Hon David Parker
Minister of Energy
Minister Responsible for Climate Change Issues

31 January 2007
Media statement

Embargoed to 12pm, Wednesday, 31 January

Climate change: small acts make a big impact

New Zealanders are saving enough electricity to power 15,000 homes, through the simple act of changing the kind of light bulbs we use, Energy and Climate Change Minister David Parker said today.

"We now have 1.5 million energy-saving bulbs in New Zealand households –cutting carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to taking 18,000 cars off the road.

"That's a fantastic achievement, and I'm encouraged to see how quickly New Zealanders have cottoned onto the benefits of installing these bulbs."

Using energy efficient light bulbs to curb emissions is just one of many simple tips given in the Ministry for the Environment’s three new publications on climate change, launched by David Parker today.

The new publications provide New Zealanders with accessible information about climate change and everyday tips on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The booklets also include maps on the likely impacts on New Zealand and the substantial cost associated with weather-related disasters.

"Lighting accounts for more than 10 per cent of the electricity used in our homes. By cutting back on power use at home we can also reduce the greenhouse gas emissions generated through making electricity. Small actions like these that can help us tackle climate change collectively and help ensure New Zealand’s sustainability for years to come,” Mr Parker said.

David Parker said the publication of the booklets represents just one part of the Labour-led government’s response to climate change: "The government is taking lots of steps to tackle climate change because there is no one silver bullet for reducing our emissions."

"We are developing policies to help curb the growth of emissions in each sector, and support New Zealanders to make a positive contribution. There’s already a lot of energy and enthusiasm amongst New Zealanders to do something and the government wants to make sure that the right tools and resources are available."

Consultation on a range of climate change policy options runs to 30 March 2007. To find out more about the options and making a submission, please visit http://www.climatechange.govt.nz/consultation/index.html

Electricity efficiency

 An energy-efficient lamp uses one-fifth the power of an incandescent lamp producing the same amount of light
 The installation of one energy-saving lamp is estimated to save more than $100 in power bills over the life of the lamp
 The Electricity Commission aims to get another 1.5 million energy-saving lamps into New Zealand homes during the first half of 2007 as part of its $3 million energy–saving lamp programme
 14 regional organisations took part in the first phase of the programme
 For more information visit: www.electricitycommission.govt.nz

Ordering the Ministry for the Environment climate change booklets

The booklets are available on request and are free of charge. To order them please email publications@mfe.govt.nz or call (04) 439 7400. The publications can also be downloaded from www.mfe.govt.nz

The titles of the publications are:

 Understanding climate change. Get a grasp of the facts
 Taking action on climate change. Small acts. Big impacts
 Preparing for and adapting to climate change. Look ahead to the future

Energy and climate change consultation

The government would like feedback on the following discussion papers and strategies:

 Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in New Zealand Post-2012
 Powering Our Future – The Draft New Zealand Energy Strategy to 2050
 Transitional Measures: Options to Move Towards Low Emissions Electricity and Stationary Energy Supply and to Facilitate a Transition to Greenhouse Gas Pricing in the Future
 Draft New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy
 Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change – Discussion Document

The discussion documents are available from: http://www.climatechange.govt.nz/consultation/index.html

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