Auckland September 6, 2007 –

Maharey out of line and incorrect

Greenpeace New Zealand says it's been left baffled and rather amused by comments made in parliament by Labour Minister Steve Maharey.

Mr Maharey was speaking in a general debate about New Zealand's bahaviour at a recent United Nations climate change meeting in Vienna, claiming "Greenpeace...were very happy with the performance of our delegation there".

"That's nonsense," said Greenpeace Executive Director Bunny McDiarmid. "NGOs at the negotiations have described New Zealand's contribution as 'disgraceful and shameful'.

"What we know is that the New Zealand delegation went into that meeting opposing targets that would have achieved the kind of emission reductions needed to avoid dangerous levels of climate change.

"It's possible those officials were then contacted by people higher up the ranks in New Zealand and told to pull their socks up. Either way, it's a terrible look for New Zealand and we should have a much clearer and unequivocal commitment to tackling climate change.

"For the Minister to claim we were "happy with the government's performance" is ridiculous."

Mr Maharey went on to say that "Greenpeace don't seem to have an awful lot of love for this particular government".

"Again, ridiculous," said Ms McDiarmid. "Greenpeace doesn't feel one way or the other about ANY government. Climate change is an issue that no government can afford to ignore. It requires unprecedented cooperation across all parties and all Governments, if we're to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

"It's imperative Prime Minister Helen Clark takes a stronger stance over climate change at APEC this week than her Government took in Vienna."

ENDS

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