Green Party Urges Cross-Partisan Pass of Solar Loan Scheme

The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand is urging Parliament to pass the Ratepayer Assistance Scheme, a legislative package designed to provide low-interest solar loans to homeowners, prior to the 2026 election. Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick is calling for a formal cross-partisan agreement after both the New Zealand Labour Party and the New Zealand National Party announced their support for versions of the legislation.

The scheme aims to lower household power bills and reduce carbon emissions by removing the high upfront cost of solar panel installation through government-backed loans. Swarbrick argues that implementing the measure now would provide immediate financial relief to families and remove the policy from election-season political maneuvering, which she describes as unnecessary point-scoring.

This push follows a period of instability described as a fossil fuel crisis, which caused spikes in energy costs months prior. In response to those rising costs, the Green Party offered the National Party 15 votes to fast-track the scheme's passage. Swarbrick stated that because the red and blue teams now both support the scheme, there is no remaining obstacle to a cross-party deal. The Greens maintain that any further delay in passing the legislation means families will continue to pay more than necessary for basic energy needs while the country misses opportunities to accelerate its transition to renewable energy.