National welcomes working relationship with Greens
Napier Mail column 15 April 2009
Over recent years the National Party has been criticised for not being able to work effectively within the MMP environment.
The announcement last week that National would be working with the Greens on a number of environmental policy areas, while raising a few eyebrows, effectively resigned that criticism to the dustbin.
The following principles underpin the proposed working relationship. Firstly, both parties are fully independent and retain their rights to vote and speak on all issues as they see fit. Secondly the intent of both parties is to establish a good faith working relationship.
There is no doubt that on a number of issues National and the Greens simply do not agree and this will not change. However in key areas of environmental policy we are on the same page and have agreed to work towards a common goal. The three areas where this relationship will initially progress are as follows:
Home insulation
National and the Greens will work together to determine the design and funding of a home insulation, clean heating and energy efficiency programme to start no later than 1 July 2009, which will target private homes and private sector rental homes.
Energy Efficiency
National and the Greens will work together on the implementation, timing, and
funding of energy efficiency measures that the Government wishes to advance. In particular,
Jeanette Fitzsimons will be involved in the development of the energy efficiency sections of the updated and revised New Zealand Energy Strategy, and the updated Energy and Efficiency and Conservation Strategy.
Regulation of New Zealand Natural Health products
National and the Greens will work together to develop and implement a New
Zealand based regulatory system for natural health products sold in New Zealand. Sue Kedgley will have access to officials working on the project as needed. Joint statements will be made on progress in implementing the new regulatory system.
In my opinion this is a huge step forward for New Zealand. We have a Parliament where National has constructive relationships with ACT, the Maori Party, United Future and now the Green Party. No doubt these relationships will be tested over time, however they demonstrate clearly the ability of the National led Government to build trust and to move our Nation forward in a constructive and effective manner. I think it is a step in the right direction.
Napier Mail column 15 April 2009
Over recent years the National Party has been criticised for not being able to work effectively within the MMP environment.
The announcement last week that National would be working with the Greens on a number of environmental policy areas, while raising a few eyebrows, effectively resigned that criticism to the dustbin.
The following principles underpin the proposed working relationship. Firstly, both parties are fully independent and retain their rights to vote and speak on all issues as they see fit. Secondly the intent of both parties is to establish a good faith working relationship.
There is no doubt that on a number of issues National and the Greens simply do not agree and this will not change. However in key areas of environmental policy we are on the same page and have agreed to work towards a common goal. The three areas where this relationship will initially progress are as follows:
Home insulation
National and the Greens will work together to determine the design and funding of a home insulation, clean heating and energy efficiency programme to start no later than 1 July 2009, which will target private homes and private sector rental homes.
Energy Efficiency
National and the Greens will work together on the implementation, timing, and
funding of energy efficiency measures that the Government wishes to advance. In particular,
Jeanette Fitzsimons will be involved in the development of the energy efficiency sections of the updated and revised New Zealand Energy Strategy, and the updated Energy and Efficiency and Conservation Strategy.
Regulation of New Zealand Natural Health products
National and the Greens will work together to develop and implement a New
Zealand based regulatory system for natural health products sold in New Zealand. Sue Kedgley will have access to officials working on the project as needed. Joint statements will be made on progress in implementing the new regulatory system.
In my opinion this is a huge step forward for New Zealand. We have a Parliament where National has constructive relationships with ACT, the Maori Party, United Future and now the Green Party. No doubt these relationships will be tested over time, however they demonstrate clearly the ability of the National led Government to build trust and to move our Nation forward in a constructive and effective manner. I think it is a step in the right direction.
