Pansy Wong National Energy Spokesperson

27 September 2001

Energy efficiency strategy lacks vision

The energy efficiency and conservation strategy announced today might capture hearts, but it certainly won't capture the mind of the public, says National's Energy spokesperson Pansy Wong.

"Targeting a 20 percent improvement in energy efficiency, but only on a wishy -washy basis, shows that Government leadership is sadly lacking on this vital issue.

"Instead of giving us a real plan for a country that is still largely reliant on primary production and energy intensified industry, the Government is charging ahead with a strategy that lacks logic and doesn't address the fundamental issue.

"To ask New Zealand to be more energy efficient but without a noticeably effective monitoring system proves that this strategy is only a half-hearted attempt to tackle the issue.

"New Zealand people deserve to know the trade-off involved in achieving this efficiency target between economic growth and environmental sustainability. The Government is not disclosing the full picture," Ms Wong said

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