On Saturday 29 June, the Matariki constellation will begin its ascent. It is a time for reflection, hope and unity.
It will also be the final day working with my co-leader, Marama Davidson, before she takes a break to begin her breast cancer treatment, followed by necessary rest and recovery.
I would like to take this moment to highlight this incredible woman who fearlessly champions our people and our planet every single day. The warmth, honesty and humility Marama carries herself with rubs off on everyone she works and spends time with. We will hold the space for her healthy return as Green Party co-leader in a few months time, and remind ourselves that rest and recovery is critical for each of our contributions to the world.
In line with such a reflective time, at one of our Britomart Market stalls recently, we decided to try and flip the script, asking people to identify the things they love about this city and want more of – a universe far away from complaining about the status quo of politics, instead looking to identify the good stuff to magnify. Aucklanders (and a train load of Hamiltonians who’d ventured to the big city on Te Huia) scrawled dozens and dozens of inspiring notes about our musicians, galleries, green spaces, beaches, community spaces, markets, lights, small businesses, visibility and manaakitanga of tangata whenua. In the things we love, we see what we want to preserve, what we value and where we want to build from.
We saw those values in full, unified force later that very afternoon as tens of thousands Marched for Nature down Waihorotiu Queen Street. An official count just shy of 30,000 New Zealanders turned up to show, not just tell, the Government that we care for each other, our environment and Te Tiriti. The demonstration nudged above the approximate 27,000 submitters against the Government’s destructive and anti-democratic Fast-Track legislation, which concentrates power to approve mining and other projects rejected by the Environment Court and local communities into the hands of three Ministers.
Throughout May we also celebrated New Zealand Music Month and it was clearer than ever to me just how much the arts are the lifeblood of this city. The sheer volume of talent and variety was on full display at the Karangahape Road Block Party as people flowed in and out of stores and venues all along K’ Road and artists filled the air with their music. We also saw the return of the Aotearoa Music Awards – opening in stark creative contrast the same day the Government released their uninspirational, tax-cuts-at-the-cost-of-everything-else Budget. I’d be remiss not to mention the induction of Dame Hinewehi Mohi into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame. It has been 25 years since her performance of the national anthem at the Rugby World Cup and the release of her double platinum album Oceania (recorded entirely in te reo Māori) helped shape the way we respect and use te reo in this country.
I have also continued to work across business associations, emergency responders, state agencies and with Minister of Police Mark Mitchell for evidence-based solutions to crime in our city. As all of the screeds of evidence and testimony from those on the frontline can share, stable housing, a sense of belonging, ability to plan positively for the future and decent income are the strongest crime prevention. With the Minister and Mayor, we recently held a successful round-table meeting and are anticipating agreed, tangible solutions and lines of accountability, which I will of course share in full transparency with our community as appropriate to do so.
As your local MP and Green Party co-leader, I wish you all a very safe and happy Matariki. It is a time to celebrate new life, remember those who have passed and plan for our future. We all need each other. Noho ora mai e Mānawatia a Matariki ki a koutou. (Chlöe Swarbrick)
Chlöe Swarbrick, T: 09 378 4810, E: chloe.swarbrick@parliament.govt.nz
www.greens.org.nz/chloe_swarbrick
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