With the 2026 General Election drawing closer, the Green Party is rolling out a series of policy announcements aimed at tackling the cost of living, housing affordability, food insecurity and climate change, while encouraging more New Zealanders to enrol and cast their vote.
Speaking to Radio Waatea, Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono said the election presents an opportunity for voters to shape the country’s future, with the party focused on delivering practical solutions that reduce inequality while protecting the environment and strengthening communities.
One of the party’s latest proposals would require major supermarkets to donate edible surplus food to charities and community organisations instead of sending it to landfill. The Greens say thousands of tonnes of perfectly good food are discarded each year while many whānau continue to struggle with rising grocery bills and food insecurity.
The proposal would place legal obligations on large supermarket chains to divert safe, unsold food into food rescue networks, reducing waste while helping community organisations meet increasing demand for emergency food support.
The party has also announced new candidates ahead of the election, including community advocate Te Whatanui Skipwith, who will contest the Ōtāhuhu electorate. The Greens say the selection reflects their commitment to candidates with strong grassroots connections and experience working alongside local communities on issues including housing, youth development and social wellbeing.
Housing remains another cornerstone of the Green campaign.
The party continues to argue that New Zealand’s housing crisis cannot be solved through tougher enforcement measures alone, maintaining that increasing the supply of affordable homes, strengthening renters’ rights and investing in public housing are essential to addressing long-standing inequities.
The Greens have also unveiled plans for a state-owned energy company, arguing increased public involvement in electricity generation and retailing would improve competition, place downward pressure on power prices and accelerate investment in renewable energy.
Under the proposal, the publicly owned company would operate alongside existing electricity providers while focusing on affordable pricing and long-term energy security. The party says the policy would help households facing rising electricity costs while supporting New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy.
Climate action remains central to the Green Party’s wider platform, with continued commitments to renewable energy, public transport, environmental protection and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring workers and communities are supported through the transition.
Alongside its policy platform, the party is also encouraging greater democratic participation.
Teanau Tuiono is urging all eligible voters—particularly rangatahi and Māori—to ensure they are enrolled ahead of the election and to have their voices heard at the ballot box.
He says Māori participation has always been a powerful force in New Zealand elections and believes strong voter turnout will be critical as the country considers competing visions on issues including the economy, housing, climate, health and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
With parties continuing to unveil candidates and policy commitments, the race towards the 2026 General Election is expected to intensify over the coming weeks as political leaders seek to convince voters they have the best plan for Aotearoa’s future.
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