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New Zealand First 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

New Zealand First Party is neutral on the idea that human pollution is a significant cause of global warming

New Zealand First acknowledges that New Zealand’s emissions mainly come from agriculture, deforestation, transport, and thermal energy, but supports the view that we can both provide international leadership and reduce emissions without arresting or threatening development.

New Zealand First Party opposes carbon taxes or credits to cut greenhouse gas emissions

New Zealand First makes no mention of a carbon tax in its 08 policy and opposed its introduction by Labour in 2005.

New Zealand First Party supports the introduction of Emissions Trading Scheme

New Zealand First will advance work on a full range of measures that will contribute to New Zealand meeting its Kyoto obligations including... negotiated industry agreements and incentives as well as the further development of detail for the Emissions Trading Scheme.

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

New Zealand First wants to amend the RMA to provide for a more rapid consents process for infrastructure projects, while ensuring local input is preserved.

New Zealand First Party opposes increased investment in public transport rather than more roads

New Zealand First will allow for faster roading consents under the RMA; upgrade highways, particularly those serving ports, to accommodate trucking; and ensure major road projects can be funded through government borrowing or bonds... It will also “provide incentives” for cargo movers to use rail and encourage coastal shipping.

New Zealand First Party is neutral on fuel emissions standards for cars

New Zealand First has no policy on this issue.