National's "greed first, growth at all costs" economic policy offers a perfect example of why the Green Party can't contemplate supporting a National-led government, Greens Co-leader Rod Donald said today.

"The fact that Bill English booked the Sky City casino complex for today's policy launch says it all," Rod Donald said. "National is placing its chips on the corporate casino economy, rather than making a rational, ethical investment in this country's future.

"There is nothing either inspiring or inclusive in the English package. It will do nothing to close the gaps between struggling families and those who profit from speculation.

"In fact, these policies will make it easier for even more of our economy to fall into foreign hands. New Zealanders should be encouraged to invest in our own economy, rather than selling off what little we have left.

"Like National, we too are opposed to this Government's superannuation fund, but unlike National - who would fritter it away in election year bribes to the better-off - our solution would be to invest it in education, jobs and health care for a better future.

"National's fixation with economic growth won't earn it any credibility with those who care about the environment," Rod Donald noted. "If they were serious about attracting environmental support they would be committed to putting the economy onto an ecologically sustainable footing. But there is no mention of ecological taxes, energy conservation or waste reduction.

"Where is the encouragement for green industries such as eco tourism, organic agriculture and renewable energy? The closest National comes to recycling is with this repetition of failed economic dogma.

"The Green Party believes reducing waste and pollution is the best way to generate the wealth we need to provide for our future."

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