21 May 2001

The Green Party today welcomed Government budget support for three more Green initiatives.

"The positive working relationship we have established with the Prime Minister's office and individual Ministers has enabled us to bring these initiatives to fruition," said Ms Fitzsimons.

"I'm delighted that Ministers are working with us to make sure that these initiatives are as successful as last year's Green initiatives.

The three announced today are:

* A sewerage handbook and on-line resource to help local authorities and communities assess the best treatment option for their region - $200,000 over two years (new project).

* Funding to enable environment and conservation groups to participate in the development of the Ministry of Fisheries Environmental Management Strategy - $50,000 over one year (new project).

* A feasibility study to look at establishing a peacekeeping school in New Zealand - to be funded out of current Defence baseline expenditure, cost not quantified (new project).

"All of these initiatives are bringing the Green principles of democracy, non-violence and ecological wisdom into the decision-making processes of local and central Government. That's what having the Green party in Parliament is all about," said Ms Fitzsimons.

ENDS

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