The Greens are frustrated…
It used its annual state of the planet speech to threaten to hold back its support unless the big parties promise the strongest possible climate action.
"Labour and National may be duking it out over the so-called political centre," said Greens Co-leader and Climate minister James Shaw.
"But this October, New Zealand will either elect the most progressive, climate-focused Government we have ever had… Or hand the keys to the most reactionary race-baiting right-wing government we have seen in decades."
Shaw told Tova O'Brien on Monday morning his party must keep their influence after October's ballot.
"If you want to see stronger action on climate change, you've got to do something different," said Shaw.
"You have to produce a government that actually has the Greens sitting around the Cabinet table because that's how you get stronger action on climate change."
He's admitted the Green Party has felt stifled by the government.
"I think that we've done a pretty good job of the government that we've been given, over the last two terms of parliament," Shaw said.
"But I do feel a level of frustration that we haven't been able to move as quickly as we would have liked to."
O'Brien pointed out that the Greens have been in government with Labour for the past two terms. Hear how Shaw responded in the full interview.
Listen to the full interview between Greens Co-leader and Climate minister James Shaw and Tova above.
You can also download the full interview on the Tova podcast, and listen on the go. Download the rova app on apple or android to listen to this podcast on the go, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
