The Government's latest showcase of spin over substance will see the stated goals within the draft energy efficiency strategy remain just that, National's Energy spokesperson Pansy Wong said today.

"National believes the strategy released today is certainly a necessary step in the right direction but where are the tools to deliver on the vision?

"Unfortunately the strategy is going to fall at the first funding hurdle. Mr Hodgson has already ducked for cover when I questioned his funding commitment in the House today. The Government should take the lead by indicating a funding level in its forthcoming Budget, but it won't.

"The Government claims to be a Green administration but if it wants to be taken seriously it has to do more than just publish warm and fuzzy catchphrases.

"Pete Hodgson has labelled every New Zealander 'wasteful, polluting and expensive' in their energy use, but so far he's been less than active. All his Government has produced after 17 months is a discussion document with limited funding proposals to curb billions of dollars worth of energy usage.

"What's more, we are waiting to see how the bottom line is to be measured to ensure the 20% target will be achieved by 2012," Pansy Wong said.

Ms Wong encouraged individuals and organisations to make submissions on the draft strategy. Submissions close 1 June 2001.

Ends

© Scoop Media