Media release
3 November 2009

NZIER report - “I couldn’t agree less” says Environment Commissioner

“The analysis of the NZIER in their latest report is muddled and superficial,” Dr Jan Wright said today in response to its release this morning.

“I couldn’t agree less that climate change should be considered New Zealand’s least important environmental issue,” the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment went on to say.

“Climate change is the biggest environmental challenge of our time. I am shocked and disappointed to see a report suggesting otherwise,” said the Commissioner. “The report is fundamentally flawed.”

“While I strongly support the idea of prioritising our environmental challenges, as addressed in my State of the Environment speech last year, I am concerned that the NZIER report analysis is very poor. It is too superficial to lead to well-reasoned priorities.”

A good example of this poor analysis is the report’s consideration of climate change. “The analysis is simplistic. The report has missed the point that a strong Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) actually helps us meet our international obligations at the least cost to taxpayers. Long-term, this is the best thing for the economy as well as the environment,” commented Dr Wright.

To read the Commissioner’s advice to Select Committees about the ETS and her thoughts on prioritising environmental challenges, visit www.pce.parliament.nz .

ENDS

© Scoop Media