Greens promise urban farms in Auckland city centre as National pushes for stronger wine industry

National also has a plan to protect the economy - investing in New Zealand's wine industry.
National also has a plan to protect the economy - investing in New Zealand's wine industry. Photo credit: Getty

The Greens are promising to invest in community agriculture and urban food gardens in Auckland’s city centre while National is pushing for a stronger wine industry to help the economy.

Green MP and Auckland Central candidate Chlöe Swarbrick said on Friday she thinks regenerative urban farms "provide a stronger awareness of sustainable food production" and would make Auckland more resilient.

"I love Auckland city. I grew up here and I live here now. I want our physical urban space to be as exciting and diverse as our people," she said.

If in Government the Greens will provide $10 million a year to support composting initiatives and community gardens. It will also fund $297 million over the next three years to kickstart a transition to clean farming.

Swarbrick says urban farming will provide jobs, education and resources for the community to benefit Aucklanders. 

National also has a plan to protect the economy - investing in New Zealand's wine industry. 

Party leader Judith Collins announced on Friday she will amend the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act to support wine tourism and allow more skilled seasonal workers into the country through managed isolation.

"National is focused on growing our way out of this economic crisis. That means giving businesses in the wine industry confidence to continue pushing forward and aiming higher," she said.

In addition to this, National will invest $600 million into water storage and launch a New Zealand Tourism festival to support domestic tourism. 

Viticulture spokesperson Stuart Smith says National will support the industry despite COVID-19.

"We will provide wineries with confidence by lessening their regulatory burden, encouraging more domestic tourism opportunities, and investing in the future with our long-term plan for water infrastructure and storage."