It’s quite something to open a column with necessary acknowledgement of celebrating bringing in the New Year and optimism that accompanies it, while also acknowledging the heartbreak that hangs over the end of this summer for many confronted with loss and tragedy in the climate emergencies that swept Northland and the East Coast.
Almost exactly two years from Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle that followed, our fellow North Islanders faced another devastating extreme surge of wild weather. Our hearts are with all impacted. And, more than that, anyone who holds themselves out to be a leader in this country must take the responsibility to act to mitigate the impacts of such future events. This is the direct request I received at Whakapaumahara Marae in Whananaki as I went up North to help with the clean-up, and it’s what I’ve heard on Aotea Great Barrier, also severely impacted, as I helped to bring the Minister of Emergency Response over to see responders and community first hand and commit to resourcing necessary support.
The science tells us that the more climate changing emissions there are in the atmosphere, the more frequent and extreme weather events will be. We know that our country is a small contributor in the scheme of the world, which is why it’s so critical that we do everything we can to hold together international coordination – the likes of the Paris Agreement, where more than 190 countries commit to doing their part. We're also a developed and relatively wealthy country, which is also where we have a responsibility and opportunity to develop better ways of doing things to help show others the way – such as in regenerative agriculture and renewable energy.
These opportunities aren’t only good for the planet, but they tend to improve our quality of life by lifting the quality of our air, food, soil and water, while also reducing the cost of living and creating good local jobs. This is precisely the kind of future the Greens envision, which sits in sharp contrast to Luxon’s Government’s seemingly insatiable desire to sell off our country for parts in a thirst for short-term profit at the cost of everything and everybody we love. New Zealanders can see through politicians who out one side of their mouth thank our firefighters and first responders for their lifesaving work while out the other refuse to pay them adequately or ensure their equipment is safe. We can do better and that’s exactly what we’ve been focussed on showing is entirely possible throughout the last two years.
We have an election this year and these big picture questions of who we want to be as a country will be on the table. Closer to home, we’ll have the opportunity to really dig into the decisions this Government has made in Wellington which have increased homelessness and all kinds of associated challenges in Auckland Central. So, too, I look forward to championing the track record of our communities, social services, local businesses and business associations who I’ve been proud to work alongside of as tireless advocates for tangible, local solutions.
No politician or political party is entitled to anything, and I for sure take nothing for granted. I am proud to work every single day for Auckland Central and beyond.
If I can ever be of service, don’t hesitate to reach out at chloe.swarbrick@parliament.govt.nz (Chlöe Swarbrick)
Chlöe Swarbrick, T: 09 378 4810, E: chloe.swarbrick@parliament.govt.nz www.greens.org.nz/chloe_swarbrick
