Green advocacy tilts balance in favour of small businesses

The Green Party’s amendment to the COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Bill has been adopted by the Government today.

"After intense work on the Finance and Expenditure Committee, we've had a win that tilts the balance towards small businesses instead of their commercial landlords," says Green spokesperson for small business and Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick.

“The Government has adopted the 18 August backdate from my SOP into their own, which will require commercial landlords to negotiate commercial rent reductions backdated to the beginning of this lockdown.

“But we think the Government should go further and backdate these commercial tenancy negotiations to March 2020, when Aotearoa first went into lockdown.

“That would be tangible action to support those who work for a living, instead of just those who own for a living.”

The Green Party also has SOPs on residential rent freezes and extending eligibility for overseas voters who have been stuck overseas through no fault of their own.

"We will continue to be a strong voice for those who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

ENDS

Latest Small Business Announcements

Story

Greens win support for our cities’ cultural infrastructure

The Greens welcome targeted support for music venues, bars, cafes, theatres and the people who bring them alive, as announced by the Minister of Fi...
Read More

Policy

Sustainable Business Policy

The Green Party will support and regulate business practice to be environmentally and socially sustainable. We will resource research and innovatio...
See More

Story

Wellington businesses need earthquake support

A Government support package for earthquake-affected Wellington businesses is absolutely vital, the Green Party said today. More than 100 small and...
Read More

Story

Government needs to back up Fonterra suppliers and contractors

The Green Party is calling on Government Ministers to step up and defend small businesses in regional New Zealand, in light of accusations small bu...
Read More

Story

Green Party welcomes new head of Sustainable Business Council

The Green Party has welcomed the appointment of Abbie Reynolds as Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Council (SBC). “We look forward to...
Read More

Latest Covid19 Response Announcements

Story

Government gets it right on COVID settings

Maintaining the current COVID-19 isolation requirement is the right decision, the Green Party says.
Read More

Story

Summer COVID plan needed

The Green Party has been left wondering if the Government signed off for the summer break before putting in place a COVID plan. 
Read More

Story

COVID inquiry disappointingly narrow

The Green Party welcomes a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic – but is disappointed with the narrow scope.
Read More

Story

Lasting public health measures needed for COVID response ahead of future waves

Winding down COVID powers does nothing to change the fact that stronger public health measures are needed to protect our immunocompromised and disa...
Read More

Story

Vital public health measures still missing from COVID response

Strong public health measures are more vital than ever, the Green Party says as the Government removes many longstanding COVID-19 restrictions. 
Read More

Story

Better long-term planning needed for COVID

COVID-19 is here to stay and so the Government needs to put in place long-term protection measures, including mandatory ventilation standards, the ...
Read More

Latest Auckland Issues Announcements

Story

Waka Kotahi miss the boat on community needs for Waiheke ferry services

Auckland Central Green MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, this morning received a long awaited OIA with official advice and consultants’ reports on whether to re...
Read More

Story

A new life for St James Theatre

After years of community organising, Green MP for Auckland Central Chlöe Swarbrick is thrilled to announce today alongside Deputy Prime Minister Ho...
Read More

Story

Auckland flood response report requires urgent action

Auckland Central Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick welcomes the findings of the Auckland Flood Response Review and urges Council to not delay implementing t...
Read More

Story

Greens launch submission guide for Auckland Council budget

The Green Party has today launched a submission guide to help Aucklanders give crucial input and prevent potentially disastrous Auckland Council bu...
Read More

Story

Greens launch petition to stop Auckland Council climate action cuts

The Green Party has today launched a petition to stop Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s proposed cuts to climate and environmental programmes that prote...
Read More

Story

Hauraki Gulf in urgent need of protection

The Green Party backs the demands of Forest and Bird and calls on the Government to take urgent action to restore the health of the Hauraki Gulf/Tī...
Read More