Thanks to the Rena cargo ship oil leak off the coast of Tauranga, environmental issues are likely to be under the spotlight before the election – particularly exploratory oil drilling in New Zealand’s waters.
In 2010 National established the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to oversee New Zealand’s environmental management, and says it will ensure faster decisions on critical infrastructure.
However Labour says National’s environmental record is abysmal, the EPA’s role is unclear and the Government needs to do more to protect New Zealand’s natural resources.
The Green Party agrees, saying sustainability in business needs to take precedence over economic growth and should be measured and reported.
National has increased water monitoring and funding for freshwater management, and says this is proving successful in improving water quality. A waste levy has also been introduced and funds used to support new recycling initiatives.
Labour says increased steps are needed on waste reduction – particularly e-waste – and a levy should be added the price of new flat screen TVs to fund recycling of old sets.
The Resource Management Act has been streamlined under National’s direction, reforming the processes for projects of national significance. Further reforms will include urban design, infrastructure, and fresh water.
National has introduced legislation to manage the environmental effects of activities in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Extended Continental Shelf (ECS), controlling activities – including petroleum exploration and drilling – in New Zealand’s ocean and seabed.
Labour had previously said they were concerned about a lack of safeguards and risk management around offshore expansion, and the Rena disaster is likely to raise further concerns.
The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is producing real results, National says, and will meet the country’s Kyoto Protocol commitments by 2012. They will continue to review the ETS to ensure it is balanced between environmental effectiveness and affordability.
The Green Party wants to investigate the role of renewable energy for public transport and New Zealand’s main industries in order to reduce emissions, as well as developing fuel efficiency standards for motor vehicles entering New Zealand.
The Maori Party aims to reduce emissions through improved public transport and the development of sustainable building practices. They also want to offset the impact of emissions pricing on New Zealanders by developing options for affordable and sustainable energy services for householders.
The Green Party would introduce environmental education introduced in schools, and increased funding for an intensive range of energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes.