Press Release from New Zealand Wind Energy Association

17 October 2002

"The wind energy industry welcomes Government commitment to ratification of the Kyoto Protocol but we are unhappy that more urgent action has not been taken" said Mr Alistair Wilson, chairman of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association.

Repeating his earlier comment "that the Government appears long on rhetoric and short on action", Mr Wilson expressed an urgent desire for the wind industry to be allowed to join the international carbon market. Selling the carbon credits to other countries appears to be the only support method that will make new wind farms happen in New Zealand.

Other countries will cream New Zealand of all the low priced carbon credits from near viable projects - leaving New Zealanders to pay more in the future.

Protecting polluters by delaying the carbon charge until 2007 will result in the building of new gas or coal fired power stations. New Zealand voters are not going to be happy when they realise that Government is gambling with New Zealand's clean, green image.

END

For more information: Alistair Wilson, 021 194 3083

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