Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com
The Green Party has released its 2026 Tiriti policy, Te Waonui a Tāne: Thriving Marae and Thriving Communities, saying it will give marae stable, long‑term funding instead of relying on whichever government happens to be in power.
Co‑leader Marama Davidson said marae are “the living hearts of our communities”, and stronger marae mean stronger, safer neighbourhoods. She said current funding is inconsistent and creates uncertainty for hapū and iwi who plan decades ahead.
The new policy proposes a protected, ongoing funding system made up of two parts:
- Te Rākau Whakarauora – Restoration Fund: Immediate funding for urgent needs such as repairs, safety upgrades, or emergency support.
- Te Tōtara Haemata – Intergenerational Fund: A long‑term investment fund designed to grow over time and provide stable financial returns for future generations.
Davidson said the aim is to ensure mokopuna inherit “vibrant, resilient, and self‑determining communities”.
Co‑leader Chlöe Swarbrick said marae operate on generational timelines, not election cycles, and need funding that reflects that. “Politicians come and go, but te Tiriti is forever,” she said.
Swarbrick described marae as essential community infrastructure — places that stay open during emergencies, support whānau, and provide cultural and social connection. She said climate adaptation and social cohesion both require investment in community resilience, and marae are central to that.
“This is Te Waonui a Tāne: for, by, and of Aotearoa New Zealand,” Swarbrick said.
The policy is framed as a long‑term commitment to honouring te Tiriti o Waitangi and ensuring marae have the resources they need to continue serving their communities.
