2 August 2013

Cost of storm sign of things to come

New figures estimating the cost of the June storm to the country are even more concerning given the increase in extreme weather events that we face, the Green Party said today.

The Insurance Council of New Zealand has today released preliminary figures estimating the cost of the June storm to be at least $33 million.

“The Government’s climate change report released yesterday signalled that we will face a lot more extreme storms like the June one,” Green Party climate change spokesperson Dr Kennedy Graham said today.

“We know a changing climate means more extreme weather events. The June storm was used as an example in the report as an example of the types of events we can expect in the future.

“The Government needs to do more both to reduce our emissions, and adapt to climate change.” said Dr Graham.

ENDS

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New Court Orders, Screening, Guardianship Changes...: Government Ignoring Poverty, Again

It remains to be seen if announcements today will better protect children, but the National Government is forgoing an opportunity to really help kids by ignoring the elephant in the room, which is poverty, Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei says.

"All the experts have told the Government that very low income is associated with higher rates of child maltreatment and neglect -- something which was totally ignored in the Government's Children's Action Plan and the announcements today," Mrs Turei said. More>>