Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand
A clear guide to the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand: its history, its left-wing environmental ideology, and where it stands on climate, the economy, and social justice.
Overview
- Country
- New Zealand
- Founded
- 1990
- Position
- Left-wing
- Leader
- Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick
- Headquarters
- Wellington
The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand is the country's main environmental party and stands on the left of the political spectrum. It combines strong climate and environmental policy with a progressive social agenda and a commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. The party is led by co-leaders and has become an established part of Parliament.
The Greens draw particular support among younger and urban voters and have at times supported or partnered with Labour-led governments.
History
The party has its roots in the Values Party of the 1970s, one of the world's first national environmental parties, and became the Green Party in 1990. It later entered Parliament under New Zealand's proportional voting system introduced in 1996.
The Greens have grown steadily and have supported Labour-led governments through cooperation agreements, while retaining their independence. In recent years the party has continued to expand its vote and parliamentary presence under a co-leadership model.
Economic Policy
The Greens support an economy reorganised around sustainability and fairness. They back strong climate action, large investment in public transport and clean energy, higher taxes on wealth and pollution, and expanded public services. They emphasise reducing inequality and protecting the natural environment.
Foreign Policy
The Greens favour a foreign policy centred on peace, human rights, disarmament, and climate justice. They strongly support New Zealand's nuclear-free stance and generally advocate lower military spending and an emphasis on diplomacy and the Pacific.
Where They Stand
- Places climate and environmental action at the centre of policy
- Backs investment in public transport and clean energy
- Supports higher taxes on wealth and pollution
- Champions Treaty-based partnership with Māori
- Emphasises reducing inequality and improving housing
- Strongly supports the nuclear-free foreign policy
Electoral Record
The Greens have been represented in Parliament since the late 1990s and have grown into a durable third force. They have supported Labour-led governments through cooperation agreements while sitting outside or on the edge of cabinet, and they contest the 2026 election as an established party.
Position on the Political Compass
Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand sits on the left-leaning side on economics and is moderate on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Rod Donald and Jeanette Fitzsimons
Founding co-leaders
Led the modern Green Party into Parliament under proportional representation and established its enduring co-leadership tradition.
Chlöe Swarbrick
Co-leader
A prominent younger co-leader known for campaigns on climate, housing, and youth engagement, who has helped broaden the party's appeal.
Sources and Further Reading
- Green Party of Aotearoa NZ (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitegreens.org.nz
- 2026 New Zealand general election (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion New Zealand political test to see how your views compare with Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand and the other parties.
Take the New Zealand Test
Social Policy
The party is firmly progressive. It supports Treaty-based partnership with Māori, LGBT rights, a humane approach to welfare and housing, and expanded civil liberties. It emphasises participatory democracy and social equality alongside environmental protection.