The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand is driven by people who know that protecting the planet and supporting communities go hand in hand. The party was formed in 1990 and believes government must do more to protect the planet, honoring the thousands of years of traditional and local knowledge to support a safe climate and healthy communities. The Community and Voluntary Sector Policy supports a strong and independent local community and voluntary sector addressing funding for ongoing programmes, recognition of ‘volunteering’ and active support for community economic development.