Greens welcome new EMA CEO's vision

The Green Party today welcomed comments made by the newly appointed head of the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) - Kim Campbell - who believes sustainability offers New Zealand firms 'the greatest business opportunity in a generation'.

"I welcome initial comments made by the EMA's new CEO, Kim Campbell, who identifies sustainability as one the great business opportunities of our time," said Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman.

"I particularly welcome his comments that 'New Zealand can lead in this area'.

"Last week, I launched our plan to create 100,000 new green jobs - a majority of these coming from the clean technology manufacturing sector. Sharing a common vision for this sector is extremely positive.

"Global investment in clean energy will reach $800 billion by 2015. We're planning for New Zealand entrepreneurs to get a big piece of that action.

"Our plan focuses mainly on private sector drivers to deliver clean green jobs. Aligning our plans with the EMA's strategic direction will be helpful to achieving these goals."

Dr Norman hoped that Kim Campbell's vision for a sustainable New Zealand will create high-paying clean technology jobs that protect our natural environment and build upon our invaluable '100% Pure' branding.

"The current National Government's economic approach has been to see sustainability as a 'nice-to-have' rather than the central pillar of a smart new economy," said Dr Norman.

"As a result, we have the current Government allowing new coal mines in the heart of our conservation estate, spending $20 billion on motorways, and the unregulated expansion of dairying which is destroying our rivers and lakes.

"I'm hopeful the Green Party can work closely with the EMA to create a smart economy that protects our environment and helps create a richer New Zealand.

"We also hope that Mr Campbell will have a more inclusive approach to women in the workplace," Dr Norman added.