CTU Media Release

11 February 2013

Greenpeace report on green development welcomed by CTU

"Greenpeace's report, released this morning, on greening New Zealand's economy is very welcome", says CTU President Helen Kelly.

"The CTU is keenly aware that we need to consider the limits to resources and the effects of our activities on our environment, as well as considering social progress and the needs of people in New Zealand. The report makes a valuable contribution to thinking about how New Zealand can do this. Along with other studies, such as that by Pure Advantage last year, we now have many, well researched ideas for a genuinely greener future for New Zealand."

It is clear from these reports, that New Zealand is missing out not only on progressing towards a greener future for New Zealanders, but on opportunities for industry in New Zealand to provide goods and services to other countries wanting to make these changes. "I hope we haven't permanently missed those opportunities through government inaction," says Kelly.

"As Greenpeace points out, success will not be achieved without active government involvement. It requires the environment and sustainability to be integrated into economic development policies - not just a 'nice to have' add on as it appears to be currently. While providing some concrete ideas as to what the government could be doing, Greenpeace also criticises the government for backing out on many policies such as greatly weakening the Emissions Trading Scheme and repealing the restriction on new thermal generation of electricity."

Other countries, such as South Korea, used green investment as a stimulus to the economy in response to the Global Financial Crisis, while here the government responded largely with unfair tax cuts.

"We do have to think carefully about the changes that are required to our economies and the way we live and work. Some of the jobs that will be created will be good, secure, well paid ones. Others will not be. Wherever possible we have to focus development on building good jobs from this change. That includes ensuring workers have the training and education that is required for the new technologies, services and ways of living and working. It also means that we must look after people as the economy changes so that already disadvantaged people do not once again bear the brunt of change," Kelly concluded.

ENDS

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