16 October 2008

Embargoed until 5pm Thursday 16 October

Green Party supports sustainable Kiwi businesses

New Zealand businesses geared to environmental sustainability and local manufacturers are championed at the Green Party’s sustainable business policy launch for the 2008 election in central Auckland this evening.

Speaking at the launch, Greens Regional Economic Development Spokesperson Sue Bradford says: “We are keen to let the business community know that the Green Party has a vision for businesses in this country which is exciting and responsible.

“We aim to maximise the economic and environmental benefits of sustainability in business, and to nurture local manufacturing and production.

“The Green vision for Kiwi businesses is that they are economically successful, environmentally sustainable, socially responsible and valued by customers, staff, the wider business community, and the Government.

Some of the key policy points include a commitment to:

• Support sustainable business practices through education and support for individual companies as well as for networks building capacity

• Government playing a leading role in identifying and promoting new sustainable business opportunities

• Continued support for ‘Buy Kiwi Made’, mandatory country of origin labelling, and product insurance for imported manufactured goods

• Support manufacturer and tripartite initiatives to strengthen the sector, including a Minister at the Cabinet table with portfolio responsibility for manufacturing, and improved incentives to manufacturers to invest in sustainable technology

• Maximising benefit from Government and local Government procurement practices

• Continue work on making compliance easier for small business, i.e. ensuring any legislative change impacting on small business takes effect on only one of three days during any given year

• Explore ways of improving access to capital - and to training and support - for small business

Green Party Co-Leader Russel Norman will give an overview of the current economic situation from a Green perspective at the launch.

Dr Norman says sustainability is the key to long term business success: “Sustainable business is about a cultural shift in the way we view business and the way we carry it out.”

Tonight’s 5pm launch at The Wine Lounge, 50 Cook St, includes the opportunity to sample organic New Zealand wines.

* The policy is available at http://www.greens.org.nz/policy/summary/business

ENDS

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