We put together a careful $270m 3-year plan for new regional public transport investments and last week the government decided to contribute zero dollars towards it. Instead they redirected NZTA funding away from public transport to roads. Many basic projects are now at risk. 1/ Wellington has the second highest public transport use per capita in Australasia and we’ve been steadily working with partners to invest in the future so that we can continue to deliver these basic services that people rely on everyday. Bus use is now at record high levels. 2/

The Regional Policy Statement (RPS) is a powerful document that flies under the radar. Today GW agreed to consult on new RPS provisions with a new chapter on climate change and new policies on freshwater and urban development. Very strong stuff on climate, transport, urban form. The proposed RPS provisions say greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced significantly, immediately and rapidly with a 50% reduction from 2017 levels by 2030. Regional form, design and function needs to support the uptake of zero and low emission modes throughout the region.

BREAKING: PM announces all public transport fares will be half price for the next three months. PM also notes that the government will deliver further measures to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, including on active and public transport, in Budget 2022. Transport funding from fuel excise and road user charges will be topped up to ensure the transport agenda stays on track.

Picturesque as ever at the Basin Reserve this morning for an absolutely huge Australia vs New Zealand #CWC22 World Cup game. Great start from NZ too with big hitter Healy gone for 15. Let’s go! Lots of encouragement for Satterthwaite making a sharp stop at gully. Lea Tahuhu was *not happy* with Satterthwaite for allowing a boundary off her bowling earlier. Tahuhu is bowling beautifully here though, brilliant spell. Australia in a spot of bother, 3 down after 18 overs.

I really want to apologise for the cancellations of bus services in Wellington at the moment. We are short of about 60 drivers and we urgently need to improve pay and conditions so we can attract more people to the profession. Some thoughts on what’s happening and what to do.🧵 Bus drivers are employed by private bus companies and under the public transport model designed by the previous National government, the system prioritises profit over public good and has placed downward pressure on pay and conditions. This system is failing all of us.

If the Greens are offered a partnership to support the Labour-led government I think the decision is less straightforward than some people suggest. 1/13 Obviously we don’t know whether a deal will be offered or what it will be like. If Labour offers a deal that is not worth more than opposition then of course the Greens should reject it. But it’s not as obvious a decision as some are making out. 2/13

A thread on the evolution of Greens’ share of the vote since 1999 noting the various arrangements the Greens have reached with other parties. Many other factors of course in vote share movement, but could you argue voters want the Greens to do their bit in running the country? 1999-2002 = 5.16% / 7 MPs

Cooperation agreement offering confidence and supply in exchange for input to budget and legislation

Vote increases↗️

2002 = 7% / 9 MPs

I get the strategic voting arguments and I know they are important and compelling to many, but I find it hard to ask for a vote on the basis of anything other than what the party stands for. So I ask people to vote Green on the party’s merits. A thread on why I vote Green: (1/6) The Greens have a different worldview to other parties. It’s based on social and environmental justice, non-violence and making decisions with those most affected. Compromise in government has been so painful for supporters precisely because of this difference in worldview. (2/6)