Media Release

18 December 2006

Let's Talk Trees

New Zealand First welcomes the release of the Government’s discussion document on climate change, and hopes that it will bring about some realistic and workable ways of dealing with this issue.

“The world has suddenly woken up to the realities of climate change and it’s vital that New Zealand is at the forefront of providing leadership and solutions,” said Environment spokesperson Doug Woolerton.

“Given our clean and green reputation, we must be serious about this otherwise we will surely suffer as an agricultural exporting nation. The warning signs are already there, so we need to take the initiative and work on ways to tackle this problem.

“Planting more trees is a good place to start, and New Zealand First campaigned last year on planting millions of trees because they are a credible alternative course of sustainable action.

“It’s good to see that this idea is now taking hold. Ultimately we should plan for one billion extra trees planted across the entire country in decades to come.

“The decisions we make on this issue will be tough, but unfortunately we need to make them. This discussion document is only the beginning, but I am confident that with co-operation between government and industry some realistic policies can be developed and implemented before it’s too late,” said Mr Woolerton.

ENDS

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