Green Party election campaign 2026

The story so far

The Green Party is seeking a one-year moratorium on consenting new AI data centres in New Zealand, which co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said would allow better oversight of environmental impacts and high electricity use.^{26 Jul} The proposal followed community protests in Southland against a consented data centre.^{26 Jul} At its annual general meeting, the party unveiled its 'For All of Us' campaign slogan and priorities including tax reform, energy reform and protecting waterways.^{26 Jul} The party also intends to pause new AI data centre consents until community benefit rules are established.^{26 Jul} Members and candidates, meeting over the weekend, backed taxing the wealthy as a primary election priority and raised concerns about corporate wealth and data centres.^{27 Jul}

What's next

The party intends to pause new AI data centre consents until community benefit rules are established.^{26 Jul}

Key moments

1. 26 JulGreens call for a one-year moratorium on new AI data centre consents.
2. 26 JulProposal follows community protests in Southland against a consented data centre.
3. 26 JulParty unveils 'For All of Us' campaign slogan and key election priorities.
4. 26 JulParty plans to pause AI data centre consents until benefit rules exist.
5. 27 JulSupporters call for taxing wealth as a primary election priority.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.