Climate change solutions a strategy for NZ Inc.

The measures announced this week to ‘solve’ climate change amount to a long awaited strategy for New Zealand’s economic development, the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) says.

“At last, after eight years, the government is rolling out a vision where New Zealand Inc. must head,” said Bruce Goldsworthy, EMA’s acting chief executive.

“The climate change solutions package, including the framework for the carbon trading regime, will impact across the whole economy.

“It will offer opportunities in the longer term and risks on the way there.

“Naturally business needs to assess the risks, in the absence of government focus on them, especially since the strategy expects New Zealanders to trail blaze carbon emission policies and practices for the world.

“Though the incentives and other transitional measures are directed only to our agriculture and forestry sectors to lighten their risks, the rest of New Zealand businesses are equally exposed as they face additional costs which undermine their competitiveness.

“In view of this, government should introduce further measures to help offset these risks.

“Nonetheless we hope the strategy will succeed.

“Business recognizes the country advantage we hold in our reputation as a reliable supplier of products and services of integrity.

“But success will depend on how we weather the next few years as the strategy is proven.

“During this transition the inherent risks and uncertainties brought with it may further deter, rather than encourage investment in New Zealand business.

“If that occurs, the steady flight of skilled Kiwis to Australia and elsewhere could turn into an exodus.”