The Greens have expressed hope for a more sustainable future in their State of the Planet speech, delivered in Central Auckland.

Co-leader Mārama Davidson says she hopes voters understand the Party stands for supporting the wellbeing of the country and the environment.

Davidson says the Greens aim to reach out to people who are feeling 'disempowered' under new legislation.

"To say to the people who have seen the anti-smoking legislation get completely wound up, to say to the tens of thousands of people who want to protect our ecosystems from the fast-track submissions, to the rangatahi who are feeling absolutely punished instead of understood, to say to people - we are listening."

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Some of the biggest names in New Zealand music are teaming up in an attempt to stop new mining plans.

Anti-mining group Ours Not Mines, have launched the Musicians Against Mines campaign to raise funds for their court battle against the OceanaGold mine, set for DOC land near Whangamata.

25 musicians have donated handwritten lyrics and art, which are available for auction on TradeMe.

Co-founder Morgan Donoghue says the potential economic revenue doesn't justify the environmental devastation.

"You could ruin all of the mussel farming, you could ruin all of the fishing, you could ruin all of the Peninsula - all your friends who have their batches in Whangamata and Pauanui and all down there, they could all be totally devalued." 

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This week on Politics Central, Mārama Davidson recently delivered her State of the Planet speech about how the Green Party want to challenge the Government to prioritise people and the planet over profit. Plus, Mārama discusses the standards MPs need to follow after the Julie Anne Genter saga.

Later, big names in New Zealand music are supporting a campaign against OceanaGold’s proposed gold and silver mine underneath conservation land between Waihī and Whangamatā, Coromandel. Campaign organiser Morgan Donoghue joined the Weekend Collective to discuss.

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Ahead of the 2024 Budget, Defence Minister Judith Collins has confirmed the NZDF will receive a $571 million budget increase.

$163 million will boost personnel pay - and the money will also be used to upgrade the military's NH90 helicopter fleet, replace dated military vehicles and improve maritime detection systems.

Former Defence Minister Dr Wayne Mapp says this move was a long time coming.

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Auckland residents say they're feeling blindsided by new 24/7 parking charges.

Cost challenges and better use of road space are some of Auckland Transport's reasons for this change.

Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck believes this is gong to disadvantage Auckland's economy.

She says night time life is a third of the city's spend, so parking needs to be accessible and affordable.

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Big changes are coming for Auckland CBD, as it was announced today residents and visitors will be stung with new 24/7-hour parking charges. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck joined the Weekend Collective to discuss these changes.

Later, former Defence Minister Dr Wayne Mapp explains why the $571 million budget increase for the NZDF is long overdue.

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Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Simeon Brown unveiled their new water plan for the city, which will see an increase of rates by 7.2 percent, rather than the 25.8 percent proposed by Watercare. Simeon Brown joins the Weekend Collective to explain further.

Later, Julie Anne Genter has been accused of 'intimidating' behaviour after a disagreement saw the Green MP leave her seat to confront a Government minister during a transport debate. Former Speaker of the House, Sir Lockwood Smith, joins the Weekend Collective to explain why 'standards have slipped'.

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The standard of Parliament has been called into question as Green MP Julie Anne Genter undergoes disciplinary action.

Ms Genter confronted Minister Matt Doocey on Wednesday.

She has until midday Monday to make any representations to the Speaker, before he decides if she will be referred to the Privileges Committee.

Former speaker of the house Sir Lockwood Smith says Parliament standards have slipped.

"Members of Parliament are meant to be seen as leaders, if you like. How they behave is important, because they should behave in a way that you'd expect of leaders."

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A deal between Auckland Council and the Government has helped Aucklanders avoid the projected 25.8 percent increase in water rates.

Auckland Council will retain local control of water assets, as part of the Local Water Well Done plan.

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says councils will have more control over their water assets under their scheme.

Local councils will be asked to put forward their water service delivery plans for the next 12 months.

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This week on Politics Central, former Te Whatu Ora chairperson Rob Campbell criticises the organisation's decision to make savings at the country's hospitals, saying they are 'extraordinary' and signal poor management.

Later, five academics and public figures were set to debate free speech at Victoria University in Wellington last Monday, but backlash within the university has seen the event postponed. Both Victoria University's Students' Association president and the university's Vice-Chancellor offer their takes.

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Victoria University's Vice-Chancellor has his own concerns over an infamous free speech panel event.

A selection of public figures and academics were set to debate free speech, but backlash within the university led to the event being postponed.

Vice-Chancellor Nic Smith says it's a 'travesty' that people are no longer willing to listen and draw their own conclusions.

"That's an issue that I've seen across multiple media - we create bubbles where everyone wants to agree with each other and shout in these polarised extremes."

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