Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Responsible energy development for jobs and growth

Hon Hekia Parata
Spokeswoman for Energy and Resources
14 November 2011

Responsible energy development for jobs and growth

National will make the most of New Zealand’s natural resources to build a competitive economy and secure the country’s energy future in a safe and environmentally responsible way, Energy and Resources spokeswoman Hekia Parata says.

National will continue improving the security, efficiency and cost of energy supply.

“Like the rest of the world, New Zealand needs a range of energy sources to meet its energy needs in the future,” says Ms Parata.

“We also can’t ignore the major economic opportunity that continuing global oil demand stands to provide New Zealand.’

“Petroleum was our fourth-biggest export earner in 2010. New Zealand is set to earn more than $3 billion in royalties from oil and gas fields already in production. That could increase to $12.7 billion with future discoveries, which would help pay for schools, hospitals, broadband and roads,” says Ms Parata.

“But it will not be at the expense of the environment. National has introduced legislation to better protect our seas and put in place interim measures until the legislation is passed in July.

“We’ve also established a High Hazards Unit, which includes eight inspectors for the petroleum and mining industry.

“Energy has an important role to play in building a competitive economy. National’s vision is for this to happen in a balanced and environmentally responsible way,” Ms Parata says.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“We will remain focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, the exploration of our natural resources and the pricing of carbon as we manage our environmental responsibilities and realise our economic opportunities. We also will encourage further competition among electricity retailers and continue with our five-year programme to upgrade the National Grid.

“New Zealanders are seeing the benefit of competition between retailers – National is reining in power prices by encouraging consumers to compare and switch electricity and gas retailers, ’’ Ms Parata says.

“We have also made over 130,000 homes warmer and healthier through our Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme, and helped around 180 companies increase their profitability by encouraging them to invest in energy efficiency.

“National is committed to retrofitting at least another 50,000 homes.”

New Zealand has an abundance of natural resources – hydro, geothermal, wind, oil, gas and minerals, which have a big part to play in the country’s energy supply, Ms Parata says.

“We will use those resources, in a safe and environmentally-responsible way, to lift our standard of living and strengthen our energy supply.

Under National, renewable energy levels are the highest since 1996.

“At 79 per cent, our renewable energy levels are the second-highest in the OECD, and we are on track to reaching our goal of 90 per cent electricity generation from renewables by 2025.

“National’s priorities are developing our diverse resources, ensuring we have the best environmental practices in the world, reducing energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging efficient use of energy, and ensuring our supply is both secure and affordable.

Visit the policy at:
http://national.org.nz/PDF_General/Energy_and_Resources_policy.pdf

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.