We believe every NZ student deserves fair and equal rights to compete in student sports events, including home-schooled students. School Sports NZ excludes home-schooled students from competing in many local, regional, and national events. Diverse and inclusive sport is a core principle within Sport NZ's strategy and we believe its funding allocations should uphold this. In our opinion, student sports should include every NZ student, no matter their legal education path. 📣 Please Sign and Share this Petition!  Use social media, community groups, and newsletters to spread the word. Thank you! About Homeschooling  Home-schooled students in Aotearoa New Zealand are domestic students regulated by Section 38 of the Education and Training Act 2020 and overseen by the Ministry of Education. Home-schooling families are eligible for a Homeschooling Allowance of between $398–$796 per student, per year from the Ministry of Education.   About HESSA  The Home Educators Student Sports Association (HESSA) is the national body representing the rights of almost 11,000 home-schooled domestic students to compete in sports across Aotearoa New Zealand. HESSA has a strategic focus on ending the exclusion of home-schooled domestic students from competing in secondary-age student sports in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Other Actions You May Like to Take  🏉 Ask Your Sports Club to Support the Cause Encourage clubs to publicly support inclusion and raise the issue with their governing bodies.  🏉 Contact National and Regional Sports Code Bodies Ask them to advocate for policy changes that allow home-schooled domestic students to compete in student sports at all levels.  📨Write to Your Local MP Personalize your message to explain why inclusion in student sports for home-schooled students matters to you. Ask them to raise the issue in Parliament or with the Minister of Sport and Sport NZ. 📨 Write to the Hon Mark Mitchell, Minister of Sport and Recreation Let him know that you support inclusive student sport and ask him to ensure Sport NZ funding reflects this value.  📨 Contact School Sport NZ and Sport NZ Send respectful emails or letters urging them to review their policies and align with inclusive principles.  📨 Engage with Local Councils and Boards of Trustees Encourage them to support inclusive policies in their local sports events and facilities.   References  • HESSA Feedback to SSNZ on Eligibility Criteria Review https://www.hessa.org.nz/newsarticle/152183?newsfeedId=2145584 Media • Stuff Digital (8/6/25) https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360714300/embarrassing-disappointing-awkward-13-year-old-opens-about-being-refused-medal-because-she-home • Paddy Gower - TFN (6/6/25) https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360712256/bedpans-biographer-sale-century • NZME –NZ Herald & Bay of Plenty Times Article (1/6/2025) https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/home-schooled-athletes-to-cycle-800km-to-parliament-seeking-sports-rule-change/3OQ5IT7GSRE5BN73U6V25YA57M/ • Stuff Media – Waikato Times & The Press (24/4/2025) https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360663787/home-schooled-kids-miss-out-bike-competition-medals?fbclid=IwY2xjawKA5MVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnZm9hcHhKVXV0cXJGdk5aAR598FSFAAWZ4mUWm4vn9p2lknQmKH_mqHwt4U_7NgRh9C6OlgZjNauXgb1sVA_aem_AXBEr093neblFP7p2BW_ig • Radio New Zealand Article &  RNZ Checkpoint Interview (24/4/2025) https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559030/student-not-given-medal-due-to-being-homeschooled • NZME –NZ Herald & Bay of Plenty Times Article (3/5/2025) https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/tauranga-homeschool-student-stripped-of-biking-competition-medal/AVLBZXW5WNHZ5DFA2VHTZ4RGAU/#google_vignette • Sport NZ – Good Practice Principles https://sportnz.org.nz/media/2012/good-practice-principles-for-the-provision-of-sport-and-recreation-for-young-people.pdf

Aotearoa is known on the world stage as a progressive, peaceful nation, and our Government should ensure that our policies are consistent with that reputation by putting people and the planet first. Proactive spending on wellbeing for people and the environment would go much further in ensuring peace and security than investing in the large global powers’ wars and aggression. We spent over $6 billion on Defence in 2024/25, while Aotearoa is considered one of the safest countries in the world and there is no threat of military invasion. The extra $12 billion of spending on the military is happening because the US government demands it - not because our country needs it.  Focussing on a “combat-ready” military with soldiers and weaponry doesn’t address the real threats to our security. A defence force ready for overseas combat cannot stop the emergencies caused by climate change, pandemics and earthquakes; or encroachment on fisheries; trade tariffs; cyber attacks and lone-wolf terrorism. We need to reconsider our place in the world and focus on these realistic existing threats. Our small, isolated country will only be in danger of attack if we are locked in with a major military power that’s threatening another major power. We can be a much more effective voice for a peaceful world if we become a non-aligned country. Meanwhile, essential public services in healthcare, education and social welfare have been defunded, resulting in growing distress and increased inequality, with negative effects on vulnerable citizens. Defence cost us $16.46 million a day [1] in 2024-2025. Consider a few examples of what that level of defence funding could be spent on instead [2]: • Midwives: one day’s worth of defence spending could pay 174 midwives for a year. • School teachers: one day’s worth of defence spending could pay 211 teachers for a year. • Hip replacement operations; public hospital: one day’s worth of defence spending could provide 890 hip operations. • Free prescriptions: less than two days’ worth of defence funding could pay for free prescriptions for everyone for a year. • Hospitals: with one year’s worth of current military spending we could build two new hospitals and have money left over. Instead of funding militarisation, we propose: Non-alignment. A policy of non-alignment is protective: if we are not militarily aligned with any major world power, we are less likely to be caught up in overseas wars or subject to attack. Non-alignment means we could protect our trading relationships without having to fight other people’s wars. Invest in civil defence/ emergency management. Emergency preparedness requires resources, transport, communications, and trained leadership. Community-based civil defence builds community in quiet times and provides local support after earthquakes or during severe weather events. Maintain adequate shipping, aircraft, and technology to protect fisheries and support Pacific neighbours. Surveillance ships and planes do not need to be armed for war. Support and aid to Pacific island nations is important to Aotearoa New Zealand as a good Pacific neighbour. Show leadership for peace. As a small and geographically isolated country, we have shone in international affairs through moral leadership, from the setting up of the United Nations to our principled Nuclear-Free policy and our successful “guitars not guns” peacekeeping role in Bougainville. Now is the time to renew our independent foreign policy and focus on the real threats to our security. Please sign and share this petition with your family and friends. Together we can develop a truly independent foreign policy, ensure sensible spending and lead the world in peace-making. Footnotes: 1.  If the new spending goes ahead, that number will be closer to $25 million a day, roughly $9 billion a year. And the government said that is just the beginning.  2. Data Sources:  1. NZ Budget 2024-25 Vote Defence and Vote NZ Defence Force; Parliamentary Library. 2. Salaries derived from careers.govt.nz 2024. 3. Hip replacements: estimated hospital cost data from: Te Whatu Ora/ Ministry of Health: “Publicly funded casemix hospitalisations 2021/22” (latest available in 2024) 4. Prescriptions, hospital building: media sources, 2024 Further reading: • Spend on inequity and the climate crisis, not soldiers’ wargames. Newsroom 6 June 2024 • Defence Force spend-up: Who is it meant to protect us against, and other questions, RNZ 8 April 2025. • Richard Jackson: Does NZ really need its defence force? RNZ 2 December 2023. • New Zealand abandons Indigenous Rights and Pacific priorities in foreign policy By Nina Hall and Rhieve Grey, The Diplomat 21 December 2023. • Is our investment in defence value for money? Newsroom 27 May 2024 • Just Defence www.justdefence.org

The Far North region lags behind other regions of Aotearoa New Zealand in reducing waste: we need to do more, and that starts with getting the correct title and responsibilities for this  important role!   FNDC understandably works to reduce their costs yet rising waste levels cost ratepayers in other ways. We seek greater focus at Council to align with the requirements of the FNDC Long Term Plan on waste minimisation as well as the recommendations of the 2024 council-sponsored Community/Iwi Working Group on Waste. The currently advertised name of ‘Solid Waste Engineer’ is inappropriate: engineering is not a major part of this role and this title fails to reflect the job we need someone to take responsibility for at Council:  to manage AND to minimise waste.    Now the incumbent is leaving the position, it is a perfect opportunity to rescope and rename the role.  Community, Iwi, and Farming and Business-led waste minimisation initiatives need support from someone in Council whose job title makes them instantly recognisable as the first point of contact.   The current Position Description for this advertised role lacks a focus on waste reduction: out of 18 Key Accountabilities, there is only one imprecise and very general reference: ‘Initiate Waste Minimisation planning and implementation.’  We believe this is insufficient, and request the Position Description to be amended to include specific reference to:  -          Providing advice with regards to waste and litter minimisation, recycling and resource recovery, particularly as they relate to communication and education.   -          Supporting community projects and initiatives to assist Far North communities and to recognise businesses and organisations committed to reducing waste to landfill and litter in the natural environment  -          Encouraging and supporting the FNDC organisation and its contractors to achieve Ecostar certification to highlight their role modelling of waste minimisation and resource recovery    -          Supporting and assisting with the implementation of relevant education actions for waste and litter minimisation and resource recovery strategies and plans.    In common with other councils across Aotearoa NZ,  FNDC has the responsibility to create and implement 5-yearly Waste Management & Minimisation Plans and the title, ‘Waste Management and Minimisation Officer’ will align with similar roles in other councils.      References   https://zeil.com/jobs/new-zealand/solid-waste-engineer?gj=ivfhp   https://localelections.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/FNDC-Long-Term-Plan-2015-2025.pdf   https://zerowastegranny.com/2018/01/06/2018-resolution-for-our-mayor/   https://www.ecosolutions.org.nz/pages/about-the-ecostar-programme

We envision a compassionate and equitable society where individuals who are hospitalised can recover without financial hardship or fear of losing their benefits. In this future, we prioritise the dignity and wellbeing of all members of our community, ensuring that support systems are fair, sustainable, and centered on shared values of empathy and care. By making this change, we build stronger, healthier communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Take a look at the Organisation's in support of this petition & advocating for change! Rhiannon, a 34-year-old suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), was bedridden in Wellington Hospital for months. Her benefit was reduced from $480 to $56.58 per week, leaving her unable to afford essential medications and personal items. This automated reduction process exacerbates the suffering of those who are too unwell to advocate for themselves. It affects anyone on a benefit and hospitalised for over 13 weeks, unless they have a partner and child, or are a veteran.   Even when patients are gravely ill and hospitalised, their financial obligations do not pause. Mortgages, rent, insurance premiums, subscription fees, and other living expenses continue to accumulate. For those in shared accommodations, contributions toward utility bills must still be made—unlike individuals living alone, who might have the option to disconnect services temporarily. Additionally, many patients as severely unwell as Rhiannon are unable to consume hospital-provided meals. Instead, they rely on liquid nutrition and essential supplements, leading to ongoing expenses even while confined to the hospital. Patients like Rhiannon often face the additional burden of purchasing essential medications privately because the hospital system fails to provide the necessary prescriptions. This issue arises when hospital doctors either misattribute complex medical conditions to psychological causes or fail to fully understand associated conditions, leading to the omission of crucial treatments. In many cases, these medications are consistently prescribed by GPs who recognise and address their patients' needs. However, the lack of alignment within the healthcare system forces patients to bear unnecessary financial and health burdens for treatments that should be accessible through public healthcare. Cutting benefits under such circumstances only exacerbates an already untenable situation, as $56.58 per week is grossly inadequate to cover even the most basic living and medical expenses. You can find out more about Rhiannon’s story here: https://www.renews.co.nz/cant-afford-to-be-sick-womans-benefit-cut-to-55-because-shes-in-hospital/ but she is not alone. This happens to anyone on a benefit, after 13 weeks in hospital. This is unacceptable.

  1. Risk to Public Safety: Psychology is a highly skilled profession requiring extensive postgraduate education, clinical training, and supervised practice. A one-year training programme following an undergraduate degree does not equip individuals with the necessary clinical competence to assess and treat individuals with mental health conditions safely and in accordance with evidence-based treatment recommendations. • Undergraduate psychology degrees in New Zealand are primarily research- and theory-focused, without substantial interpersonal or clinical skills training. • Insufficient training may lead to mismanagement of people with serious conditions such as suicide risk, psychosis, eating disorders, and personality disorders. • Associate psychologists may lack the ability to engage in essential therapeutic skills, such as validation, open-ended questioning, setting boundaries, and recognising when a case is beyond their competence. • Although there is some talk of associate psychologists seeing less complex people, it is extremely difficult to assess complexity at face value and there are indications that people in the proposed role will work across the range of complexity people face.  2. Lack of Appropriate Supervision: There is no clear reassurance that associate psychologists will be supervised by registered psychologists, despite the protected title of "psychologist." • Many psychologists in New Zealand are already stretched thin with high caseloads and complex cases, making adequate supervision difficult to guarantee. • There is no commitment that associate psychologists will work in teams with psychologists, further diminishing the structured, evidence-based, and ethically sound care that characterises our profession. • There is significant risk to the associate psychologists themselves when they work in mental health without extremely high levels of support and training. They can be taken advantage of, including financially as they may be seen as “cheaper” to hire.  • If supervision is delegated to other disciplines, this raises serious ethical and professional concerns about the appropriateness and oversight of psychological interventions delivered by under qualified personnel 3. Erosion of Professional Standards and Public Trust: The introduction of associate psychologists risks confusing the public about the expertise and qualifications of those providing mental health care. • Without stringent oversight, the reputation of the psychology profession may be compromised by individuals practising beyond their competencies. • Members of the public seeking psychological services may not fully understand the difference between a psychologist and an associate psychologist, potentially receiving suboptimal care. • The title “Associate Psychologist” risks misleading the public and diminishing the professional standing of fully qualified psychologists. If the intention is to create a support role within mental health services, alternative titles such as Mental Health Support Worker, Wellbeing Practitioner, or Therapy Assistant could be used. These titles would more accurately reflect the level of training and scope of practice, without creating confusion or undermining the qualifications required to practise as a psychologist. 4. Threat to Psychology Workforce Sustainability: There has been no commitment from Health NZ that associate psychologists will not be used to replace clinical psychologists or fill vacant psychologist FTEs in the public sector. This raises concerns about cost-cutting measures that devalue the profession and create a long-term workforce crisis. • Psychologists provide evidence-based treatments that are proven to be cost-effective in the long term, reducing the burden on the healthcare system by preventing relapse, hospitalisation, and chronic mental health issues. • In contrast, associate psychologists with limited training may not have the expertise to deliver these interventions effectively, potentially leading to poorer outcomes, increased service demand, and higher overall costs. • Practising psychologists play a critical role in training and supervising the next generation of psychologists, ensuring a sustainable and competent workforce. Weakening our profession by introducing underqualified roles could undermine this vital function. • Australia recently abandoned a similar proposal following strong opposition from professional bodies, citing concerns about patient safety and the devaluation of the psychology profession[7]. New Zealand must learn from this and reconsider the implementation of a role that could have long-lasting negative consequences for mental health care in this country.  The UK has two distinct roles relevant to this discussion: “Assistant Psychologist" and "Clinical Associate in Psychology" (CAPs). The role of “assistant psychologist” is not a separate scope of practice but rather a transitional role intended to provide work experience before higher levels of training. The role was never intended to provide direct, unsupervised clinical care or to serve as a substitute for registered psychologists. New Zealand risks misapplying this concept in a way that compromises the quality and safety of mental health care. Additionally, the UK requires assistant psychologists to receive at least 90 minutes of supervision per week, ensuring they do not work beyond their competencies. Their role is explicitly a stepping stone to further professional training rather than an alternative workforce solution. Clinical Associates in Psychology (CAPs) in the UK require an honours degree, an 18-month applied Master's training programme, restricted scope of practice, and intensive supervision. Notably, they do not hold the title of "psychologist." In contrast, the New Zealand proposal suggests a lower entry requirement (bachelor's degree), shorter training (12 months), broader scope, and the protected title of "psychologist." The risk of misapplying this model in New Zealand is significant, potentially compromising quality and safety in mental health care. We envision an Aotearoa that is safe and welcoming for vulnerable people, where people who need support can feel safe and contained by experienced psychologists. Unfortunately, the Government’s proposal falls significantly short of reaching that goal. By signing our petition, you are adding to a chorus of voices that tells the Government that we can do better, for all of our benefits!

Covid can have substantial impacts on peoples’ health. Although Covid initially enters the body through the respiratory system, it can affect virtually every bodily system and organ. There are no advantages to catching Covid. Every infection increases the chance of serious damage to the body.[1] Studies show that at least 10% of all Covid infections result in Long Covid, including in children.[2] Long Covid symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, dizziness and headaches, sleep disruption, and anxiety which impact children's school performance and attendance.[3] In particular, too many children and educators are still getting Covid. We shouldn’t be so careless with our taonga. Teachers are most at risk of catching Covid.[4] Too many have had to leave the profession due to Long Covid. Schools are the best place to start deploying better tools to manage airborne diseases, which also include measles and whooping cough. When children acquire infections, they carry them home to their families and into our communities. Māori, Pasifika and disabled people have been especially hard hit by Covid,[5] and we know government response that devolves power to those communities works best. Under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Government has a responsibility to uphold working with Māori in partnership and that is not happening with the Covid response anymore. We know a number of effective strategies to reduce Covid’s spread and it is not acceptable to continue our hands-off approach to Covid. Schools that have taken action regarding clean air have found reduced transmission, healthier school communities, and better student achievement.[6] The three main areas where we can make the biggest impact collectively are: clean air, vaccination, and supporting the health needs of school and ECE communities. A healthy clean air classroom should have five air changes per hour with the exhaled air in the room being replaced with fresh air.[7] Having access to CO2 monitors and portable air cleaners plays a critical role in achieving this. We can use CO2 monitors to check the indoor air quality and respond by opening windows and doors and/or deploying HEPA air filters and HVAC systems. Vaccines have played an important part in combating Covid worldwide. At the moment, the New Zealand government allows only very limited access to regular Covid boosters even though it has been shown that updated vaccines decrease the risk of infection and long-term effects like Long Covid.[8] Isolation and rest protect afflicted individuals and break chains of transmission. People need access to tests as well as adequate sick leave for themselves and to care for family members. With these sorts of measures, we can decrease absences, keep educators and children healthy, and even improve academic achievement. For more information about the importance of clean air in schools, visit the ACA website. Sources: 1.  https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/long-covid-update-threat-continues-demand-strong-response 2. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-022-00846-2 3. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/153/3/e2023062570/196606/Postacute-Sequelae-of-SARS-CoV-2-in-Children 4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7615205/ 5. https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/news/2023/01/covid-19-impacts-worse-for-maori-pasifika-and-disabled-people-study-finds 6. https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w30061/w30061.pdf 7. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ventilation/prevention/aim-for-5.html 8. https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/2024-09/prop-028-report.pdf Organisations and individuals supporting this campaign: https://raisely-images.imgix.net/aotearoa-covid-action/uploads/signatories-jpg-d177d4.jpg Aotearoa Covid Action ActionStation NZEI Te Riu Roa PPTA ANZMES Long Covid Kids Long Covid Support Aotearoa Awhi Ngā Mātua  Complex Chronic Illness Support Disabled Persons Assembly NZ ME Support 350 Aotearoa  End ASH Now The Air Quality Collective Professor Michael Baker - Director, Public Health Communication Centre Dr Amanda Kvalsvig MBChB, MRCPCH, MSc (Epidemiology), PhD (Epidemiology) John D Potter MBBS PhD, Professor, Center for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington Dr Matire Harwood PhD, FRNZCGP, Toi Whanau Health Ltd. Dr Gary Payinda Dr Ed Hyde Dr David Galler Dr Stuart Ekdahl MBChB FRNZCUC  Dr Siouxsie Wiles MNZM PhD (Microbiology) Dr Anna Stevenson MBChB, FNZCPHM

Signed by Awhi Ngā Mātua, IHC,  Disabled Persons Assembly NZ Inc, Parent to Parent, Disability Connect, Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, NZEI Te Riu Roa, Parents of Vision Impaired PVINZ, iFUNZ, NATINA Neuroscience And Trauma Informed Network Aotearoa, ASD Dads NZ, VIPS Equity in Education, Flying Kites, Empower Learning Project, Inclusive Performance Academy, Fragile X New Zealand, NZ Disability Advisory Trust Inc, United Community Action Network (UCAN),  Te Aka Tauira - Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association, Auckland Action Against Poverty, United Community Action Network, Project Gender, ActionStation, The Angelman Network, Fairer Future Collaboration,  Aotearoa Liberation League, Little Shadow, Te Kura o Hāpuku, System Change Aotearoa, NZ Disability Advisory Trust Inc., Supporting Diversity, Whakaata Tohu Tohu | Mirror Services, Justice and Peace Commission Catholic Diocese of Auckland, Standards and Monitoring Services, Chrome Collective Charitable Trust, Willow Corner, Kahu Hurihia Durie Family Trust, Barbarian Productions Ltd., Pōneke Anti-Fascist Coalition,Lead Aware NZ, Northern Monthly Meeting, the Auckland and Northland branch of  the Religious Society of Friends in Aotearoa/ New Zealand (Quakers) Te Hāhi Tūhauwiri.

Kāwhia Harbour is a treasured natural environment that supports diverse marine life and provides important recreational opportunities for our community. Current vehicle access is causing ongoing damage to the harbour's ecosystem and poses serious safety risks to harbour users.    Vehicle traffic in sensitive areas is resulting in:  - Damage to shellfish beds and marine habitats and disruption to our endangered wildlife including tuturiwhatu/ NZ dotterel   - Erosion of harbour margins  - Safety concerns for families and children using the beach  - Disruption to natural coastal processes    The proposed Ocean Beach access way would provide a sustainable alternative that balances community access needs with environmental protection.    By signing this petition, you support the Kāwhia community's vision for a protected and sustainably managed Kāwhia Harbour for future generations. Endorsed by: Te Taiao o Kāwhia Moana & Onepū Charitable Trust 

This petition does not argue “for” or “against” genetic modification, mRNA medicine or the Gene Technology Bill itself. Our concern is that everyone—farmers, families, scientists, and everyday citizens—deserves adequate time to assess how this Bill could: • Reshape our agriculture industry and threaten the 100% Pure reputation upon which our exports rely. • Allow more glyphosate in “Round-up ready” GM crops, negatively impacting our waterways, honey bees, and animal products. • Introduce “emergency” genetic therapies without thorough public scrutiny, raising questions about medical autonomy and national sovereignty. IF THIS BILL IS TRULY BENEFICIAL • It will still be beneficial after 90 days of additional fair public debate. • Rushing it through in just eight weeks disrespects our largest export sector and compromises democratic transparency. BY SIGNING THIS PETITION, YOU CALL ON THE GOVERNMENT TO: 1. Grant an immediate extension of the Gene Technology Bill’s deadline for at least 90 days. 2. Provide clear information so all New Zealanders can fully grasp the Bill’s ramifications. 3. Honour fair and transparent governance by giving us the time to engage, ask hard questions, make informed submissions and consult our peers. No matter where you stand on genetic modification, we all deserve the right to weigh the evidence and protect our environment, our economy, and our medical freedoms. Extend the Say—90 days is not too much to ask. YOU CAN CALL OR FORWARD THIS LETTER TO YOUR MP Your MP will want to know your position, no matter which party they serve.  Call your MP’s office or copy and paste this petition and email it. You can your MP’s email address in the first link below. ADDITONAL INFORMATION & REFERENCES https://www.beehive.govt.nz/ministers https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/22059628-b0cc-4931-5e07-08dd18a12bfb?Tab=history https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2024/0110/7.0/LMS1009752.html

***NOTE: This petition was delivered in April 2025. If you sign after that date, we will keep you updated about the campaign, but we won't deliver your name to Parliament. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Together, let's work for affordable public transport!*** We believe Aotearoa New Zealand should be a place where everyone can afford public transport. We are concerned that the Government is trying to increase the ‘private share funding targets’ for public transport which will require public transport authorities to significantly increase fares - often against their wishes - to meet those targets. This could add pressure for people, especially those most affected by transport poverty.  In Wellington the private share targets could lead to fare increases of over 70%[1]. Other councils have warned of similar and worse fare hikes, such as fares going from $2 to $8 in Christchurch[2].   We believe the Government should instead increase funding for public transport to reduce emissions and improve equity. We have a vision of free public transport for those who need it most. This would reduce emissions from a major sector (transport), reduce one aspect of the cost of living for those who spend the largest percentages of their weekly income on transport, and improve social connection in our communities. Central government funding for public transport ensures these free fares can be provided across the motu. It supports local authorities to provide public transport for their communities. Increased public transport fares have already greatly impacted low-income families, and cost of living is already increasing for the most vulnerable people, and further price increases would put even more pressure on them.  This petition has been organised by the Aotearoa Collective for Public Transport Equtiy: Free Fares NZ. Free Fares is a coalition of more than 100 organisations, including local councils, LGNZ, anti-poverty groups, student unions, and many churches, unions and other community organisations. They call for central government funding to ensure free fares for students, under 25s, Community Service Card holders and Total Mobility Card holders and their support people. The coalition has so far been successful in securing permanent half-price fares for Community Service Card holders. CLOSES 31 March 2025 Further reading The Fairer Future Coalition with support from the Disabled Persons Assembly. A Thousand Cuts: An Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Recent Government Decisions on Disabled People and Other Communities. May, 2024. https://www.scribd.com/document/736889393/A-Thousand-Cuts  Relevant documents New Zealand Government, Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2023-2024,June 2024, https://www.transport.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Government-Policy-Statement-on-land-transport-2024-FINAL.pdf  NZTA, Increasing the private share of public transport operating expenditure Discussion document, 18 November 2024, https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/Walking-Cycling-and-Public-Transport/docs/Increasing-the-private-share-of-public-transport-operating-expenditure-pta-discussion-document-november-2024.pdf [1] Bus and train fares may surge by up to 70% to meet NZTA targets | RNZ News [2] Bus fares could rise to $8 in Canterbury | Star News

To make this vision a reality, we urge the Government to remove the 10-year condition for Parent Resident Visa holders and align their pathway to permanent residency with the 2-year standard used for other residency categories. This change would ensure fairness, reduce unnecessary hardships, and foster stronger family and community connections across Aotearoa. We need your support to make this change happen!  Please sign and share this petition with your friends and family to help us create a fair and inclusive pathway for Parent Resident Visa holders. Together, we can build a more united and compassionate Aotearoa.

McCallum Bros Limited is seeking consent through the Fast Track process to extract 8.45 million cubic metres of marine sand from the Bream Bay seabed over a 35-year period.  This large-scale sand mining operation threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of the coastal environment. Mining marine sand will not only destroy seabed habitats but will also disrupt sediment flows that are essential for maintaining coastal stability, potentially leading to erosion and loss of beaches. The process will release fine sediment plumes that smother marine life and degrade water quality, with effects extending well beyond the immediate mining area. Sand extraction from dynamic systems, such as riverine and active marine ecosystems, leads to significant environmental impacts, including coastal and river erosion, land-use changes, seabed removal: bathymetric change, increased turbidity, far field changes in tides and currents, threats to marine fisheries and biodiversity. The dredge head creates dead zones with sediment plumes caused by suspended silt lowering oxygen levels and smothering the seafloor plants. The plume can drift for miles triggering coastal erosion.  Marine Sands are habitats for microorganisms and cyanobacteria as the basis of marine food webs (Peduzzi 2014), as well as benthic species. Sand dredging in marine environments leads to major impacts on fauna and flora (Desprez et al. 2010), with significant impacts on biodiversity and fisheries. Marine plants act as an important carbon sink, many of which require a sandy subsoil for their reproduction (Sand and Sustainability: 10 strategic recommendations to avert a crisis 2022 – United Nations Environment Programme). Bream Bay is home to a unique and thriving marine ecosystem, providing critical habitats for a wide array of species, including fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. Bream Bay is also an essential resource for local industries such as fishing and tourism, as well as a cherished recreational space for residents and visitors. The health of Bream Bay’s ecosystem is vital for ensuring the long-term well-being of the environment, local communities, and industries that rely on it. This is our coast, and it must be protected. The Fast Track process excludes community participation of those that are most directly impacted.  Sustainable alternatives  Engineered sand is the future and a viable replacement for marine mined sand.  Waikato company Kayasand is scaling its production of engineered sand for concrete. Made from crusher dust and recycled materials using a process that conserves natural resources and makes strong concrete with 20% less cement. A sustainable and resilient supply. Proven technology used in over 300 plants worldwide. Kaipara Ltd has invested $17m in its East Auckland quarries to meet increasing demand. It will produce 25% of Auckland’s needs alone by the end of this year. It also has a plant in the Waikato which will be capable of producing construction quality sand for the next 1000 years.  What is at stake? • Marine life and ecosystems: Bream Bay is a critical breeding and feeding ground for marine species, many of which are protected, threatened or endangered. • Economic stability: Marine sand mining poses risks to industries such as fisheries and tourism, which are vital to our region’s economy. • Cultural and community well-being: Bream Bay holds cultural and recreational significance for local iwi, residents, and visitors. • Future sustainability: Renewable energy projects and other sustainable coastal developments could be jeopardised by the disruptive effects of marine sand mining.  What we are asking for: By signing this petition, we urge our local elected members and councils to act decisively to: •  Oppose the Fast Track sand mining application by McCallum Bros Limited; •  Advocate for comprehensive and independent assessments of the proposal’s impacts; and •  Ensure that our voices are heard in any decision-making processes. By uniting our collective voice, we can give our local elected members and councils the mandate to ensure the health and wellbeing of Bream Bay and local communities are protected into the future by submitting strong opposition on our behalf. Together, we can protect Bream Bay’s unique marine environment, preserve its cultural and recreational value, and secure a sustainable future for our communities. This is our coast. Let’s keep it safe for generations to come. For more information https://savebreambaysand.org/ References Sand and Sustainability: 10 Strategic Recommendations to Avert a Crisis | UNEP - UN Environment Programme Kayasand - Sand Manufacturing & Fine Aggregate Separation Products & Services UNEP Marine Sand Watch reveals massive extraction in the world’s oceans  ‘Alarming’ scale of marine sand dredging laid bare by new data platform