James Shaw speaks to supporters at the party's campaign launch in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Katie Scotcher
Taking small steps will not bring about the changes the country needs to end poverty or tackle climate change, Greens co-leader James Shaw says.
Shaw and his fellow co-leader Marama Davidson launched the Greens election campaign in Wellington today.
They unveiled the party's election slogan, The Time is Now, and also released a campaign video.
There was no new policy unveiled at the campaign launch - the party has already released its policy manifesto, with a few announcements expected closer to the election.
While urging supporters to take an active part in door knocking and phone calls if they wanted more Greens members in Parliament, Shaw said this would help bring about "a better, fairer Aotearoa".
He believed the Greens had already made a strong start.
"I cannot wait to get out into communities to share our plan to end poverty and guarantee everyone a warm home, and take strong climate action.
"We are proud of what we have achieved over the last six years in government. We've always known that lasting change wouldn't come quickly or easily. It never does. But we simply cannot afford another term of small steps. Small steps don't get you very far, and they certainly don't end poverty or tackle climate change."
Marama Davidson says the election is about improving the lot of millions of people. Photo: RNZ / Katie Scotcher
Davidson said the election was not about which of the Chrises - Hipkins or Luxon - would be prime minister after 14 October.
"This campaign must be about all of us. It must be about what we can do together to improve the lives of millions of people."
Ending poverty, faster climate action, hoki whenua mai (returning land to Māori), and nature protection would be the party's priorities in any post-election negotiations.
"We are the only party with a plan, and the political courage, to make Aotearoa better for every single person. With more Green MPs, we can do this."