Government's lack of action on green growth an embarrassment

The National Government should be embarrassed by its lack of action on green growth, including its pathetic response to the report of a group it commissioned to look into the issue, Labour’s Environment Spokesperson Grant Robertson says.

“The Government has been asleep at the wheel when it comes to the green growth opportunities for New Zealand. The response it has given today to its own taskforce is a pathetic attempt, full of waffle and devoid of actual action.”

“On almost all of the recommendations the best the government can say is that it is ‘investigating’, ‘reviewing’, ‘looking at’ or ‘developing’ a response. In almost a year since the taskforce reported there has been almost no positive action on green growth.  Where the taskforce suggested a change of direction the Government’s response is to talk about what they are already doing.”

“Green growth across the world will see billions of dollars of opportunity for New Zealand businesses, but the National-led Government is simply not interested. In fact it is has described the Pure Advantage report on green growth as being ‘self-interested’.  Nothing could be further from the truth.”

“On a host of environmental issues, from the gutting of the Emissions Trading Scheme to the vague and weak rules in the Exclusive Economic Zone legislation, to the cuts in funding the Department of Conservation and the lack of action on water quality this Government has shown disregard for the importance of our environment.

“Along with not protecting and preserving our environment, the Government is also showing a lack of interest in the enormous economic opportunities that come from green growth.  A total re-think is needed in this area, and Labour is committed to making green growth a core part of our future economic prosperity.”  Grant Robertson says.