Independent Greens could support Labour, National 'unlikely'

The Green Party confirmed its post-election political position today, stating it was an independent party that could support a Labour-led Government in the right circumstances but support for National was ‘highly unlikely.’

“We’re more likely to support Labour on confidence and supply, and think it is highly unlikely that we could support a National Government on confidence and supply, but it is on the table,” said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei.

“It’s more likely we could work project-by-project with National like we do now on home insulation, tourism infrastructure and toxic site management.”

Party delegates confirmed the Greens’ position at their AGM today.

Stressing that the Party had negotiated more than $400 million worth of Green programs with the current Government, Mrs Turei said: “We are an independent political party in Parliament with a good track record of policy wins and we will continue to make gains from inside or outside Government.

“We can get stuff done and I can promise more wins with either National or Labour.”

The Party Co-leader also noted that the Greens would need serious gains from any confidence and supply agreement and that there was a good deal of policy difference between the Green Party and both National and Labour.

“Our goal is to be in Government, but we might prefer to stay out of confidence and supply agreements in November, based on circumstances at the time. Government has gone badly for a lot of support parties,” said Mrs Turei. “We are principled, we are patient and we have built a powerful political voice as an independent party.”

Alongside that principled independence sat ambition and a sense of urgency, she said: “The economic, environmental and social challenges facing New Zealand need urgent action.”

The Party’s political position for the 2011 election was developed by members over several months and involved regional consultations and feedback from branches.

Mrs Turei’s speech also covered social policy initiatives championed by the Green Party and called for initiatives that would cut child poverty in New Zealand. In addition to raising the minimum wage, the Green Party Co-leader argued for extending the In-Work Tax Credit and the Training Incentive Allowance to help some of the country’s most vulnerable families.