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

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

'No More Excuses' For Government Inaction On Climate And Nature: Greenpeace

This morning New Zealanders are waking up to a fresh Government - one that has no good reason to put off action on nature and climate.

"With an historic landslide to Labour, solid wins for the Greens and the departure of NZ First," says Greenpeace Executive Director Russel Norman, "this new Government has no more excuses."

"NZ First was often blamed for slow progress on environment policies, and sometimes this was true."

"With Winston Peters and his party gone," says Dr Norman, "we expect to see immediate moves to tackle agricultural climate pollution, to invest in rail and cycleways, and to protect the oceans from overfishing."

Greenpeace believes the election result has given a Labour-led administration the clear runway to pursue an environmental position much more in keeping with the ideals that most Kiwis share.

Polls show that 79 percent of New Zealanders are concerned about climate change and seven out of 10 want a transformative green recovery out of Covid-19.

The Prime Minister said last night she wants to "build back better from the Covid crisis" as Greenpeace has been urging the Government to do.

Even if Jacinda Ardern decides to go it alone, last night’s result gives her the impetus to hit the accelerator on climate and nature.

If the Maori Party is returned to parliament with its strong environmental platform, that should embolden the Prime Minister further.

"The new Government couldn’t have a clearer mandate," says Dr Norman.

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.

"The National party ran a very overt anti-climate action campaign this election. This weekend’s result in favour of Labour and the Greens is a strong rejection of that outdated position."

Greenpeace says the Government must get to work supporting farmers in the transition to regenerative agriculture.

"Intensive dairying is New Zealand’s biggest climate polluter. We can’t go another term without doing something about it. The new Government, with or without the Greens, needs to start phasing out synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, bring agriculture into the emissions trading scheme and introduce a $1 billion fund for regenerative agriculture."

Dr Norman is also expecting swift action to introduce cameras on all commercial fishing vessels and an end to bottom trawling in sensitive marine environments.

"New Zealand First’s close links to the fishing industry delayed much-needed reforms, but that political barrier is now lifted. We need cameras on boats and a review of the Quota Management System."

Greenpeace says with the Covid Recovery funds there has never been a better opportunity to overhaul our climate-polluting transport system.

"Transport is the fastest growing source of carbon emissions in New Zealand. We would expect to see billions invested in railways, bike lanes, electric buses and electric cars. And a phase-out of new petrol and diesel vehicle imports by 2030."

"And it’s time to give the Climate Commission real power to drive emission reductions.

Dr Norman says Jacinda Ardern’s promise of transformative change was not realised in the first term of her Government.

"Now is her moment to deliver."

"It is still unclear if the Greens will continue to be part of the new government. But if they do they will need to go to that negotiating table with their best foot forward and deliver the climate and environmental policies that Kiwis want and nature needs"

"And as for National, we are always ready to help them make their policies much more climate friendly, ready for the 2023 election."

© Scoop Media

 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... 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.