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Maori Party on Environment and Energy

The environment has emerged as a significant political issue in the late 20th and early 21st century. As the debate surrounding global warming continues, and the source of future energy becomes increasingly uncertain, the importance of the environment has risen on the agenda of all political parties. Issues include the importance and relevance of climate change, the appropriate policies to address human pollution, and the source of future energy.

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The issues

Maori Party strongly supports the idea that human pollution is a significant cause of global warming

The Maori Party agrees that most global warming over the last 150 years is attributable to human activity. “The time to debate climate change is over,” said Tariana Turia, Environment Spokesperson for the Maori Party, in a policy statement. “The effects of global climate change are being felt on the ground.

Maori Party strongly supports carbon taxes or credits to cut greenhouse gas emissions

The Maori Party remains supportive of a carbon tax regime to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Maori Party is neutral on the introduction of Emissions Trading Scheme

> The Maori Party opposed the Government's Emissions Trading Scheme Bill because it will only achieve a 2% reduction in emissions in 10 years, which falls well short of our Kyoto obligations. We think polluters should pay, and free credits should be used to cushion the impacts of carbon pricing on poor people, and to maintain strategic economic infrastructure. Co-leader Tariana Turia has said, “Climate change affects us all and the biggest emitters must take responsibility to change the way they do business. Any cost they pass on to consumers must encourage environmentally responsible choices. The principle must be that polluters pay.”

Maori Party supports reform of the Resource Management Act, so that it is easier and quicker to get consents

The Maori Party supports economic development, but not at the expense of the environment and communities. “Our priority is to amend the Resource Management Act to better recognise the authority of mana whenua and provide for their appropriate representation in regional decision-making,” a spokesperson says.

Maori Party strongly supports increased investment in public transport rather than more roads

The Maori Party's priority is to further invest in alternatives to private vehicles, including walking and cycling tracks, public transport and rail and sea freight - that are frequent, reliable and inexpensive for users.

Maori Party strongly supports fuel emissions standards for cars

The Maori Party supports fuel emissions standards for cars to help reduce climate degradation from carbon emissions. “We will also investigate bulk purchasing of fuel-efficient vehicles to lease or sell to low income earners at prices they can Afford,” a spokesperson says.