This step means Deaf New Zealanders can now learn more about Green Party policies and values in their first language.

The Green Party has undertaken this step  as part of our wider commitment to improving access to political information which we believe to be essential to a healthy democracy.

On the topic of improving access to our democratic processes, I am thrilled to see that the Electoral Commission is now accepting MMP Review submissions in NZSL

And you can make a submission here.

The Food Industry Group’s position to maintain a self regulatory approach to levels of salt, sugar and fat in our food is obviously failing New Zealanders, hurting our health and costing us. The Auckland DHB have estimated that cardiovascular disease costs the country between $602 and $812 million every year and it is our second leading cause of death.

The UK Government have set specific targets for the industry to reach in terms of reducing salt and have been working with industry to help achieve these reductions. It doesn’t seem fair that it is easier for British people to hake healthier choices than it is for us New Zealanders.

I don’t think that our health should be left in the sole charge of the industry; our Government should follow the UK model and work with industry to set targets for reformulation of products.

In the last Parliament Sue Kedgley met with the Minister of Food Safety Kate Wilkinson and sought to exempt small growers, people who sell food directly to consumers, and those who barter or swap food, from some of the more onerous food regulations contained in the new Food Bill.

This bill, which is currently before Parliament, will replace the 1981 Food Act.

Will the Food Bill tie up small growers with red tape?

Sue called publicly for these groups to be exempted.  Unfortunately so far as we know the Minister has failed to move on our concerns. One small win however was an assurance from Ms Wilkinson that she would be revisiting the issues surrounding seed exchanges with officials.

However given the Food Bill is not yet law, there is still plenty of time for amendments to be made. It is due to be debated again in the next Parliament and is yet to go through its second reading, committee stages and third reading stages.

This is why I am looking to get feedback from those who grow and sell food regarding their thoughts on the Food Bill.  I will collate your concerns and in the new parliament will look to join with those that work in seed exchanges, community gardens and grow good food to push the Government into amending the Food Bill.

My Green Party colleague Steffan Browning who has the agriculture portfolio is also keen to get feedback and over summer will be visiting small growers, organic producers and those running farmers markets talking about pitfalls in the new law.

If the freedom to grow and share food is threatened by the Food Bill, the Green Party will be opposing it.

More posts on the Food Bill

Food Bill update from Sue Kedgley – Sue Kedgley, 13 September 2011

The Food Bill, not as sweet as first appeared – Steffan Browning, 18 January 2012