transport for the movement of  people and goods.  * more effective international action to reduce  greenhouse gas emissions and thereby help avoid  catastrophic climate change.  ADAPTING TO A CHANGING CLIMATE  The Green Party recognizes that the climate of New Zealand  is altering measurably and unpredictably. The recent  droughts on the east coasts of both islands, the floods in  the far north and the gradually rising temperature are clear  indicators of this change.  At a social level, the Green Party rejects absolutely the  present government's stance of virtually leaving communities  to look after themselves after natural disasters. Strong  communities depend on co-operative behaviour and the failure  of government to work with communities undermines social  cohesion. There is residual bitterness in Marlborough, for  instance, where the drought of early 1998 brought many  farmers and rural settlements to the brink (and some over  it) of financial, social and emotional disaster. The  eventual granting of $85,000 for "drought relief" to  Federated Farmers was seen as too little, too late.  Ironically, it was announced the same week as the same  government donated $35 million to the collapsing South  Korean financial system.  The Green Party believes that climate change is out of the  control of any one individual or community. The problem is a  global one. However communities do have a responsibility to  organize around events such as floods and droughts which are  known to occur from time to time. Government can assist this  process but cannot substitute for it.  The Greens will ensure all communities will be assisted  rapidly, willingly and appropriately for events beyond their  control such as floods, droughts and earthquakes.  Communities will also be encouraged to take a more active  role in preparing for problems and seeking to reduce their  long-term vulnerability. Government assistance will focus on  long-term measures (such as re-vegetation in drought prone  areas) as well as short-term relief work. However, the Green  Party would not provide emergency support for unsustainable  or inappropriate farming practices.  Adapting to a changing climate has enormous implications for  New Zealand biodiversity and our primary production sector.  The Green Party will ensure that:  * Public Good Science research into adaptive measures is  adequately supported  * Managing the risks of climate change is a long term  strategic priority of local and central government  11. PROGRESS SHOULD BE MEASURED THROUGH CHANGES IN QUALITY OF LIFE, RATHER THAN SOLELY THOUGH GDP  MEASURING WHAT MATTERS  The Green Party will establish an inventory of land forms,  soil, vegetation, water, and climate, as part of a set of  National Resource Accounts. The National Resource Accounts  (NRA) will provide a snapshot of the actual position of the  country in terms of levels of productive land, availability  of natural resources, levels of chemical use, levels of  pollution, provision of pure water, etc.  In addition to providing an annual "position statement", the  NRA can be used in conjunction with a Quality of Life Index.  Such a measure could parallel (and possibly ultimately  replace) the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the measure of  our economic progress. GDP measures only commercial  transactions. The Quality of Life Index is designed to  include all aspects of our existence as residents of NZ and  to give an accurate measure of the progress (or otherwise)  we are making.  ECOLOGICAL TAX REFORM  The introduction of the national resource accounts and the  quality of life index are intended to form part of a gradual  reform of the economic structures in this country. We must  make environmental responsibility and financial  responsibility complementary concepts. We need to tax work  and enterprise less and pollution and waste more than we do  at present.  The Green Party seeks to shift some of the burden of  taxation away from work and enterprise and on to resources.  The shift to a Carbon tax and other specific consumption and  resource taxes (eg on toxic chemicals and waste generation)  will encourage sustainable economic activity and employment.  The Green Party is also committed to investigating  alternatives to today's welfare system, such as a Universal  Basic Income.  12. A HEALTHY ECONOMY, A HEALTHY COMMUNITY AND A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT ARE MUTUALLY INTERDEPENDENT.  The pre-occupation of successive NZ governments since 1984  with reforming the economy has largely been a failure. Not  only is economy itself not performed as well as predicted,  but the social and environmental implications of the reforms  have been disastrous. The rising incidence of violent crime,  suicide, marital breakdown, burglary and so on are  symptomatic of a community that has been disempowered. For  instance, on the one hand people are encouraged by glossy  television advertising to believe that their lives will be  incomplete if they don't rush out and buy some new bauble,  but on the other hand their personal economic reality is  that that bauble is forever out of reach.  Similarly, the impact on the environment of concentrating  solely on economic ends has been enormous. The examples are  legion, but one or two major ones will suffice. The clearing  of the Amazon rain forest to provide grazing for cattle to  provide hamburger mince for Americans is depriving the  entire planet of the main land-based source of oxygen. And  we need that oxygen to stay alive. At the same time, the  clearance has contributed considerably to the increase in  carbon dioxide emissions, which have accelerated changes to  the global climate.  A more local example is the transportation of biscuits  across the Tasman - it obviously makes short term economic  sense, but it wastes fossil fuels and deprives local workers  of employment. In short, it makes economic sense only  because the environmental and social costs are borne by  others. To improve employment in New Zealand and minimise  the use of fossil fuel and associated greenhouse gas  emissions, it makes sense to encourage manufacturers of  perishable products to decentralize as much as possible.  This would restore national and regional food security and  enable New Zealanders to meet their own food needs at times  of crisis.  The relationship between a healthy economy and a healthy  environment is clear. We are absolutely and utterly  dependent upon the environment for our very existence. A  farmer exploiting his or her land will not be able to live  sustainably on that land. Conversely, the protection and  conservation of wild places lies in our hands. Economy,  community and environment are inextricably intertwined.    Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand > Green Library > Party  Policy  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand] Party Policy  THE GREEN PARTY ARTS POLICY  Ratified October 1999  For further information contact: Mike Ward, Green Party Arts  spokesperson.  To propose amendments contact: Roland Sapsford, National  Policy Convenor, for details.  The role of the artist in society must be to inspire, to  challenge, to invigorate an idea or to reveal a truth. The  expression of this may be as simple perhaps as a movement in  dance or drama, a sound reminiscent of the wind, a stroke of  colour on canvas; or it may be as complex as an opera, a  multi-media presentation, or an installation in metal and  sand. It is about moulding the clay, crafting the sentence,  expressing the moment. Art is culture, is life, is  necessary.  The role of Government must be to facilitate the well-being  of its citizens, to inspire the best amongst its people, and  to create a secure and creative community within a  sustainable environment. Between Government and the arts  there should be a broad relationship of support and  understanding.  To this end, it is important that we recognise and support  local talent. It is, therefore, necessary to create the  conditions in which New Zealand talent can reach the highest  standard and be enjoyed by the widest audience. The goal is  widespread participation in the arts and affordable access.  Areas in which creative pursuits need to be encouraged  include, schools - from early childhood to secondary level,  prisons, as well as urban and rural communities. It is also  important that each of these areas is provided with adequate  resources and trained professionals to encourage  participation. Creative and cultural work is a valid  expression within an organisation and is recognised to be a  useful means of empowering people and helping to develop  additional skills, training, and confidence. Workplace and  union organisations will be supported through Government  funding bodies in their creative pursuits as a means of  reflecting and exploring social, political, and spiritual  issues.  A people free to express, create, and enjoy artistic  sensibility is a people in control of their destiny. Art and  craft, whatever the cultural premise, are about exploring  the creative instinct. The arts are intelligent,  challenging, and demanding. The artistic life demands  commitment and determination from its practitioners. Their  work must be given due status and recognised as a 'proper  job'.  The arts have an increasingly important role to play in our  economic health. Recent international successes attest to  this, notably - the Lord of the Rings project, the Xena and  Hercules television series, Shortland Street, a wide range  of local musicians and music videos including Split Enz,  OMC, Bic Runga et al., community theatre initiatives such as  the Wairoa project and wide range of internationally  acclaimed artists and craftspeople. Each of these activities  has numerous spin-offs for local artists, actors,  technicians, and other local businesses. The arts industry  remains one of the few growth industries in the New Zealand  economy.  A 1996 report from Statistics New Zealand "Household  Spending on Culture" shows that for the year ending March  1996 household spending on cultural goods and services  amounted to $1.9 billion, or almost 5% of total expenditure.  This is more than spending on each of - domestic power,  overseas travel, mortgage principal repayments, and clothing  and footwear, representing significant economic spending  which has the potential to be invested in local talent.  The Green Party recognises art and craft as an  environmentally friendly, strategic investment area. It is a  large employment sector with valuable export potential and  provides an opportunity for enjoyment, satisfaction, and  intellectual well-being. The Green Party recognises the arts  and crafts as areas of human activity where the potential  for growth is unlimited. The Green Party also recognises  that cultural diversity is a national asset, and respects  the role of tangata whenua and the influence of the various  settler communities who have brought their cultural identity  with them. The Green Party is committed to supporting both  tangata whenua, and tau iwi cultural development.  The Green Party also recognises that Television New Zealand  has a responsibility to reflect New Zealand culture and  include good New Zealand dramas and documentaries into its  programme structure, rather than relying on formula game  show or personality-based 'real TV' options.  Investment in both art and craft projects has several  social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and economic  benefits, not the least being the opportunity to explore our  constructive and creative talents and instincts. To be a  part of a society that values creative ability must be a  good thing.  In terms of an economic comparison, the Irish government has  a proactive arts policy which supports local talent and  culture through both tax incentives and comprehensive  international exchange programmes. A 1994 study 'The  employment and economic significance of the Cultural  Industries in Ireland' (Coopers and Lybrand) shows the arts  sector has a gross revenue of 450 million pounds; directly  employs 21,500 people (full-time equivalents) amounting to  2.4% of the work force; and has a minimum export value of  100 million pounds. The Green Party would work toward  creating a similarly beneficial artistic environment in New  Zealand to allow artists the freedom to contribute to  society; and recognises the worthwhile contribution being  made to our social fabric.  SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES  * To develop and secure the highest standards achievable  in the arts and crafts. Inherent in this the need to  improve the status of artists and craftspeople and to  foster a climate that encourages innovation and  artistic development.  * To encourage participation in the arts and crafts in  terms of availability and access, with particular  reference to young people and children.  * To secure maximum benefit for the arts and crafts  throughout New Zealand through strategic partnerships  with local government, iwi, schools, libraries,  business, and community organisations.  * To ensure policy-making is fully informed through high  quality research and public consultation.  * To recognise that investment in the arts and crafts is  a socially and commercially sound proposition.  * To acknowledge the arts and crafts as a valid  expression or our cultural and spiritual identity as a  nation.  DEVELOPING A CREATIVE AND AESTHETIC CULTURE  1. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs will continue to be  the principal body entrusted with co-ordinating the  promotion and development of our artistic culture. The  Minister will sit inside Cabinet and will be expected  to co-ordinate with other Ministries for the  advancement of cultural and artistic expression in  Aotearoa.  2. A new arts and cultural promotion unit will be  established within the Ministry of External Affairs and  Trade and will work with the support of the Ministries  of Culture, Tourism, and Commerce, with the explicit  purpose of developing an international promotion and  exchange programme. This will include an assertive  international marketing function.  3. The writers in residence scheme that currently exists  in universities will be used to model an extended  programme of 'Artists in Action' which will include  Parliament, Ministries, and Government Departments.  Business and community organisations will be encouraged  to do likewise.  4. As an example of how this would work, the artist in  residence at Parliament would be required produce a  significant work at the end of each Parliamentary term,  such as a volume of poetry, a series of paintings, a  piece of music, dance, or an installation.  5. Contributions to bona fide artist organisations such as  'Friends of the New Zealand Ballet', will be tax  deductible along the same lines as charity donations.  6. The Minister for Arts and Cultural Affairs will assume  a full and active role within Cabinet.  7. The arts greatly enrich the human spirit and should  play an integral role in all decisions influencing our  society. Artistic input into civic and social  decision-making processes will be encouraged.  8. Funding through Creative New Zealand and New Zealand on  Air must ensure that regional and sector groups are  adequately catered for. It is may be necessary to  instigate a funding structure similar to the Community  Organisations Granting Scheme (COGS) to ensure  accountable and transparent decision-making.  9. The National Archives, Film archives, and museums will  be maintained in government hands as a resource for New  Zealanders. Free access to information will be a  priority.  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand - Quality of Life]    Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand > Green Library > Party  Policy  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand] Party Policy  RESTORING OUR SHARED TREASURES, PROTECTING THE FUTURE  Green Party Conservation Policy  Released October 1999  For further information contact: Jeanette Fitzsimons, Green  Party Co-Leader, Spokesperson on Conservation, Energy, the  Environment, Fisheries, Forestry, Living Cities, Tax and  Economic Policy.  To propose amendments contact: Roland Sapsford, National  Policy Convenor, for details.  POLICY PRINCIPLES  MAKING THE CONNECTIONS  The Green Party recognises that  Green thinking means our quality of life is  thinking about underpinned by the health of our  connections. The unique ecosystems - from  measures presented mountain tops to seashore,  here are inter-woven braided river to ocean floor.  with the entire Ecosystems and species,  spectrum of Green including ourselves, form an  policies. These intricate, interconnected web of  include a waste-free life which is a treasure in its  New Zealand, own right. The web of life  commitment to the contributes to the food we eat  Treaty of Waitangi, and materials we use, the  promoting citizen quality of our water and soils,  participation in the moderation of climate, and  resource management, ultimately the ability of our  and our commitment to environment to support all life.  creating an organic Therefore:  nation free of GE  foods. Our * Conservation policies and  Conservation practices must safeguard  principles reflect an and enhance ecosystems and  holistic approach. We all native plants and  recognise that the animal species, especially  implementation of those that are unique to  conservation policy New Zealand.  affects other policies  eg. public health * Conservation policies and  concerns and the use practices must foster  of 1080, marines people's awareness and  reserves, fisheries enthusiasm for the plants  management and Treaty and animals of New Zealand  issues, pest control and their protection.  and employment  creation. Our * Conservation must extend  commitment to dialogue beyond parks and reserves  means we see to become an integral part  discussions with of the planning and  communities of management of the  interest and countryside, towns and  integration with other cities, rivers and the sea.  community concerns as  fundamental to * The role of tangata whenua  conservation policy. as kaitiaki of natural  Rather than offering areas within their role  the' solution' for all must be recognised,  time, we are committed respected and supported in  to facilitating conservation management.  effective and ongoing  community dialogue to * Conservation is about how  protect our natural we live, work, play and  resources and ensure learn. The health of  ongoing ecological natural areas must not be  sustainability. compromised by a resource  hungry and polluting  economy. Green policies  promoting a waste free and  organic New Zealand will  reduce the external  pressures on our unique  species and wild places.  Our commitment to removing  toxic waste and pollution  and improving the  liveability of our cities  will provide a major boost  to biodiversity.  Caring for nature provides worthwhile jobs for New  Zealanders and is a powerful and positive way of inspiring  and motivating young people in urban and rural areas.  Reconnecting with nature is an important part of changing  the way we see the world we live within.  KEY POLICIES:  SAVING THE KIWI... AND A THOUSAND OTHER THREATENED SPECIES  * Ensure that conservation funding is sufficient to not  only halt the decline in biodiversity, but restore the  fortunes of our native plants and animals (in line with  goal level 2 of the Draft Biodiversity Strategy).  Conduct a zero based review of conservation funding to  ensure that the Department of Conservation and other  agencies have the resources needed to do their job. We  will argue strongly for a progressive and substantial  increase in conservation funding as part of budget  discussions over the next three years.  * Establish new and larger 'mainland islands' of  intensive pest management, to help save the kiwi and  other threatened species such as kaka (forest parrot)  and kakariki (parakeet) from extinction on the  mainland.  * Significantly increase funding for pest control above  current levels. Ensure control of significant economic  pests which are also conservation pests (possums,  wasps, etc.) is coordinated and jointly funded between  all agencies (MAF, DoC, Animal Health Board, local  authorities). Develop pest management strategies under  the Biosecurity Act to ensure that pest and weed  control efforts are coordinated across both private and  public lands. Where possible, we support replacing  aerial poisoning with job-creating ground-based control  (eg the use of bait stations) carried out by properly  trained people.  * Where possible, eradicate pest species such as chamois,  wallaby, and sika deer where they threaten important  ecosystem values, and strictly limit the range of  remaining populations. Control the farming of potential  pests such as deer and goats to prevent the  establishment of new pest populations in the wild.  Investigate options to end the farming and keeping of  mustelids (stoats, ferrets and weasels).  * Dramatically improve border biosecurity, including  public awareness programmes, overseas inspection of  inbound shipments, better technology and staffing at  entry points, research and tighter policy. Trade  interests will not be used to excuse accidental or  deliberate introductions of new pest species.  * Preserve and enhance indigenous forest. Our country has  already lost most of its indigenous forest cover. In  principle, we oppose all commercial logging of  non-plantation indigenous forests in order to protect  and enhance that which remains. Achieving this will  require a co-operative approach that recognises the  diverse interests involved. In relation to West Coast  indigenous forestry, we seek:  (a) an immediate end to all existing and planned  indigenous forestry operations by Timberlands West  Coast (including the beech scheme); and  (b) the inclusion of all Timberlands West Coast's  indigenous forests in the conservation estate.  More viable and sustainable methods will be used to  provide financial independence and employment for the  West Coast (refer to 'helping people get involved',  point 6).  * Together with local communities, promote the creation  of new national parks and conservation parks, such as a  Fiordland Marine Park and additions to Paparoa and  Kahurangi National Parks.  * Review wildlife and plant protection legislation to  ensure the protection of indigenous species,  particularly those threatened with extinction, both on  land and at sea.  ENRICHING OUR MARINE LIFE...  * Move the focus of fisheries management from short-term  maximisation of fishing yield to integrated ecosystem  management. Restore adequate funding for fisheries  research, and ensure research remains under public  control, rather than being passed on to the industry.  * Give priority to the development of an Oceans Strategy,  incorporating:  o a review of the law controlling our waters;  o establishment of an oversight body to co-ordinate  marine management;  o overhaul of the Marine Reserves Act and  development of a marine reserves strategy;  o links to the Biodiversity Strategy and;  o support international efforts to give  environmental protection primacy in the law of the  sea convention.  * As well as restoring underwater ecosystems, marine  reserves have proven to be very useful fisheries  management tools both here and overseas, breeding  bigger fish in greater numbers. The marine reserves  strategy will ensure the early protection of a fully  representative area of our coastal waters. Developing  proposals in consultation with local communities,  fishers and tangata whenua, we will work toward the  protection of 20% of the coastline as marine reserves.  * Support customary marine and freshwater fishing  regulations and the creation of taiapure and mataitai  reserves managed by tangata whenua.  * Reduce the killing of albatross, seals and other  animals, and reduce habitat damage by the fishing  industry by requiring adoption of the best fishing  technology and methods. Set for all fisheries a target  of near-zero fishing-related deaths of marine mammal,  turtle, seabird and threatened fish or other marine  species by 2003.  DEVELOPING CONSERVATION NETWORKS FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SHORE...  * Foster conservation in the countryside through a  positive approach including economic incentives,  education and, where necessary, regulation. Ensure that  costs of conservation are shared by both the local and  national community rather than borne solely by  landowners. Restore intended funding (double the  present levels) of the Nature Heritage Fund, Nga Whenua  Rahui (to provide better protection for ecosystems on  Maori land) and the QEII Trust (to enable landowner  protection of ecosystems).  * Encourage landowners to retain and develop their sense  of guardianship through support for voluntary  initiatives such as Landcare groups. Seek ways to  reduce the financial disincentives and barriers to  protection of nature that face landowners.  * Ensure the national policy statement on biodiversity  under the RMA requires district councils to control the  clearance of native forest and wildlife habitats; and  give additional recognition and protection to the  habitats of species threatened with extinction.  * Explore options for developing the 'farm park' concept  in New Zealand, to maintain ecosystems and landscapes  and facilitate public access and tourism.  * Enhance the conservation potential of inhabited islands  such as D'Urville, Great Barrier, Waiheke,  Stewart/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands, in  co-operation with residents and tangata whenua. These  islands are free of some pests and there is a potential  to eradicate others, removing the need for continuous  control.  * Adequately resource the process of high country tenure  review in order to protect all pastoral lease land with  significant conservation values in a network of high  country parks and reserves.  * Establish programmes to ensure the protection of a  fully representative network of indigenous wetlands,  dunelands and grasslands.  * Encourage landowners to set marginal and unstable lands  aside for restoration of native vegetation. Similarly,  foster the provision of habitat corridors with the  planting of indigenous vegetation on unused road  strips, esplanade reserves and other areas.  BRINGING NATIVE BIRDS BACK INTO TOWN...  * Foster and support local nature conservation  initiatives such as forest, wetland and stream  restoration, local authority pest and weed management  initiatives (such as non-toxic weed control), and  predator free subdivisions. Match the contributions of  local councils dollar for dollar from a new fund.  * Work with local government and communities to ensure a  minimum 5% of the land area of every ecological  district in the country (some of which are almost  entirely covered by cities) is in native vegetation or  set aside for the restoration of nature by 2010.  * Reduce the pollution of urban streams and harbours  through an Urban Waterway Restoration Strategy, so  people can enjoy their local streams and beaches.  Ensure the marine reserve strategy incorporates marine  reserves for towns and cities.  HELPING PEOPLE GET INVOLVED...  * Restore and adequately resource DoC's role in  advocating for conservation and providing education  about conservation to the wider community.  * Incorporate environmental education into the core  curriculum at all levels from pre-school to tertiary  and teacher training. Encourage expanded environmental  education in the adult education network.  * Strengthen the role of the conservation boards as an  independent voice for conservation, providing input to  policy from tangata whenua and community.  * Support the continuing development of conservation  partnerships between DoC and tangata whenua,  environment groups and local communities.  * Encourage local government to take more responsibility  for implementing conservation goals through district  and regional plans, and facilitate the involvement of  the community and tangata whenua in formulating and  implementing these conservation goals.  * Foster community participation in environmental  decision making with better notification of development  proposals and support for improved community and  tangata whenua participation in resource management  issues.  * Work with communities to ensure that the costs of  protecting our natural heritage for the "common good"  are shared across communities, regions and the country  as a whole, and that positive economic strategies are  developed for regions endowed with a high proportion of  protected areas.  * Mining is currently prohibited in National Parks and  various other types of reserve, under the Crown  Minerals Act 1991. We will tighten control over mining  on conservation land, including full consultation with  tangata whenua, environmental groups, local communities  and the public generally on any mining proposals.  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand - Quality of Life]    Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand > Green Library > Party  Policy  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand] Party Policy  TOWARDS A HARM REDUCTION MODEL  The Green Party policy on Cannabis and Drug Law Reform  Revised and Ratified 8 March 1999  For further information contact: Nandor Tanczos, Wild Greens  spokesperson.  To propose amendments contact: Roland Sapsford, National  Policy Convenor, for details.  The Green Party recognises that a rational drug policy is  important for society as a whole. The Party also recognises  that some individuals in society will choose to use drugs  regardless of their legal status.  The Green Party believes that current policy in relation to  drugs is failing to minimise harm and is instead creating a  further set of problems including:  * Undermining effective drug education and denying drug  users access to information on how to use drugs in the  least harmful ways.  * Preventing the delivery of adequate health treatment  for users who need it, by creating an environment of  persecution and fear that pushes drug use underground.  * Creating health risks for drug users and those close to  them  * Encouraging young people to begin using drugs by  creating a daring and glamorous image of forbidden drug  use.  * Thousands of New Zealanders given criminal convictions  every year.  * Diverting police, justice and corrective resources away  from crimes against people and property.  * Vastly increased drug-related property crime by  addicted drug users to pay prices hugely inflated by  the black market.  * Violent crime developing from supplier competition.  Recent years have seen organised crime become more  dominant in the cannabis industry, while every few  months someone else is killed over a drug deal gone  wrong.  * Creating the potential for corruption at all levels and  in many forms  * Alienating people from the 'rule of law', eroding  respect for our police and criminal justice system, and  creating conflicts within communities.  * Endangering our natural environment by forcing illicit  drug cultivation to occur in New Zealand's most  pristine and untouched places, with resulting damage to  sensitive ecological systems and danger to trampers,  tourists, land-owners and conservation workers.  * Preventing the commercial cultivation of hemp, thereby  denying New Zealand the economic and environmental  benefits that domestic cultivation of the hemp plant  can bring.  KEY FACTS:  * The Christchurch needle exchange has reported some  heroin addicts steal over $1000 a day to support their  habit.  * Ten percent of all convictions are given for drug  offences, compared with nine per cent for all violent  crime put together.  * More than one in ten arrests are for prohibited drugs,  and 80% of these are for possession of cannabis. Police  arrest someone for illegal drugs every twenty minutes  somewhere in New Zealand.  Drug abuse is a social and public health problem not a legal  one. The Green Party recognises that under the guise of  protecting the health of drug users, prohibition  detrimentally affects the well-being of those users by:  * Denying drug users access to information that will help  them to minimise any harm resulting from their drug  use, and restricting access to equipment or  paraphernalia that may make drug use safer.  * Isolating users of currently illicit drugs from helping  agencies and their social support networks, making it  hard to reach them with education messages about  protecting themselves and others from infection.  * Contributing to the spread of HIV and other blood-borne  diseases such as Hepatitis B and C by encouraging  needle-sharing among injectors, prostitution and street  crime to pay for illicit drug use, unsafe disposal of  used needles, a difficulty in establishing and  adequately maintaining needle and syringe supply  programs, a complete ban on needle exchange programs in  prisons.  * Increasing malnutrition and other health deficits  related to poverty by forcing users to pay inflated  black market prices for drugs.  * Toxic adulterants, cutting agents, and inconsistent  drug type or dose (caused by unregulated manufacturing  due to prohibition) causing health damage, overdose and  death among users of currently illicit drugs.  * Marginalisation of drug users leads to lower  self-esteem and decreases motivation for self-care, and  means many New Zealanders care little about what  happens to drug users.  GOALS OF A RATIONAL DRUG POLICY  Drug policy should:  * Have realistic goals  * Take account of the different patterns and types of  harms caused by specific drugs  * Be shown to be effective or be changed  * Be developed in the light of the costs of control as  well as the benefits  * Ensure that the harms caused by the control regimes  themselves do not outweigh the harms prevented by them  The specific goals of this policy are to:  * reduce the size and profits of the illicit drug market  by the greatest amount; and  * provide the greatest level of harm reduction for users  of currently illicit drugs; and  * reduce drug abuse, while recognising that not all drug  use is abusive or problematic.  DEFINING HARM REDUCTION  The Greens use the term "harm reduction" to mean:  * A policy or program directed towards reducing the  adverse health, social and economic consequences of  drug use to the community and to the individual user.  Harm reduction policies and programs must be part of a  public health approach to managing drug use. Protecting the  health of the community must include protecting the health  of drug users.  The Green Party recognises that the prohibition model is  intrinsically contradictory to the goals of harm reduction.  POLICY ON CANNABIS  Cannabis is one of New Zealand's most widely used drugs.  Cannabis convictions account for 80% of drug convictions, or  10% of all convictions, and 85% of these are for personal  use or cultivation, yet both the World Health Organisation  and the New Zealand Ministry of Health have stated that  cannabis is not a major public health hazard.  In order to address the problems created by present policies  the Green Party proposes the following legislative change.  This program is designed to be implemented over a period of  time to allow each stage to be monitored, evaluated and, if  necessary, modified.  IMMEDIATE LEGALISATION OF POSSESSION OF CANNABIS FOR PERSONAL USE  The Green Party believes there is sufficient evidence to  show that use, possession and cultivation for personal use  of small amounts of cannabis ought not be a crime because  the present policy creates more problems than it solves.  This will require legislative change. In the interim, the  police will be directed to place crimes such as domestic  violence ahead of prosecution for cannabis possession.  The following additional limits will form part of the new  regime:  * AGE LIMIT  An age limit on consumption of cannabis would be put  into place, under similar criteria to under-age  drinking. In the current prohibition climate very young  children are using cannabis.  * MEDICAL MARIJUANA  Cannabis products will be available for prescription by  registered medical practitioners and specialists for  severely ill patients,  * DRIVING  It will remain an offense to drive while under the  influence of cannabis. Research should be conducted to  determine what (if any) level of cannabis intoxication  would not adversely effect drivers' ability, and to  develop an accurate roadside test that can measure that  level.  * EDUCATION  Expand the drug education programme. Ensure that it is  factual and fair in its treatment of different drugs.  Ensure that it promotes the drug- free lifestyle as the  healthiest. Create a realistic education campaign about  the hazards of using cannabis, concentrating on safe  cannabis use, "dope-driving", the effects of both  short-term and chronic use, and the use of cannabis and  alcohol together, aimed at both young people and  adults.  * SMOKEFREE AREAS  Cannabis smoking would be included in the Smokefree  Environments Act, and hence would be banned in places  where tobacco smoking is banned, for instance in many  restaurants or enclosed public spaces.  * LIMITS ON CULTIVATION  The limits on growing for personal use will be defined  in law (eg 5 or fewer plants plus small amounts of  seeds). Commercial cultivation and trading of marijuana  for profit would remain illegal. Large-scale  cultivation is a key source of income for some parts of  the country. Areas relying on this activity for their  income will be assisted in making a transition to other  work, including commercial cultivation of hemp.  'GROWLOCAL - HOMEGROWN' MODEL  The effects of legalisation of personal cannabis use will be  carefully monitored. A comprehensive 'grow local - homegrown'  model, involving full legalisation and licencing of  small-scale local cultivation and trading will be developed.  The introduction of this model will depend on the evaluation  of the effects of the initial legalisation steps above and  will be considered as part of the overall review of drug  policy described below.  INTEGRATED HARM REDUCTION POLICY  The Green Party believes that laws governing the use and  abuse of drugs in New Zealand are well overdue for review.  People currently use and abuse prescription drugs, legal  drugs and illicit drugs. Therapeutic, social and  recreational drug use needs to be distinguished from drug  abuse.  Harm reduction must be the overriding goal of a review of  drug laws. Such a review will need to establish a consistent  approach to the controlled availability of drugs.  To this end, the Green Party proposes that cannabis law  reform is complemented by a comprehensive and public review  of drug laws over a two-year period. The review will  recommend integrated, effective harm reduction legislation  in order to:  * reduce harm and cost to society and individuals from  drug use and abuse; and enhance peoples capacity for  informed choice.  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand - Quality of Life]    Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand > Green Library > Party  Policy  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand] Party Policy  Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand] Party Policy  LIVING WELL  The Green Party policy on Housing  Ratified October 1999  For further information contact: Sue Bradford, Green Party  Enterprise, Employment, Unemployment and Housing  spokesperson.  To propose amendments contact the National Policy Convenors  for details, policy@greens.org.nz.  GREEN VALUES  The Green Party recognises housing as a basic human right;  as set out in the United Nations Charter, and to which we,  as a signatory should adhere . Therefore, we should ensure  that each person is able to live housing that satisfies  their needs without fear of loss of tenure, whether it be  owned or rented.  The Green Party will promote the following values and goals  in all its dealings on housing policy:  * secure tenure of decent affordable housing for all  people.  * location and design of housing developments determined  by the community  * land subdivision optimises land use and aim for  sustainable, ecologically sound development  * housing developments meet the needs of their dwellers  and allow for a mix of ages, cultures and abilities.  * promote energy and resource conserving technology in  housing.  SPECIFIC POLICIES  1. Housing is a basic ongoing need: Surveys based on  current census information and demographic statistics  will be utilised to establish our housing stocks and  needs. Using this information we would aim to establish  a consultative forum on housing representing all  sectors in the housing arena, including community,  business, local government and tenants. This forum will  identify the best means to jointly develop, implement  and monitor housing policy at national, regional and  local levels.  2. Government is a partner in ensuring adequate housing  for all: The Green Party aims to urgently initiate a  substantial housing programme in partnership with those  rural and urban communities of highest need.  Housing policy and funding would be developed to  provide a diverse mix of housing in the public and  community sectors. This could include e.g. flats,  single units and the promotion of housing alternatives  such as cooperative housing; rural eco-villages;  self-build and sweat equity housing. Long-term house  sharing; co-housing and papakaianga housing would all  be supported as meeting the needs of extended families,  whanau and other living styles distinct from the  nuclear family.  3. Housing must be affordable: The Green Party believes  that housing costs ought to be no more than 25% of  income unless individuals freely choose otherwise. We  recognise that this will require innovation.  Determining the best way to achieve this goal will be a  key task for the housing consultative forum. Setting  government housing stock rentals to achieve this  directly will be an important interim step towards  achieving the 25% goal for all.  4. Housing is part of building strong communities: Many  Green ideas will assist with housing.  o increased employment in local areas will make  housing more affordable and reduce pressure on  crowded urban areas;  o creating a community-owned development bank (see  separate papers) will facilitate local housing  development and purchase through innovative  lending and guarantee structures. Government may  be able to assist in the provision of low-cost  finance.  o emphasis on people- friendly urban areas will  encourage the location of diverse housing types  close to places where people, live, work, play and  learn.  o promoting health, energy efficiency and waste  reduction will lead to warmer, better constructed  and less toxic homes. As part of this we will  support and expand programmes to make existing  homes more energy and water efficient.  o investigation of a universal child allowance will  consider the option of 'capitalising' 'payments  (as was possible with Family Benefit) to provide a  lump-sum for housing  5. Housing innovation needs partnership: Government will  work with all sectors to encourage and support the  development and use of innovative materials and  techniques, with particular emphasis on: revision of  the building consent process to enable the obtaining of  building consents for innovative building techniques.  encouragement of eco-friendly house design  use of locally produced and non-toxic building material  encouragement of plantation planting of naturally  durable timber species.  6. The Tenancy Act needs to be reviewed: The Green Party  will support a system that provides for the development  of secure long-term rental and lease accommodation as a  housing option. We will also ensure that the Tenancy  Tribunal is adequately resourced to deal with urgent  problems.  7. Sustainable housing needs research and innovation: The  Green Party will support and encourage research and  demonstration projects in areas such as low energy  house design; low energy-use waste and sewage disposal;  'low tech' self build construction; conservation of  common resources such as water; ecologically sensitive  land development and sensitivity to individual,  community, and social values.  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand - Quality of Life]    Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand > Green Library > Party  Policy  webmaster@greens.org.nz  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand] Party Policy  THE GREEN PARTY POLICY ON INDUSTRIAL HEMP  Ratified 8 March 1999  For further information contact: Nandor Tanczos, Wild Greens  spokesperson.  To propose amendments contact: Roland Sapsford, National  Policy Convenor, for details.  Hemp is a versatile fibre and a potentially valuable  commercial crop.  * POLICY POINT 1: The current moratorium on issuing  licenses for cultivation of industrial grades of hemp  will be lifted and the role of a licencing regime will  be reviewed.  Hemp provides an alternative crop to illegal cannabis  growing while using existing cultivation skills.  * POLICY POINT 2 : Where practical and desired by local  communities, licensed cultivation of industrial hemp  will be encouraged in those economically-depressed  rural areas of New Zealand which may now be financially  dependent on income from cannabis cultivation.  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand - Quality of Life]    Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand > Green Library > Party  Policy  MAKING GOOD  The Green Party Justice Policy  Released 10 November 1999  For further information contact: Nandor Tanczos, Wild Greens  spokesperson.  To propose amendments contact the National Policy Convenors  for details, policy@greens.org.nz.  VISION  The Greens are committed to a just, peaceful and sustainable  future. Our Justice policy sits alongside our commitment to  rebuilding local economies, celebrating diversity and  creativity, ending violence towards our environment and each  other and ensuring our society provides for people's need to  feel valued, to work and to participate in society.  The best crime-stopper is a strong inclusive community. The  Green Party recognises that ultimately the answers to crime  lie in creating a thriving, peaceful and fair society with  strong local communities.  The Green Party will promote an inclusive and safe society  in which there is less crime, and the development of natural  justice within our criminal justice system, by:  * involving the complainant (victim) as a key participant  in proceedings;  * recognising that crime is primarily a breach between  people rather than between an offender and the state;  * promoting a restorative rather than retributive justice  system;  * promoting habilitation and rehabilitation in  sentencing, rather than punitive measures;  * improving access to the justice system;  * use of a less adversarial approach in courts;  * increasing participation of the wider community in  justice procedures;  * encouraging non-violent conflict resolution methods  throughout society;  * reducing levels of domestic violence;  * recognising the enduring importance of Te Tiriti O  Waitangi.  We will give effect to these through our commitment to  restorative justice.  RESTORATIVE JUSTICE POLICY  THE PRESENT SYSTEM IS FAILING  The Green Party believes we need a fundamental change  towards a restorative ethos in our criminal justice system.  New Zealand has one of the highest rates of imprisonment in  the world. Yet despite spending $277 million a year on  locking up offenders, we also have a high rate of  recidivism. Ex-prisoners are responsible for 70% of crime,  and 80% of prisoners will be back in prison five years from  release (MAP 1999).  At the same time The New Zealand Council of Victim Support  states that our current system provides inadequate  compensation for losses suffered because of crime, does not  allow adequate space for the views of victims to be heard in  relation to bail, sentencing and parole decisions, that  victims are often re-traumatised by court processes and that  there are inadequate support structures for vulnerable  witnesses.  The criminal justice system must be based on what works. Our  present system is failing. Restorative Justice offers a way  forward that works.  WHAT IS RESTORATIVE JUSTICE?  Restorative justice has three characteristics:  * involvement of the complainant as a key participant in  the process. The focus then becomes one of healing the  harm caused by the crime;  * transfer of power from the State to the community,  allowing space for more appropriate and creative  resolution to conflict and restoring a sense of balance  to the community;  * offenders being made accountable for what they have  done and being encouraged to take responsibility for  putting things right.  RESTORATIVE JUSTICE WORKS  A number of restorative justice services are currently in  existence, such as Te Oritenga Restorative Justice Group and  Te Whanau Awhina in Auckland, Te Puna Wai Ora Inc in the  Hawkes Bay, Project Turnaround in Timaru, plus groups in  Levin, Christchurch and Wanganui. A proposal is currently  under way for another in Nelson.  A study done on behalf of the Crime Prevention Unit /  Institute of Criminology VUW by Maxwell and Morris 1999  found that Project Turnaround and Te Whanau Awhina were  effective in preventing re-offending and resulted in savings  to the justice system.  Currently these schemes are funded by a variety of  mechanisms, including Lotteries Commission grants, COGS,  Legal Aid, City Councils and various community trusts. The  provision and funding of services is extremely ad hoc at  present. Proposals for a more systematic approach to the  establishment of pilot schemes in 4 or 5 centres around the  country have been supported in theory by the Minister of  Justice, but the lack of funding in the last two budgets  indicates a lack of any real commitment to implementing  this.  MARAE-BASED JUSTICE AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE  The Green Party acknowledges the work being done within the  Maori community on developing working models of marae-based  justice and supports this work wholeheartedly. There are  both similarities and differences between restorative models  and marae-based models and we recognise that much can be  learned from sharing knowledge between these systems.  SPECIFIC POLICIES  ADVANCING RESTORATIVE JUSTICE  We must begin now to both trial restorative justice  approaches across the country and build public awareness of  the potential of this approach.  The Green Party supports funding:  * adult restorative justice pilot schemes and marae-based  justice programmes in a variety of cultural and  geographical settings;  * a public debate and information campaign about the  justice system and restorative processes.  SENTENCING ALTERNATIVES  Prison sentences will continue to be a means of protection  for the community from dangerous offenders. It may also be  included as part of a sentencing package resulting from a  restorative justice conference. However the implementation  of restorative justice procedures is likely to result in a  reduction of the prison population.  As a matter of urgency under the current regime, the Green  Party supports:  * a moratorium on all new prison construction;  * expanded development of habilitation centres as  recommended in the 1989 Prison Systems Review;  * expansion of the Diversion Scheme;  * establishing a communication facilitation unit to work  with corrections, courts, prisons, Children and Young  persons and their Families service, counselling  providers and police to monitor the rehabilitation of  perpetuators of violence and to ensure their victims  are adequately protected and supported;  * setting boundaries for sentencing considering:  (i) danger to the public; repetitive, serious  offending; mental illness, poor life skills or  illiteracy;  (ii) the necessity for diagnosis and treatment of  health issues such as ADD, undiagnosed deafness,  addiction, nutritional problems etc.;  * increased provision for rehabilitation of existing  inmates, focussing on self-recognition and acceptance  of responsibility, guilt and remorse; counselling;  education; conflict resolution and anger management  therapy to prevent repeat offending; and support for  creativity eg arts and technology.  The Green Party opposes the privatisation of prisons, but  supports "out-sourcing" for rehabilitative programs and  services such as counselling and therapy services.  RIGHTING WRONGS  Appropriate compensation and restoration for complainants is  overdue. The Green Party wants to see:  * provision for the offenders to apologise personally to  the complainant, if the complainant so wishes;  * in cases of property and monetary crimes, full  restitution to victims must be made where possible,  before court fines. Courts may examine all aspects of  the offender's financial situation (including assets  and standard of living), and set the pay-back rate  accordingly;  * provision will be made to deduct unpaid restitution and  court fines through the IRD or Income Support. Creating  trusts will cease to be a way of avoiding liability.  Offenders receiving Income Support (or of limited  means) will be given a choice to either pay off fines  or provide restitution in some other way;  * counselling and compensation available for  complainants, preferably paid for by the offender.  The Green Party will consult fully with Police, Prisoners,  Prisoners Aid, Howard League for Penal Reform, Restorative  Justice groups, Justice Department, Work and Income New  Zealand and the general public; referring to the Roper  Report and the Women's Access to Justice Report (1999) in  the development of restorative justice policy.  WIPING CRIMINAL RECORDS  The Green Party supports the expunging of criminal records  for minor offences after a period of 10 years without  further convictions.  ACCESS TO JUSTICE  The Green Party calls for reform to allow:  * community organisations and community class actions to  be eligible for civil legal aid in matters of public  interest, including Environment Court action;  * investigation into the provision of free funds (not  loans) in civil cases. A funding framework will be  provided through the civil legal aid programme to  enable community groups, women's and parents'  organisations or iwi to work with people seeking to  obtain a protection order;  * courts to be empowered and encouraged to convene  Community Group Conferences to get resolutions without  going to trial;  * investigate development of a Public Prosecutor's office  and a Public Defender's office, including salaried  legal staff. These could replace police prosecution  role and the present system of legal aid for defence;  * introduction of plain English into court procedures.  DOMESTIC/FAMILY VIOLENCE  The Green Party is committed to reducing domestic violence.  The legal system alone cannot do this. We need to break the  cycle of violence. We are committed to rebuilding strong  supportive communities and promoting peaceful relationships  from the individual to the international level. We honour  and support the enormously valuable work already being done  to reduce violence and respond to the harm its causes.  Immediate action in some areas will also help. The Greens  will:  * provide a funding framework through the civil legal aid  programme to enable community, women's organisations  and iwi to work with people seeking to obtain a  protection order;  * fully resource the Domestic Violence Act 1995;  * comprehensively review Family Law and Family Court  structures and systems. We support reviewing and  amending Family Court procedures and regulations to  ensure that the interests of the child and both the  parents are better served;  * develop inter-agency protocols designed to initiate a  reduction in the incidence of domestic violence;  * increase educational and training programmes to deal  with attitudes and behaviours that result in violence.  These include non-violent conflict resolution in  schools for both boys and girls and mandatory  attendance at (culturally appropriate) behaviour  modification courses for men convicted of assault on  women.  GUN CONTROL  The Green Party supports making private ownership of  automatic weapons illegal.  SUPPORTING A JUST SOCIETY  Restorative Justice needs to be supported by a commitment to  a just and open society. The following policies form part of  our wider commitment to justice and stand alongside our  commitment to peace, ecological sustainability and strong  communities.  FREEDOM OF INFORMATION  PUBLIC INFORMATION  Access to official information is a cornerstone of an  effective participatory democracy. Good information is also  essential to ensuring fair and open dealings between  government and its citizens. The Green Party is committed to  improving the quality of public information and making  public information more easily accessible.  The Green Party will:  * reduce fees charged for public information and ensure  that access to information has primacy over  cost-recovery;  * ensure easy access to public information in cases  involving public money or resource consents; eg we will  ensure commercial sensitivity is not used as a  smokescreen behind which publicly-owned enterprises hide  information;  * ensure that all government information and advice is  automatically released within a defined time period.  This period may vary, depending on the type on  information;  * develop a comprehensive set of national environmental  and social indicators to match our economic statistics.  PRIVATE INFORMATION  The Green Party will review controls on the sale of private  information, and the exchange of information between  government agencies, to ensure consistency with the aims of  the Privacy Act.  HUMAN RIGHTS  Upholding and developing human rights and responsibilities  is a cornerstone of a democratic society. The Green Party  believes that only by treating people with dignity and  respect will people begin to respect the dignity of others.  People of all ages have the right to security, care, to  contribute, be valued and grow throughout their lives.  Especially the young have the right to be cared for and  nurtured, adults the right to work and contribute to  building New Zealand and those with experience of life, the  right to be valued and to share their wisdom and experience.  The Green Party will:  * ensure the Crown is bound by all human rights  legislation;  * combine community education and effective use of  legislation to ensure full citizenship rights are  extended to all people, in law and in practice;  * ensure that our human rights legislation and practices  are in accord with our international obligations with  the aim of eliminating all forms of discrimination;  * investigate the best ways to entrench human rights  legislation in New Zealand.  (See also separate statements on disability and sexual  orientation).  INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE  Many international conflicts are directly or indirectly  about resources. The Greens recognise that we must share our  planet's limited resources fairly if we are to live  sustainably. We support strong local communities rich in  sustainable work, that judge success by the measure of human  happiness and the quality of their environment. Globally,  absolute priority must be given to sustaining the world's  ecosystems. We will support efforts by the United Nations to  ensure an adequate and fair sharing of global resources as  part of sustaining our planet.  The Green Party opposes the Multilateral Agreement on  Investment that creates far-reaching rights for  multinational companies but no corresponding rights for  people and governments. We will seek to limit the power of  the World Trade Organisation over New Zealand trade to  ensure that New Zealand maintains its own judicial  sovereignty.  TREATY JUSTICE  The Treaty of Waitangi is a living constitutional document.  The Green Party is committed to a permanent Treaty  partnership. We support a national dialogue on developing  new bicultural institutions. We also support:  * public education about the history of Treaty relations,  increased funding for the Waitangi Tribunal and an end  to the 'fiscal envelope';  * elected Maori representation on local bodies;  * Maori initiatives to improve the wellbeing of Maori  people; shared guardianship of our natural heritage.  The Greens recognise that as a political party they must act  in good faith on the recommendations of the Waitangi  Tribunal. We acknowledge that in international law covering  Treaties:  * in any ambiguity the contra preferendum principle  applies, which means that a decision is made against  the party that drafts the document, and  * the indigenous text takes preference.  (See also Treaty Policy).  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand - Quality of Life]    Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand > Green Library > Party  Policy  webmaster@greens.org.nz  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand] Party Policy  THE GREEN PARTY POLICY ON RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY  Ratified October 1999  For further information contact: Jeanette Fitzsimons, Green  Party Co-Leader, Spokesperson on Conservation, Energy, the  Environment, Fisheries, Forestry, Tax and Economic Policy.  To propose amendments contact the National Policy Convenors  for details, policy@greens.org.nz.  INTRODUCTION  Green policy is developed within the principles of the Green  Charter: Ecological Wisdom, Social Responsibility,  Non-violence and Appropriate Decision-making. Our Science  and Technology policy, therefore, protects the environment  and the common good. It is strongly based in ethics and  commonsense and emphasises the principle of precaution.  SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN CONTEXT  For Greens, the role of science is to improve the quality of  our lives and replenish the web of life, of which we are a  part. Uncovering new knowledge about the world we live in  contributes to a richer life and we support this. We believe  actions, including research, need to reflect the fundamental  uncertainty that pervades our world. Greater knowledge  implies a richer understanding of the interconnectedness of  things rather than control. We must be much more mindful of  potential and even unknown long-term effects - Y2K problems  are an obvious example of the pitfalls of over confidence  with a new technology.  Knowledge in this sense is a route to humility rather than  power. Technology needs to fit people rather than forcing  the people to fit the technology. In other words, technology  is our servant not our master. We encourage the creation of  links between researchers and their community. 'Experts on  tap, not on top' is a phrase that reflects our view of the  role of science in the community. We need to do much more to  ensure that information becomes knowledge and that knowledge  becomes wisdom.  All publicly funded research will have to have an ethical  basis and serve a demonstrated need, and the results will  become public property. We believe curiosity about the world  is a valid reason for research, provided it is tempered by  ethics. In principle, we support ethically based legislation  that will end practices such as vivisection. Most current  vivisection practices cannot be justified in terms of their  supposed purpose. We believe that education and empathy as  well as legislation are ultimately needed to guarantee  ethical research and matters such as the welfare of animals.  We support initiatives such as the recent Foresight project  that allowed people to express a vision for the future and  suggest the types of knowledge needed to help reach that  vision. Our commitment to appropriate decision-making means  we want to see more links between the science community and  the wider community in assessing the ethics and  appropriateness of research proposals. All research should  be ethically justified before it reaches the funding round.  Our aim is dialogue that empowers researchers to play a  personally satisfying role in creating a more sustainable  and just world.  SCIENCE FUNDING  Science and technological development needs more funding. We  support a progressive rise in government funding of  research, science and technology.  The Government will decide how much base funding S & T will  get from the public purse on a rolling five year basis and  it will be set in consultation with all represented parties.  A public consultation process, such as Foresight, will help  inform the allocation of funds.  We also believe that local industry must raise its own  commitment to research in parallel with this. We will  examine closely the best means to encourage such an increase  in private sector activity.  SCIENCE STRUCTURES  We do not believe that the current CRI model, with a profit  demanded, is the best and we are currently looking at how to  get the best from scientists. We support the idea of  partnerships to develop applied technology. We are concerned  at the extent to which public science is becoming private  knowledge.  We believe in developing a new model in partnership with  those affected. We believe that a new model ought to aim to:  * Increase funding for pure research and direct the bulk  of funding to multidisciplinary projects on  environmentally and socially recognised needs such as  soil degradation, violent behaviour, urban  sustainability.  * Encourage innovation and the development of small scale  appropriate technologies.  * Allocate proportions of the funding to various terms -  under 1 year, 1-3, 3-5, 5-10, 10+ - to give greater  security and continuity and allow viable research  projects to run to completion after peer review or  independent audit.  * Have all the results of publicly funded research  published and held in the public domain and reinvest  the proceeds from patents, licensing, etc in the  funding pool.  * Have a career structure where advancement doesn't mean  going into administration.  * Be co-operative in nature and encourage collegial  dialogue.  * Encourage and facilitate community involvement by  researchers.  * Facilitate the linking of local knowledge and wisdom  with more traditional forms of research.  * Have well funded library and other information  resources for "keeping up to date".  * Have a minimal administration system and be overseen by  an independent audit agency.  * Allow independent researchers to flourish within strict  ethical guidelines.  WHAT RESEARCH ?  We believe that as a society we need to commit resources to  both pure research and the arts. This may seem an unusual  juxtaposition but both help us understand ourselves and our  world in ways we cannot predict. Pure research often leads  to discoveries of great worth ‹ often in areas where this  was least expected.  Applied research priorities need to be developed in  partnership with industry and the community. Much applied  research is currently limited by the parameters of the  industry to which it is directed. We need to ensure that  applied research can support innovation and new industries.  This is part of our commitment to localisation and community  economic development.  Applied research must also recognise the impact of looming  environmental problems such as climate change on our ability  to produce and export. Research priorities must support the  shift to sustainable systems of production and patterns of  consumption rather than just profit-generation in the  present.  Major science & technology research priorities emerging from  Green policies include:  * Much more multi-disciplinary applied social research,  which can then be applied in areas such as mental  health, anti-social behaviours and crime, learning  difficulties etc.  * Environmental rehabilitation, mitigation and prevention  sciences & technologies  * Real market advantage research and true biotechnology  e.g. organic food production  * Energy efficiency and renewable energy  * Sustainable transportation and car dependence, public  transportation, impacts of transport technologies  * Clean production, waste minimisation, wastes into  profits, etc.  * Soil sciences including erosion minimisation and other  geological research  * Pest control & eradication  * Small scale technologies for small scale businesses  * Better ways to work  * Environmental, technological, social and wellness  impacts on health, antibiotic resistance and other  health issues  * Housing needs, materials, safety etc.  * Education issues  * Weather, climate, hydrological sciences  * Technological change impacts  * Real cost accounting, new methods of national  accounting, statistical methodology etc.  * Marine research.  TECHNOLOGY  At the heart of sustainable technology is the idea of  'appropriate technology' - technology that helps us work  together more effectively and tread lightly on the earth.  One clever idea can be worth more than all the resources  money can buy. We strongly support a commitment to  technology that enables us to do more with less for longer.  Many good ideas already exist - diffusing appropriate  technology is a major challenge. The Greens believe that  well constructed, repairable tools are essential. The  planned obsolescence of most current technology such as  electronics has to be challenged and changed. All  technologies must be designed with repairable, reusable and  or recyclable parts and casings. The challenge for designers  is to think about the life of their products and ideas from  the start.  The Greens support transferring positive technologies to  developing nations. New Zealand has considerable potential  for ethical economic development in the supply of  small-scale appropriate technology to developing nations.  The Green Party believes that the current enthusiasm for  gene technology amongst some scientists is a cause for  concern. There are too many examples of technologies  creating problems that no one predicted for public concerns  to be dismissed. As with nuclear power and other significant  technologies the community has right to determine the  ethical boundaries of science and technology research.  The Greens believe advancements in horticulture should  continue through careful selective breeding with no  patenting of seed. We oppose the patenting of life forms,  including plant forms. All such research is to be accessible  in the public domain where public funds are involved.  The Greens see many benefits from the science of genetics  when  * properly contained in a laboratory  * subject to case by case approval, including ethical  screening and a proper application of the precautionary  principle  * not applied to food production.  The future direction of gene technology is a matter for  determination through a national debate through a Commission  of Inquiry.  ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY  The Green Party believes that full participation in society  requires access to certain technologies. The Internet can be  a powerful tool for democracy information and citizens  access to it must be protected.  THE TREATY AND SCIENCE  The Green Party opposed the creation of patents over life.  The Green Party supports the development and study of  traditional Maori knowledge within the public science  system. Such work can only occur in partnership with local  Maori, may involve new science structures and must ensure  that intellectual property rights remain with Maori.  SCIENCE EDUCATION  The Green Party has a commitment to integrated and holistic  education. Environmental education and ethics will be part  of all programs of study, including those pursued by science  students It is important that scientific research is seen in  a greater context. Integration and co-operation of various  study fields would be sought and encouraged.  We support science education within the school system as an  essential part of understanding our world. The way we do and  teach science needs to change from a focus on the parts  (reductionism) to a focus on the parts in the context of the  whole (holistic science). Both are amenable to scientific  method; only the latter brings the complex issues  surrounding our science to the foreground.  The Greens firmly believe that being able to do something  doesn't mean we should do it. "We as scientists are in  danger of allowing our knowledge to outstrip our wisdom"  (Jacob Monod), reflects the Greens' perception. Science must  be driven by society not by science for its own sake.  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand - Quality of Life]    Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand > Green Library > Party  Policy  webmaster@greens.org.nz  TOWARDS AN ORGANIC NATION  The Green Party policy on Safe Food  Released December 14, 1998 in Wellington by Green Party  Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons and Green Party Wellington  City Councillor Sue Kedgley.  To propose amendments contact: Roland Sapsford, National  Policy Convenor, for details.  As we enter the new millennium the question of who controls  the food we eat and the water we drink will be at the top of  the political agenda. Humanity has the power now to ensure  every person has enough to eat and to protect its freshness  and nutritional value. But instead technology is being used  to redesign our food in ways that are convenient and  profitable to multinational agribusiness but dangerous for  consumers, who are mostly denied the right to know.  The Green Party's health policy starts with safe food. The  waiting lists show how far our health needs have outstripped  our ability to pay for them. It is time to ask why so many  people are getting so sick, and what can be done to prevent  it. Part of the answer is poverty amid wealth - and the  inadequate housing and hygiene which results. But there is  growing evidence of the link between diet and health, and  increasing numbers of people who are allergic to food,  sensitive to chemicals, have damaged immune systems or  suffer from chronic, diet-related diseases.  At the same time we are neglecting a huge economic  opportunity. NZ is already recognised as clean, green and  nuclear free. We trade on the perception that our food is  grown in a safe environment.  It is not. Levels of pesticide used here are higher than in  many countries. A typical child's diet contains more  pesticide than in the US. Additives are permitted here which  are banned in some other countries. In the last year or so  genetically engineered foods have reached our shelves  without our knowledge and our own government-funded  scientists have been experimenting with genetically  engineered crops for some time.  Yet there is no world demand for GE crops or foods with high  pesticide residues. It does not fetch higher prices and  consumers only buy it if they don't know what it is.  On the contrary, there is a huge unsatisfied demand for  certified organic production and it pays a substantial  premium. NZ's organic exports stand at $25 million a year  and are expected to rise to $65m within two years. Market  barriers that exist for conventional produce melt away for  certified organic food.  Right now NZ is at a cross roads. We could keep on the path  of industrial food production, selling bulk commodities at  low prices. Or we could position ourselves as an organic  nation with a determined strategy to support our growers to  produce and market the highest quality clean green food,  making our reputation a reality before we lose it.  That opportunity is not compatible with embracing genetic  engineering for crops grown in NZ. The production of  pesticide-resistant insect pests, creation of new plant and  animal viruses and the gradual pollution of the gene pool  with unnatural genetic material will eventually make it  impossible for any NZ production to comply with  internationally recognised organic standards.  In other words, we have to choose, and we have to choose  soon.  Food policy is also about democracy. Citizens have a  fundamental right to know what is in their food, and to  participate in decisions about what will be allowed. We  cannot allow the imposed rules of a world trade club most  New Zealanders did not choose to join to override our rights  to information or to health.  We recognise that the Green Party will have to work with  whatever other parties we are sharing government with. The  policies below are those we will advocate for in any  post-election agreement. We recognise we will be a small  player in the next parliament, but our support for any other  party will be conditional on some progress towards these  policies.  OUR TARGET: AN ORGANIC NATION BY 2020  Our policies are aimed at having half of New Zealand's  production certified organic by 2020, and the remainder in  the process of conversion. As a first step towards this  target., we aim to have 10% certified organic by 2005.  POLICIES TO PROMOTE ORGANIC GROWING  * To help farmers over the transitional period when  yields can drop temporarily, a mortgage guarantee or an  interest free loan for up three years for growers  converting to organics, with the interest payable at  the end of the conversion period if certification is  not achieved.  * Government endorsement of Bio-Gro and Demeter organic  standards for domestic and export purposes  * Establishment of an organics advisory service for  growers with some government funding  * Redirect funding in the Public Good Science Fund into  research that supports organics  * Organic growing to be incorporated in all courses and  qualifications in agriculture and horticulture  * Opportunities to experience organic growing to be  available in all schools.  PESTICIDE REDUCTION PROGRAMME  * Set targets for the progressive reduction in total  pesticide use and monitor and report results  * In consultation with consumers, growers and  manufacturers, develop an immediate timetable for  phasing out the most toxic and persistent pesticides,  such as the 33 pesticides that have been identified by  the US EPA as being possible and probable carcinogens  * Set a levy on all toxic and hazardous substances, the  levy to be calculated in proportion to their toxicity  and persistence in the environment. This levy to fund  organics research and the cleaning up of contaminated  sites.  * All Maximum Residue Limits for pesticides to be  reviewed, and set on the basis of children's  tolerances, not adult tolerances (as at present)  * Annual surveys of domestic produce to be undertaken to  test for pesticide residues and other contamination  * Imported food to re routinely tested to ensure it does  not contain illegal pesticides residues (no such  testing is done at present)  NEW ZEALAND A GMF-FREE NATION  * By 2000, New Zealand to declare itself (and market  itself internationally as) a nation free of genetically  modified foods. GM food is defined here as food  produced by inserting genetic material from one  organism into an organism from another, unrelated  species with which it could not breed naturally.  * No field testing or production of any genetically  engineered food in NZ.  * The Greens would prefer to see no imports of GM food,  but as a minimum there must be mandatory labelling of  any imported GM food or food ingredients.  * Gene technology in containment to be used for medical  purposes will continue to be subject to application to  ERMA and demonstration of safety.  * Gene technology to transfer genetic material between  organisms of the same species (as compared to foreign,  unrelated organisms) will continue to be subject to  ERMA application and demonstration of safety.  FOOD IRRADIATION  We are expecting a government proposal any day to overturn  the current moratorium on food irradiation and the sale of  irradiated food. The Green Party strongly opposes this. We  believe New Zealand should remain an Irradiation-Free Nation  * No irradiation of food to be permitted in New Zealand  * No imports of irradiated food to be permitted into New  Zealand  More work is urgently needed on alternative treatments to  irradiation to extend the life of fresh produce  ANTIBIOTICS  To slow down the spread of antibiotic-resistance in New  Zealand:  * Prohibit the use of antibiotics to make animals grow  quickly or as routine sprays on crops  * Antibiotics to be administered to animals only to treat  disease  BSE (MAD COW DISEASE)  To ensure New Zealand remains BSE-free:  * Allow imports of cattle semen and embryos from  certified organic herds only  * In line with WHO recommendations, prohibit feeding the  ground-up remains of sheep and cows to any animal that  is used for human consumption.  GROWTH HORMONES  * Discontinue the use of growth hormones to make animals  grow more quickly or produce more milk.  FOOD ADDITIVES  The precautionary approach will apply to any additives that  have questions surrounding their safety.  * Additives that have been found to induce cancer in  animal tests not to be registered in New Zealand  * The acceptable daily intake of all additives will be  revised so that it is based on children's tolerances,  not adult tolerances  * Products that contain sulphites, monosodium glutamate,  aspartame, cylmamates, caffeine, will say so on the  label, regardless of the amount  LABELLING  * The consumer's right to know requires labelling that is  easier to understand, and more informative, with all  ingredients and additives listed.  FOOD STANDARDS  Our food standards are increasingly set by authorities which  represent the food industry and are keen to promote world  trade. To ensure safety is paramount:  * Food standards to be set by independent authorities  which have as their primary mandate to ensure a healthy  and safe food supply.  * The agency should not have a potentially conflicting  mandate of promoting international trade.  * Consumers and health professionals should be  represented on all bodies that set food standards or  make decisions which affect the quality of the food we  eat.  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand - Quality of Life]    Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand > Green Library > Party  Policy  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand] Party Policy  THE GREEN PARTY POLICY ON SECURITY SERVICES  Ratified 18 January 1999  For further information contact: Rod Donald, Greens  Co-Leader  To propose amendments contact: Roland Sapsford, National  Policy Convenor, for details.  INTRODUCTION  This policy represents a 'small' but nonetheless important  step towards achieving our democracy, non-violence and  justice principles.  SECURITY INTELLIGENCE SERVICE (SIS)  The SIS was established in 1956 and was legislated for in  1969. As I understand it, the police previously carried out  its original functions.  The SIS has had a chequered history. Most notable events  have been the 'pie and Penthouse' incident, the inaccurate  naming of 20 anti-tour 'subversives' in 1981 and the Bill  Sutch case. The SIS' annual budget is $10 million.  With the cold war well and truly over the powers of the SIS  were expanded in 1996 to justify its continued existence.  The definition of security now includes 'the making of a  contribution to New Zealand's international well-being or  economic well-being'.  Currently before parliament is a bill which gives the SIS  retrospective powers to break into people's private homes  and other property and seize and remove private property as  well as plant 'things' (presumably recording devices of some  sort).  POLICY POINTS  * The Green Party is opposed to the SIS having the power  to break into private property. We will therefore  repeal, if passed, the New Zealand Security  Intelligence Amendment Bill 1998.  * The Green Party believes that the SIS should be stopped  from spying on people solely because they hold  different views from the government on what is in New  Zealand's 'international well-being or economic  well-being'. We will therefore tighten the definition  of security in the New Zealand Security Intelligence  Service Act to include only 'espionage, sabotage and  terrorism'.  * The Green Party believes that it may be more  appropriate for the police to have responsibility for  protecting New Zealand's security. We would therefore  institute a select committee enquiry into whether the  SIS should be abolished and its responsibilities  returned to the police.  GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS SECURITY BUREAU (GCSB)  The GCSB was established in 1977. It is a signals  intelligence organisation which 'spies' electronically on  private communications. The GCSB operates a spy base at  Waihopai near Blenheim that eavesdrops on international  telephone, telex, fax and email communications, and a base  at Tangimoana near Bulls, which monitors radio signals.  The GCSB is linked with agencies in the United States,  Britain, Canada and Australia. It is generally accepted that  it operates for the benefit of American and British  interests rather than for the benefit of New Zealand. It has  no statutory existence, is exempt from key provisions of the  Privacy Act and the Crimes Act and it costs the New Zealand  taxpayer $20 million per year to run.  POLICY POINT  * The Green Party believes that New Zealand's  international relations, defence and security needs are  not well served by spying on private communications  between our Pacific neighbours and New Zealand and  therefore we will abolish the GCSB and close its two  signals intelligence bases at Waihopai and Tangimoana  immediately.  INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY COMMITTEE  The Intelligence and Security Committee was established by  statute in 1996 ostensibly to increase the level of  oversight and review of intelligence and security agencies.  In fact the existence of the committee has had the opposite  effect. This is the first statutory committee ever to be set  up by the New Zealand parliament. The Act stops select  committees from consideration or scrutiny of anything to do  with intelligence and security agencies including their  operations and finances.  The committee comprises the Prime Minister, and two of her  nominees and the Leader of the Opposition and one of her  nominees. One person now combines the offices of Prime  Minister and Minister in Charge of the SIS with chairing the  very body it ought to be independently examining the  activities of intelligence and security agencies.  POLICY POINT  * The Green Party believes that parliament is the  rightful place to scrutinise the intelligence and  security activities of the government. We will  therefore abolish the Intelligence and Security  Committee Act.  INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY  The position of Inspector-General of Intelligence and  Security was created in 1996. The Inspector-General had very  limited powers to investigate the activities of intelligence  and security agencies. While the Green Party intends to  abolish the GCSB and restore core security functions to the  police we believe there is still a place for an independent  Inspector-General of intelligence and security.  POLICY POINTS  * The Green Party believes it is essential for a healthy  democratic society to have a truly independent watchdog  over the government's intelligence and security  gathering activities. We will therefore make the  Inspector-General an officer of parliament.  * We will also repeal the Minister of Security and  Intelligence's powers to limit the Inspector-General's  ability to investigate and report on their activities.  * The Green Party will extend the jurisdiction of the  Inspector-General of Intelligence and security to  include the New Zealand Defence Force.  OTHER AGENCIES  Little is known about two bodies which exist within the  Prime Minister's department: the Domestic and External  Security Secretariat and the External Assessment's Bureau.  It may be appropriate to review the functions and the  existence of these bodies.  POLICY POINT  * The Green Party will review the functions and need for  the Domestic and External Security Secretariat and the  External Assessment's Bureau.  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand - Quality of Life]    Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand > Green Library > Party  Policy  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand] Party Policy  CELEBRATING A RAINBOW NATION  The Green Party Sexual Orientation Policy  Launched 8 June 1999  For further information contact: Richard Davies & Rosemary  Segedin.  To propose amendments contact: Roland Sapsford, National  Policy Convenor, for details.  SUMMARY OF MAIN POINTS  The Green Party supports:  * celebration of diversity and encouragement of  appreciation between groups  * elimination of legislative barriers to full  participation in society  * elimination of institutional discrimination  * education in school, workplace and the community about  sexual orientation  * fostering enduring, cohesive and participatory  communities through well resourced social services  * research into issues confronting the "rainbow"  communities holistic health services accessible to all  GREEN VALUES  The human family encompasses a rich diversity of ages,  genders, ethnicities, abilities and sexual orientations.  Upbringing, education and circumstance further add to our  diversity. The Green Party embraces this human diversity.  New Zealand society is enhanced by each step it takes along  the path from prejudice to appreciation to celebration of  diversity.  This policy is derived from the Green Party's principles of  social justice and appropriate decision-making. We recognise  an intimate connection between our rights as individuals and  our responsibilities to our neighbours, our communities and  the Earth. Much remains to be done in many areas to provide  a decent and secure life for everyone. A sense of balance  between our rights and responsibilities grows from  participation in the decisions that affect all aspects of  our lives.  POLICY STATEMENT  New Zealanders with a sexual orientation or gender identity  different from that of the majority include people who  identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender,  intersex, takataapui and fa'fafine. These New Zealanders are  a significant group in our society which has been  marginalised through legislative barriers, institutional  discrimination and casual prejudice. Some research suggests  that these groups together constitute anything between 4 and  10% of the total population.  In this policy document we will use rainbow as an inclusive  term to describe any person (or community) who is not  predominantly heterosexual, or has an identity that is not  their assigned gender role, or anyone questioning their  gender or sexuality, or experiencing same sex love or  attraction.  The Green Party encourages social cohesion and acceptance  within New Zealand. People of differing sexual orientations  or gender identity should treat each other with courtesy,  respect and appreciation. The "rainbow" communities are a  minority that crosses social, educational and economic  boundaries. As a result they are natural champions of  diversity that has the potential to enrich us all. The Green  Party's fundamental values lead us to promote an inclusive  society in which each minority group feels at home. We count  the "rainbow" communities as our colleagues in this  significant social task.  SPECIFIC POLICIES  To this end we will use our influence to advance the  following specific policies:  1. "RAINBOW" COMMUNITIES ARE ENTITLED TO EQUAL  OPPORTUNITIES IN LAW AND IN PRACTICE. We support making  the government comply fully with the Human Rights Act  1993. We support workplace programmes in the public and  private sector to eliminate prejudice, discrimination  and harassment. The Consistency 2000 programme will be  pursued to its completion.  2. "RAINBOW" AND HETEROSEXUAL PARTNERSHIPS ARE EQUALLY  ENTITLED TO RESPECT AND SUPPORT. We support extending  the option of legal partnership arrangements and rights  to same-sex couples.  3. PARENTING SKILLS ARE DISTINCT FROM SEXUAL ORIENTATION  OR GENDER IDENTITY. We support equal criteria for both  "rainbow" and heterosexual couples in their assessment  for suitability and eligibility for parenting.  4. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IS CRUCIAL FOR THE EMPOWERMENT OF  "RAINBOW" COMMUNITIES. We encourage the development of  adequately resourced community centres, outreach  programmes and events and the creative self-expression  of people with "rainbow" identities through drama and  literature and the arts.  5. "RAINBOW" COMMUNITIES HAVE SPECIAL HEALTH NEEDS. The  Green Party supports a holistic approach to health that  acknowledges the relationships between human rights and  health and encompasses physical, mental, social and  spiritual aspects within the wider context of the  environment in which we live, work and play. We support  the development of specific programmes, including  professional education, in partnership with "rainbow"  communities. All people, including those with HIV/AIDS,  have the right to adequate medical care and protection  from discrimination within the health services.  6. THE INTERESTS AND IDENTITY OF "RAINBOW" STUDENTS IN  SCHOOLS AND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS NEED TO BE PROTECTED.  We support the creation of safe and supportive  educational environments. We support human rights  education as a core part of the curriculum. We support  a partnership with schools and "rainbow" youth  organisations to reduce the unacceptably high level of  suicide and drug abuse among youth. We will ensure that  teachers are adequately trained in educating for  diversity through the inclusion of sexual orientation  in teacher training and development.  7. "RAINBOW" COMMUNITIES ARE ENTITLED TO FAIR AND JUST  TREATMENT IN THEIR DEALINGS WITH POLICE, PENAL  INSTITUTIONS, COURTS, AND THE MILITARY. We support  initiatives to educate all these institutions in sexual  orientation and gender identity issues.  8. THERE HAS BEEN LITTLE RESEARCH ON ISSUES CONFRONTING  "RAINBOW" COMMUNITIES. We encourage research to help  identify discriminatory workplace and institutional  practices. We also support participatory research into  individual life experience to identify ways to  encourage "rainbow" communities' physical and mental  health and safety.  9. NEW ZEALAND HAS A PROUD TRADITION IN INTERNATIONAL  HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY. We support New Zealand taking an  active role within the international community to  promote human rights issues in relation to sexual  orientation.  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand - Quality of Life]    Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand > Green Library > Party  Policy  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand] Party Policy  THE GREEN PARTY TOURISM POLICY  Released 2 November 1999  For further information contact: Rod Donald, Green Party  Co-leader, and Tourism spokesperson.  To propose amendments contact: Roland Sapsford, National  Policy Convenor, for details.  LOOKING FORWARD  Tourism is already our largest industry, and continues to  grow in importance. The innovation and entrepreneurial  spirit of the tourism industry has often been an example of  local economic development at its best. Tourism can make a  sustainable contribution to our quality of life and open  people's eyes to a range of experiences and cultures.  There is potential to further develop the tourism industry  based on our 'clean green' image. This can only last if we  make 'clean and green' a reality, not an advertising slogan.  Green policies are designed to support a transition to  sustainability in all parts of our economy. Eco-tourism  needs support as part of our commitment to ecologically  sustainable development. Tourism itself is putting strain on  some of our infrastructure and natural areas, and needs to  respond to this challenge. Strategies for the tourism  industry must also recognise and address the risk to the  industry from diminishing finite resources and accelerating  climate change.  TALKING ABOUT THE WEATHER  Climate change poses direct risks to many of the natural  features on which the local industry is based. Domestic and  international tourism will be affected by changing weather  patterns. Pacific Island destinations are at risk from  sea-level rise. Droughts, highly variable snowfall and other  climatic variability are going to be part of life from now  on. Effective international measures are vital to safeguard  our tourist industry. International action on climate change  raises another strategic issue. Whether long distance air  travel will continue to be as cheap and socially acceptable  as it is now is uncertain, given that CO2 emissions from jet  fuel make a significant contribution to global warming.  International measures to combat climate change are highly  likely to affect all parts of the world's economy over the  next decade. Transport, both international and domestic,  will be expected to play its part, and this is likely to  mean dearer fuel and hence less travel.  One obvious consequence is that there will need to be more  emphasis on domestic tourism, compared to international  tourism. International visitor numbers are likely to plateau  and possibly fall. Visits may be less frequent but of a  longer duration.  WORKING TOGETHER  We need an integrated and strategic rethink of our approach  to tourism management. Government activity is still focused  on getting more people into the country, with little concern  for the quality of products and service in the tourism  sector. We are spending all our tourism dollars on industry  promotion, with virtually no analysis of the effects this is  having. We need both a strategic overview and support for  small communities and agencies such as DOC and the Historic  Places Trust, which have to deal with the visitors when they  reach their destination.  Most fundamentally, tourism development needs to be linked  to the promotion of New Zealand culture both here and  overseas. Tourism needs to be based on pride in our identity  and mutual respect between visitors and hosts. The following  sections outline the Greens proposals to help tourism  flourish:  A STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM  Greater strategic communication is needed at the national  level in tourism. There is also a need for public and  community input into tourism planning. at a strategic level.  The Green Party would:  * Work with the tourism industry, relevant agencies,  tourism affected communities and the public, to develop  a national strategy for sustainable tourism. This  strategy would build on the progress already made  through the Foresight process and the work by the  Tourism Industry Association. The strategy would  develop the initiatives in this policy, as well as  promoting tourism in the 'off-season.'  * Fund the gathering of tourism statistics and research  into tourism, particularly domestic, as part of our  commitment to improving our national accounts.  PROMOTING TOURISM AT HOME  Domestic tourism is already a very important industry. There  are significant cultural benefits if New Zealanders see  their own country before they head off overseas. Encouraging  domestic tourism may also help pressure on our balance of  payments; New Zealander tourists spend a very large amount  of money overseas - $2.7 billion last year.  The Green Party would:  * Direct the Tourism Board to spend a proportion of its  promotional budget on encouraging domestic tourism.  * Work with industry, community and other stakeholders to  develop a promotional campaign to encourage people to  'get out into the great outdoors,' in order to promote  good health, domestic tourism and appreciation of  nature.  * Support the development of distinct reputations for  particular regions, such as Marlborough's wine and  food, the West Coast's natural beauty, Northland's  beaches, Oamaru's historic buildings, Nelson's arts and  culture and Napier's art deco. This part of our  commitment to strong communities and local economic  development.  A MINISTRY OF TOURISM  Tourism is a significant government expenditure item at  $58.9 million this year. Over 90% of that money, however,  goes to the Tourism Board for tourism marketing. Less than  $2 million will be spent on policy advice from the Office of  Tourism and Sport.  The tourism industry is highly successful and doesn't need  government to tell it how to manage business or market  products. What is required is quality policy advice to  ensure the tourism industry develops in ways that also  further New Zealand's best interests.  The Green Party would:  * Re-establish a separate and adequately funded Ministry  of Tourism with a focus on independent and objective  policy advice, looking at the broad picture of tourism  and its effects. The Ministry would oversee the  purchase agreement with the Tourism Board.  MANAGING THE PRESSURE OF TOURISM  The number of overseas visitors to New Zealand have almost  doubled in the last ten years, to 11/2 million per year. Add  domestic tourists on top of this and there is considerable  pressure on the attractions and communities most popular  with tourists. Communities and agencies affected by tourists  need support.  The Green Party will:  * Ensure that the Department of Conservation receives  adequate funding for visitor services through Vote  Tourism.  * Work with local authorities to resolve issues with  waste disposal, from campervans and yachts for example.  This is part of our commitment to a waste free New  Zealand.  * Establish a community development fund, providing start  up capital for ecologically sustainable small  businesses and community enterprises, such as  eco-tourism.  * Develop domestic tourism and eco-tourism, which tend to  be based in less well known locations. This will spread  tourist pressure around the country.  * Dramatically improve border biosecurity.  ECO-TOURISM  New Zealand has a unique opportunity to capture part of the  growing eco-tourism market, as long as we take real action  to make our clean green image a reality.  The Green party will:  * Promote the creation of new national parks and other  reserves, particularly in the South Island high  country; and secure the Queen's Chain. Refer to the  Conservation Policy for details.  * Develop new marine reserves to provide opportunities  for recreation such as diving inside reserves and  fishing outside. Refer to Policy on the Sea.  * Develop public transport to facilitate travel for  tourists who often don't have a car.  * Create a nationwide network of cycleways commencing  with a North Cape to the Bluff cycle route to meet the  increasing demand from cycle tourists for better  facilities.  * Take real action to reduce climate change, in order to  prevent the erosion of beaches and natural areas on the  coast.  * Restore New Zealand's international reputation as a  clean green country through policies such as an Organic  Nation, and encourage tourism based around this.  MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS  The speed of innovation in New Zealand's tourism industry  needs to be supported by quality assurance procedures to  ensure high standards of operation.  The Green Party would direct the Ministry of Tourism to work  with the industry to develop:  * A code of practice or a brandmark for eco-tourism.  * A brandmark system to authenticate tourism products and  services based on cultural heritage. This would be  developed in conjunction with Maori.  * Workable and effective safety standards and codes,  particularly in relation to adventure tourism.  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand - Quality of Life]    Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand > Green Library > Party  Policy  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand] Party Policy  LIVING CITIES  The Green Party Urban Policy  Ratified October 1999  For further information contact: Jeanette Fitzsimons, Green  Party Co-Leader, Spokesperson on Conservation, Energy, the  Environment, Fisheries, Forestry, Living Cities, Tax and  Economic Policy.  To propose amendments contact: Roland Sapsford, National  Policy Convenor, for details.  The Greens support an holistic view of urban areas. We  believe that simply recognising that urban issues matter  will be a major step forward. In support of sustainable  cities and towns the Green Party promotes the following  specific steps.  A Green Government will  * Create a Ministry of Urban Affairs.  * Ensure that transport investment and planning within  urban areas is integrated with, and subordinate to, the  needs of people in cities and towns.( see also  Transport Policy)  * Create national targets for reducing car dependence and  enhancing mobility within urban areas.  * Promote a 'waste-free' approach to production and  emphasise research and technology to help us 'do more  with less for longer'.  * Ensure ongoing access to high quality water while  promoting its conservation.  * Promote innovation in waste and water management with  increased emphasis on conservation and small-scale  local solutions.  * Encourage energy efficient design and use of local  renewable energy in urban areas.  * Strengthen heritage protection in urban areas and  encourage greater awareness of the positive role of  historic heritage in creating a durable urban identity.  * Ensure culturally appropriate disposal of all sewerage.  * Increase citizens' participation in decision-making,  especially in regard to resource management, and  promote increased use of well-resourced community  boards.  * Reform local government to give it a clear  constitutional role and strengthen its democratic  functions.  * Create a National Policy Statement on sustainable  cities and towns under the RMA.  THE PROBLEM  Over 85% of New Zealanders live in cities and towns, yet  when we think of 'the environment' most of us think of rural  and 'natural' environments rather than quality urban  environments. We are an urban nation in denial. Wherever  human settlements exist, two closely linked sustainability  issues arise:  * The way the community interacts with its biological and  physical environment  * The processes by which the community 'sustains itself'.  At present our cities demand huge inputs of food, water and  energy that are hauled from far away, using more energy.  Sewage and solid waste pollutes the seas, rivers and  surrounding land. Sprawl in some areas and population loss  in others creates social and economic pressure as human  interaction falls, jobs relocate and infrastructure  struggles to cope.  The cumulative ecological and community consequences of many  resource use choices only become obvious in times of crisis  (as was the case in Auckland's water shortage during 1994,  or the nationwide response to the 1992 electricity  shortage).  THE WAY FORWARD  The Green Party seeks to create an urban focus and offers  leadership on urban issues. The crucial role of  participatory local governance in creating social cohesion  and prosperity deserves to be recognised.  Practical and proven ideas abound on how to do things  differently. 'Living cities, 'eco-cities', 'healthy cities'  ‹ all share the vision of urban sustainability as one of  thriving, dynamic and vibrant human communities existing in  harmony with the rest of the living world.  A city is like a living organism, an ecosystem in  relationships with other systems. It has an internal life  and exchanges of material and energy with the outside world.  'Living cities' evolve when citizens are empowered to shape  their communities using the best available information. We  can modify and adapt successful examples from around the  world and create our own unique high quality urban areas.  We know that 'living cities', sustainable vibrant urban  areas, exist where:  * There is a low level of car dependence and high levels  of walking, cycling and public transport use  * Movement and interaction is safe and easy for all  * Cities and towns have a strong and thriving heart  linked to a web of urban villages each with their own  identity  * Good housing and meaningful work is available to  citizens  * Parks and green spaces are a pervasive, cherished and  protected part of the urban landscape  * Diverse and vibrant cultures interact to create a  shared identity that is more than the sum of its parts  * Physical and cultural heritage is cherished as linking  past and future  * All citizens feel able to participate in shaping the  future of the city they call home  * Quality public spaces create a civic testimony to  citizens belief in their city  These characteristics arise when citizens are empowered to  shape their communities using the best available  information. The Green Party supports recent reports and  recommendations such as the report of the Parliamentary  Commissioner for the Environment on Urban Sustainability and  the Urban Sector Template from Project Foresight.  Many positive changes will come about if cities and  communities are empowered to pursue sustainability. Urban  Foresight suggests five interlinked goals as part of a  living cities programme:  * PROSPERITY: Dynamic, prosperous and productive urban  areas thriving in a global economy  * SOCIAL COHESION: Durable, cohesive and diverse urban  communities  * QUALITY OF LIVING: A strong urban identity supported by  a quality urban environment  * EMPOWERMENT: Effective participatory governance and a  culture of permanent partnership  * ECO-EFFICIENCY: Urban areas lead in getting more from  less for longer  The Green Party supports the overall direction of these  goals. Sustainable prosperity will require a greater  emphasis on strong local economies rather than  globalisation.  Cities and towns face issues that are unique; this is  recognised around the world. Yet New Zealand has no urban  policies and little urban focus in our actions. Indeed  recent government proposals on RMA reform and transport  reform seek to deny that there is anything special about  cities.  Our inaction is also our greatest opportunity since we now  have the chance to learn from the best the world can offer.  The Green Party believes that we need to live in accord with  the beliefs that all living things are connected, and that  there is enough for everyone's need, not everyone's greed.  Therefore, we all need to take personal responsibility for  our actions, and work out ways of sharing limited resources.  This also requires us to live by non-violent means, best  achieved through decentralisation, participatory democracy  and setting national minimum standards of living.  We believe that issues connected to sustainability, and the  principles described above, are highlighted in an urban  context. We believe that there is a community of concerned  citizens who know our nation is less than it could be  because our cities and towns are neglected. This Urban  Policy is our response to that neglect.  A MINISTRY OF URBAN AFFAIRS  A Green government will create a Ministry of Urban Affairs  with the role of:  * coordinating and reporting on central government policy  as it affects cities and towns  * providing technical assistance to local authorities on  the development of sustainable cities and towns  * auditing and monitoring progress towards urban  sustainability  * researching sustainable cities  * providing limited financial assistance to assist cities  making a transition towards more sustainable ways of  living  * facilitating dialogue between and within local  authorities about urban issues  SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT  Our dependence of motor cars is a major barrier to creating  safe, healthy and prosperous cities and towns. Congestion,  pollution and economic disadvantage are all linked to car  dependence. We urgently need to place a greater emphasis on  cycling, walking and public transport both in transport  policy and in urban design. We need to treat streets as  shared public spaces rather than simply ways for traffic to  get somewhere else; traffic calming and traffic reduction,  coupled within increased creation of pedestrian spaces are  critical to the survival of our cities.  A Green government will  * ensure that transport investment and planning within  urban areas is integrated with, and subordinate to, the  needs of people in cities and towns;( see also  Transport Policy)  * create national targets for reducing car dependence and  enhancing mobility within urban areas.  INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESOURCE FLOWS  Our cities are maturing and issues of infrastructure  development and renewal are becoming prominent. Some cities  simply need renewal, others struggle with urban decay, which  still others face growth pressure.  The Greens believe we need to take a fresh look at resource  use in cities and place more emphasis on local solutions  from community energy efficiency to increased greywater use  to composting toilets. It is, for example, ridiculous to  pipe drinking water from 100 miles away when the water that  falls on the roofs of our homes and buildings is piped  straight to the sea. We need to understand where water comes  from and where it goes and we need to develop sustainable  ways to meet our needs that take these natural cycles into  account.  A Green government will  * promote a 'waste-free' approach to production and  emphasise research and technology to help us 'do more  with less for longer';  * ensure ongoing access to high quality water while  promoting its conservation;  * promote innovation in waste and water management with  increased emphasis on conservation and small-scale  local solutions;  * encourage energy efficient design and use of local  renewable energy in urban areas;  * ensure culturally appropriate disposal of all sewerage.  HERITAGE  A Green government will strengthen heritage protection in  urban areas and encourage greater awareness of the positive  role of historic heritage in creating a durable urban  identity.  PARTICIPATORY DECISION MAKING  The Greens believe that quality urban life relies on the  development of a sense of community and identity within  urban areas. We need to stop building sprawling suburbs and  create urban villages with a heart and a sense of identity.  Closely linked to identity is a sense of 'people's  belonging' ‹ the idea that they have somewhere to call home,  meaningful work and something to contribute to the future of  their community.  A partnership between central and local government over  urban issues is long overdue. Central government can provide  the framework, resources and information to support informed  local decision-making. Local government can then involve its  citizens in creating cities that reflect local needs and  values. People struggle to get involved at the moment  because they are pressed for time and money, and local  authorities publicly notify just 5% of development  proposals.  A Green government will:  * encourage councils to notify more development proposals  for public comment, and require them to include policy  on notification as part of their plans, which would  allow the public to have a say on that policy.  * provide an environmental legal aid system, with a  budget of $5million per annum, to help community groups  and individuals have a say on development proposals and  environmental plans, while ensuring that inappropriate  cases did not make it to court.  * provide the Environment Court with independent  scientific and professional advice to help assess the  evidence of expert witnesses.  * reform local government to give it a clear  constitutional role and strengthen its democratic  functions.  * create a National Policy Statement on sustainable  cities and towns under the RMA.  CONSERVATION IN THE TOWN  Most New Zealanders live in towns and cities, urban areas  that are typically surrounded by high quality farm land.  These are the places where the environment has suffered most  since the arrival of Europeans in particular.  Formerly these areas supported the richest, most diverse  ecosystems of lowland forest and wetlands. Today only a few  degraded remnants of this original glory remain, squeezed  between buildings and concrete or intensive farming and  horticulture. The native birds that once thronged in the  trees have gone, leaving a few squawking visitors from  Australia or Britain. But we can bring the birds back to  town if we want them. It's only a matter of community will,  capturing the public imagination and having a little  patience.  Restoring nature in and around town can't be forced on  people. It must be built on the enthusiasm and effort of  local people who believe in it. But a Green government can  do plenty to inspire that enthusiasm, and nurture the  efforts of local people. Through the National Policy  Statement under the Resource Management Act and advocacy  from DoC and members of Parliament, a Green Government can  encourage and require local councils to:  * Develop comprehensive strategies for conservation  management of towns and cities, linked to their  district plans and to regional council pest management  strategies. A current example is Waitakere City's  'Green Plan'.  * Protect remaining areas of forest and wetlands in and  around town through their district plan. There is  little point in trying to restore nature if we're not  prepared to protect what we have already.  * Develop strategies for weed control that stamp out  small weed problems before they become big ones, and  provide strategic control of established weeds.  * Ensure that new subdivisions near important natural  areas do not allow keeping of potential predators such  as cats and/or dogs, if they represent a threat to  native wildlife.  * Initiate the re-establishment and creation of wetlands  and support forest restoration projects.  * Establish an 'urban island' such as the Karori Wildlife  Sanctuary in Wellington, where a predator proof fence  will protect a former water supply catchment from  introduced animals, allowing the re-introduction of 40  native species (most threatened with extinction),  including the kiwi, kokako, weka and tuatara.  * Provide general tree protection for key native species  in that area.  * Develop strategies which encourage residents to plant  locally appropriate native species in their gardens.  Christchurch City community boards have established a  programme where residents can find maps at their local  garden centres which show them the natural ecosystems  that were once found on their properties, and the  native plants they can plant to restore them.  * Retain natural streams and restore piped streams to a  natural state, with plantings of native wetland plants.  This not only provides a better environment for people  and nature, but it reduces flood risks and is cheaper  than piping.  A Green government will set a target of  * A minimum 5% of the land area of every ecological  district in the country (some of which are almost  entirely covered by cities) in native vegetation set  aside for the restoration of nature by the year 2010.  * A 'mainland island' established in or near each of the  5 main centres by the year 2010.  CLEAN WATERWAYS  Conservation in and around town should not be limited to  land.  A Green government will ensure that urban pollution of local  streams and harbours is reduced, to support marine  ecosystems. People could walk down to their local beach and  go for a swim without worrying whether the water was clean.  The marine reserve strategy targets towns and cities as  areas for marine reserves, so that people don't have to  travel to see the sea in its natural state.  [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand - Quality of Life]    Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand > Green Library > Party  Policy