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8. General

Other notable issues raised throughout the hui include the following:

  • The feasibility of New Zealand’s actions being able to influence international behaviour, particularly the behaviour of the superpowers who have yet to commit to the Kyoto Protocol.

  • The effect on the New Zealand economy from international issues such as the import of products that do not have an additional ‘emissions cost’ added to the purchase price. This would enable the product to be sold at a lower price than a domestically produced product that has had to account for an emissions cost.

  • Opportunities around renewable energy generation, including the recognition of the carbon uptake of biofuel crops that do not classify as ‘trees’ under the ETS definition.

  • There was some scepticism about the policies with some seeing the ETS as a ‘licence to pollute’ (Lucy Tukua, Tāmaki Makaurau Hui).

  • The significant proportion of the accelerated conversion of forestry land to agriculture by Crown-controlled corporate farms in the central North Island reflected badly upon the Crown’s credibility with respect to its position on the ETS. “Landcorp have already anticipated and responded to the impending policy and we’re the losers.” (Tiipene Marr, Waiariki Hui).

  • There was concern expressed at the impact of the ETS policies on households. The figure of $9 per week per household (increase in overall expenses for energy, petrol, food, etc) was treated, at times, with a degree of scepticism. However, even if accurate, it was noted that this increase would still impact on people with lower incomes or from vulnerable households, many of whom are Māori. Comments were also made about the viability of households on low income being able to access electric vehicles, even once the prices for these vehicles were lower.

  • As businesses like Fonterra, Sealords, and forestry companies have more pressure on them to become ‘clean and green’ or else pay more tax, what protections are there for workers so that they will not bear the brunt of the compliance costs? (Sharon Clair, Vice President, CTU –Wellington Hui).

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