in the latest issue of the NZ Herald, an editorial written by the Greens co-leader questions how the opposition can deliver for all New Zealanders when they refused to vote against discrimination in law.

Call me old fashioned if you will, but I've long held the value that nobody should be discriminated against because of their gender, race, sexuality, et cetera. And I'm pretty damn sure these are values that all New Zealanders hold, whether white or brown, gay or straight, male or female. If there's one thing we are united in as a country, it's our tolerance and respect for diversity and each other."

"This value has always stood true since way back when. We were the first country where the franchise was extended to women, a right which we, as a nation, believed should be open to all. We were so early to legalise homosexual relations. It was a tough fight, but as a nation we came together under the common belief that every New Zealander deserves the same rights, regardless of who they love and who they are. The same goes to the extension of marriage to all New Zealanders, not just those in heterosexual relationships. Fairness and equality are at the core of our country's identity."

"I was endeared to see my local National List MP, /u/timewalker102, stand up for the rights of gender-diverse individuals during the passage of the abortion law reform bill last term. I was so glad he had raised such an important issue, and was looking forward to seeing unanimous support across the house in fixing the discriminatory wording which refused gender-diverse New Zealanders the same (limited) abortion rights as cis-gender women and girls."

"As that amendment was voted on, I was expecting the whole house to simply say YES. After all, it was a common sense piece of law we were voting on to avoid a discriminatory piece of legislation."

"Alas, my optimism clouded my judgement and my expectations of the opposition simply weren't low enough. The majority of /u/timewalker102's opposition colleagues then cast their vote in opposition to the amendment. Their votes expressed their opposition to an inclusive and fair amendment that would have discriminated against a large numbers of New Zealanders, and would have potentially even breached the Human Rights Act."

"When the National and ACT opposition claim to be working for all New Zealanders, for equality and fairness, their record speaks volumes."

"Now, I understand the abortion can be a contentious issue. I vehemently disagree with them, but I can understand the concerns and feelings around it. I have heard these opposition members and candidates try and excuse their endorsement of discrimination as them simply trying to limit the liberalisation of abortion law. But that is not an excuse. That is textbook discrimination. There is no justification in endorsing discriminatory practices to reduce the effectiveness of legislation that was always going to be passed into law."

"Their record is clear. The Green Party is the only credible party to stand up against bigotry and discrimination against New Zealand's minority communities. We recognise that New Zealand should be a safe place where all are respected for who they are. If discrimination and transphobia matters to you this election, then there's definitely two parties you can't vote for. Vote with love, New Zealand."