Maori Party seeks stronger controls on emissions.
Rahui Katene, Maori Party climate change spokesperson 31 August 2009

The Maori Party’s minority report on the proposed Emissions Trading Scheme shows the party wants stronger controls on greenhous gas emissions, according to its climate change spokesperson Rahui Katene.

“The time is past for scheming and trading - we want an Emissions Reduction Programme,” said Mrs Katene. “We want a regime that is transparent and fair, and requires polluters to pay.”

“Our minority report is consistent wth our election policy and public statements over the past year or more.

“As a small party in Parliament, dialogue is generally how we exercise influence. We rarely have the power of veto.

“At one point, we offered to withdraw our minority report, in an effort to maintain open dialogue with National on issues of concern to the Maori Party. But our commitment to our kaupapa and our principles, and our stance on reducing emissions, has never wavered.

“The Maori Party supports the protection of Papatuanuku for the grandchildren of our grandchildren. We must all think and act in the interests of the future," she said.

"I am not just referring to the future of the great, great grandchildren of Maori" said Mrs Katene, "I am referring to the future of the great, great grandchildren of all New Zealanders".

"Papatuanuku, mother earth, has a right to be free from pollution, unsustainable growth and exploitation, and every New Zealander has the right to advocate for her protection.

“The earth has finite resources and the interests of the environment must be the first consideration as we prepare for the future," said Mrs Katene.

ENDS

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