Labour & Greens in committed, yet open relationship - What does it mean?

The Labour Party and Green Party will work together “to change the Government” in the lead up to the 2017 election. 

On May 31, both parties made a joint announcement that they had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), promising to work together on political policy and campaigns in the lead up to the general election. 

This is the first time the parties have formalised their relationship. 

The MOU between the parties is an agreement to give each other prior notice and the detail of major announcements and speeches in a “no surprises” policy, in order to work co-operatively to provide New Zealand with the basis of a stable, credible and progressive alternative government at the 2017 general election. Greens co-leader Metiria Turei stated “New Zealanders want to see politicians working together. This MOU lets people see we are a strong and stable alternative to the current Government.”

The MOU aims to provide support for each party’s Members’ Bills and enable greater co-ordination in Question Time and Select Committees where appropriate in Parliament. The MOU intends to help the parties work together on matters of mutual interest but also allows each party to express alternative views. 

The MOU only lasts until the election, and does not guarantee a coalition between the two parties. Labour leader Andrew Little said "in the end the voters will decide, and it will be after the voters have spoken that we will then be in a position to look at how a government is formed."

For more information on the MOU click the link below: 
https://www.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/MoU%20NZLP%20Green%20Party%2031May16.pdf