The New Zealand Green Party Election 08
Green Investment and the Possibility of working with Labour
Oct 20, 2008
The New Zealand Green Party is renewing calls for a green public investment plan, in light of the highest inflation figures in 18 years – driven by high oil prices.
A green investment plan would invest in projects to make New Zealand less dependent on oil, reduce greenhouse emissions, use resources more efficiently, keep people in work and business in business.
“Now is the time to speed up the rebuilding of our rail system to reduce the need for energy intensive trucks; to invest in Auckland’s commuter rail system so people need their cars less; to build energy efficient, medium density state housing close to improved public transport; to spend the Greens’ billion dollar fund making homes warm dry and efficient, employing thousands of people in every community, not to cancel it as National wants to," Green Party Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says.
The billion dollar fund, which the Government agreed to in return for the Greens' support for emissions trading scheme (ETS), is due to start next year and will be paid for through profits recycled from state-owned power companies as a result of the ETS.
Greens outline approach for post-election talks
Meanwhile the Green party has said it would prefer to work with Labour to form a government after the elections. They say they have evaluated the policies, programmes and public statements of both National and Labour.
"The Green Party is a strong and independent voice for people and the environment in New Zealand. We don’t exist to prop up anyone else’s Government," Co-Leader Russel Norman says.
"We have looked at the policies, programmes and public statements of both National and Labour. We measured whether their plans would have no effect, or whether they would take New Zealand in the right or wrong direction."
"We found that they are closer to each other than either is to us, and neither of them aligns closely with our own ideals for a fairer and more sustainable New Zealand.
But depending on the outcome of the election, Jeanette Fitzsimons says Greens would prefer to form a Government with Labour. “Their policies are more closely aligned with our own. But, no matter who forms the Government we will look for areas of common ground where we can work together.”
"What this analysis has confirmed for us is that if New Zealanders want a voice for our land, water and climate; for fairness, and for our children’s future, then it is vital to have more Green MPs in Parliament."
Green's Response to Proposal to Sell Shares in KiwiBank
“Winston Peters seems to have lost his way in the middle of the economic crisis,” Russel Norman says, referring to New Zealand Party Leader Winston Peter’s proposal to sell shares in KiwiBank.
“In the midst of a financial meltdown, having a bank owned by the Government has provided much needed stability to the New Zealand banking system. The fact that KiwiBank only borrows within New Zealand and is Government-owned has made it one of New Zealand’s most reliable financial institutions,” Dr Norman says.
“Privatising KiwiBank will inevitably lead to its overseas ownership like all the other big banks. This will see the Bank’s profits sent off to overseas owners in good times and, in bad times, New Zealand will be further exposed to financial crises which we might otherwise have been insulated from.
“The Green Party agrees with directing more Government banking business to KiwiBank but not if it is sold off to the highest bidder.”
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