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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
Electricity sparks Parker's political ambitions -
National's reforms of the electricity industry 'incensed' David Parker so much that he decided to do something about it.
Indeed, it was one of the reasons behind the Labour list MP's entry into politics in 2002.
Now, as the new Energy Minister, he is in the hot seat with the jury still out - a decade on - on the success of those electricity changes.
National wasted no time in attacking the appointment of a mere second-term MP to the critical energy and transport portfolios as well as Attorney-General.
But Labour is obviously hopeful Parker's experience in the relevant fields of law and business as well as the ability and energy he demonstrated during his first term will give him as good a chance as anyone at getting to grips with the knotty complexities of the power industry. "
National's reforms of the electricity industry 'incensed' David Parker so much that he decided to do something about it.
Indeed, it was one of the reasons behind the Labour list MP's entry into politics in 2002.
Now, as the new Energy Minister, he is in the hot seat with the jury still out - a decade on - on the success of those electricity changes.
National wasted no time in attacking the appointment of a mere second-term MP to the critical energy and transport portfolios as well as Attorney-General.
But Labour is obviously hopeful Parker's experience in the relevant fields of law and business as well as the ability and energy he demonstrated during his first term will give him as good a chance as anyone at getting to grips with the knotty complexities of the power industry. "
Re-energising New Zealand
"The social, environmental, political and economic follow-on from oil's increasing price and the consequent changing forms and sources of our consumer energy supplies, are going to directly affect us all. The challenge, whether we are individuals, companies, organisations or political parties, will be to build the most positive strategies we can, to maintain, and hopefully improve, our way of life.
Our aim in developing the site, is to collect the most credible information available on the emerging energy challenge, and present it to you in the most unbiased way we can. Where there is uncertainty and debate (and there is plenty), we will try and provide both sides, so you can make up your own mind based on the best information we can find for you."
"The social, environmental, political and economic follow-on from oil's increasing price and the consequent changing forms and sources of our consumer energy supplies, are going to directly affect us all. The challenge, whether we are individuals, companies, organisations or political parties, will be to build the most positive strategies we can, to maintain, and hopefully improve, our way of life.
Our aim in developing the site, is to collect the most credible information available on the emerging energy challenge, and present it to you in the most unbiased way we can. Where there is uncertainty and debate (and there is plenty), we will try and provide both sides, so you can make up your own mind based on the best information we can find for you."
Struggle likely in search for carbon tax supporters
The makeup of the new Government means a carbon tax is unlikely to win enough votes in Parliament, but NZ First is not seeking a withdrawal from the Kyoto protocol.
The party and United Future oppose the tax and want a review of it as part of their support for the Government on confidence and supply.
That pleases the business community, which argues a carbon tax would penalise business, motorists and householders but not achieve a significant reduction in energy use, unless the tax was high.
The Government has said a carbon tax of $15 a tonne of carbon dioxide would raise electricity prices 1 cent a unit and petrol by about 4c a litre.
Labour, the Progressive Party (together the coalition Government) and the Greens support the tax but their 57 votes are not enough to carry it unless the Maori Party adds their votes. It could not be contacted for its position but has said it will vote issue-by-issue on Parliament's cross-benches.
NZ First leader Winston Peters said yesterday the party had campaigned on meeting New Zealand's international obligations through a programme of tree planting 'that would build a significant economic base and employment base while we were at it'.
If New Zealand was going to spend about $500 million buying carbon credits from other countries he wanted to know why the money could not be spent planting trees as carbon sinks. "
The makeup of the new Government means a carbon tax is unlikely to win enough votes in Parliament, but NZ First is not seeking a withdrawal from the Kyoto protocol.
The party and United Future oppose the tax and want a review of it as part of their support for the Government on confidence and supply.
That pleases the business community, which argues a carbon tax would penalise business, motorists and householders but not achieve a significant reduction in energy use, unless the tax was high.
The Government has said a carbon tax of $15 a tonne of carbon dioxide would raise electricity prices 1 cent a unit and petrol by about 4c a litre.
Labour, the Progressive Party (together the coalition Government) and the Greens support the tax but their 57 votes are not enough to carry it unless the Maori Party adds their votes. It could not be contacted for its position but has said it will vote issue-by-issue on Parliament's cross-benches.
NZ First leader Winston Peters said yesterday the party had campaigned on meeting New Zealand's international obligations through a programme of tree planting 'that would build a significant economic base and employment base while we were at it'.
If New Zealand was going to spend about $500 million buying carbon credits from other countries he wanted to know why the money could not be spent planting trees as carbon sinks. "
Opinion - Brian Fallow: Carbon-tax demise relief may be premature (subscription required) As part of the price of being returned to power, the Government is to review the case for its proposed carbon tax."
EU opts for 'flexible' climate change strategy
The EU's negotiating strategy on a successor to the Kyoto protocol will be based on engagement and flexibility, EU environment ministers agreed on Monday.
Ministers, meeting in Luxembourg, agreed to an acquiescent approach in the hope of clinching early agreement on shaping a post-2012 Kyoto climate change deal, when talks begin in Montreal at the end of November
[Our strategy] shows that the EU is looking to see the processes start in Montreal but leaves a certain amount of flexibility, said UK environment minister Margaret Beckett, adding that environment ministers believed that it would be a mistake to be too prescriptive at this stage.
But environmental groups were disappointed with the outcome, arguing that the strategy lacked clarity and ignored the urgency of setting a clear end date for the completion of post-Kyoto negotiations.
EU ministers also dropped from the negotiating position all references to the EU?s goal of reducing emission levels by up to 30 per cent by 2020."
The EU's negotiating strategy on a successor to the Kyoto protocol will be based on engagement and flexibility, EU environment ministers agreed on Monday.
Ministers, meeting in Luxembourg, agreed to an acquiescent approach in the hope of clinching early agreement on shaping a post-2012 Kyoto climate change deal, when talks begin in Montreal at the end of November
[Our strategy] shows that the EU is looking to see the processes start in Montreal but leaves a certain amount of flexibility, said UK environment minister Margaret Beckett, adding that environment ministers believed that it would be a mistake to be too prescriptive at this stage.
But environmental groups were disappointed with the outcome, arguing that the strategy lacked clarity and ignored the urgency of setting a clear end date for the completion of post-Kyoto negotiations.
EU ministers also dropped from the negotiating position all references to the EU?s goal of reducing emission levels by up to 30 per cent by 2020."
Labour / NZ First Confidence and supply agreement
"• Review the appropriateness or otherwise of progressing a carbon tax policy as a response to Kyoto Treaty obligations.
"• Review the appropriateness or otherwise of progressing a carbon tax policy as a response to Kyoto Treaty obligations.
Govt more centrist than left
Instead she has bought NZ First's support, at the price of making Mr Peters the Foreign Minister and Associate Minister for Senior Citizens, and has United Future on side with a revenue portfolio for Mr Dunne. Mr Peters makes an unlikely Foreign Minister, considering his previous opposition to immigration and foreign influences of all sorts. His greater interest could be in the senior citizens role where he wants to increase benefits for his party's principal constituency. They will get his card to carry and a small increase in the level at which superannuation is pegged to wage rates. Beyond that Mr Peters has also negotiated a review of the carbon tax, centrepiece of the Government's response to global warming, which will add to the Greens' disappointments."
Instead she has bought NZ First's support, at the price of making Mr Peters the Foreign Minister and Associate Minister for Senior Citizens, and has United Future on side with a revenue portfolio for Mr Dunne. Mr Peters makes an unlikely Foreign Minister, considering his previous opposition to immigration and foreign influences of all sorts. His greater interest could be in the senior citizens role where he wants to increase benefits for his party's principal constituency. They will get his card to carry and a small increase in the level at which superannuation is pegged to wage rates. Beyond that Mr Peters has also negotiated a review of the carbon tax, centrepiece of the Government's response to global warming, which will add to the Greens' disappointments."
Labour led government may not be business as usual
No left majority. So what's in store for business?
Much less left legislation, much more opportunity to influence bills and maybe a 30 per cent company tax rate: that is the outlook for business if a Labour-led government is formed.
Not that it matters much. Labour has legislated most of its 1999 agenda. Mostly the Government will not be initiating new programmes but continuing programmes already in train and that doesn't need new parliamentary sanction. It will largely be in "managerial" mode.
Exceptions include:
* The carbon tax underpinning the Kyoto Protocol, for which there may not now be a majority.
* The Marine Reserves Bill, which is opposed by at least National, United Future and Act.
No left majority. So what's in store for business?
Much less left legislation, much more opportunity to influence bills and maybe a 30 per cent company tax rate: that is the outlook for business if a Labour-led government is formed.
Not that it matters much. Labour has legislated most of its 1999 agenda. Mostly the Government will not be initiating new programmes but continuing programmes already in train and that doesn't need new parliamentary sanction. It will largely be in "managerial" mode.
Exceptions include:
* The carbon tax underpinning the Kyoto Protocol, for which there may not now be a majority.
* The Marine Reserves Bill, which is opposed by at least National, United Future and Act.
Checking out the impact of carbon
It started with academics in the 1980s, then made its way through governments and then into the boardrooms of big industry.
Now, with the possibility of a carbon tax looming, small and medium-sized businesses are turning to consultants and environmental engineers to figure out how it will hit their bottom line. The carbon tax is set to start in April 2007, with fuel and electricity prices increasing. The Government has said the impact of the tax on the average household will be about $4 a week. "
It started with academics in the 1980s, then made its way through governments and then into the boardrooms of big industry.
Now, with the possibility of a carbon tax looming, small and medium-sized businesses are turning to consultants and environmental engineers to figure out how it will hit their bottom line. The carbon tax is set to start in April 2007, with fuel and electricity prices increasing. The Government has said the impact of the tax on the average household will be about $4 a week. "
Greenhouse Gas Emission Policiespdf report:
Is There a Way Forward?
Report to Greenhouse Policy Coalition
Is There a Way Forward?
Report to Greenhouse Policy Coalition
NZ's climate change policy assumptions put in doubt - Sunday 16, October 2005 22:01.00 PM
New Zealand will not be able to cut emissions of greenhouse gases enough to meet its Kyoto Protocol targets without significant and futile damage to the economy, a new report says.
The report by the economic consultancy Castalia was commissioned by the Greenhouse Policy Coalition, which represents large industrial emitters of the gases blamed for global warming. "
New Zealand will not be able to cut emissions of greenhouse gases enough to meet its Kyoto Protocol targets without significant and futile damage to the economy, a new report says.
The report by the economic consultancy Castalia was commissioned by the Greenhouse Policy Coalition, which represents large industrial emitters of the gases blamed for global warming. "
Conference Seachange05
Seachange 05: Managing our Coastal Waters and Oceans builds on last year's successful New Zealand Coastal Conference: Development and Conservation of our Coasts and Lakesides. Seachange 05 will focus on coastal and oceans planning and management in New Zealand. This will be a high profile issue in 2005-06 with the government scheduled to recommence the oceans policy initiative.
The Heritage Hotel
Auckland November 21-22 2005
Kyoto figures receive pass mark - Monday 10, October 2005 21:59.00 PM
An independent review of officials' estimates of New Zealand's Kyoto liabilities has given them a qualified thumbs up.
Revised estimates showed in June the country was likely to exceed its target by 36 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent between 2008 and 2012, during the climate change treaty's first commitment period. The Government would need to buy carbon credits from other Kyoto countries to cover the shortfall.
That was a big turnaround from last year's estimate, which had the country in credit to the tune of 33 million tonnes.
At an indicative carbon price of $15 a tonne (the value used to set the carbon tax due to come into effect in 2007), that is a switch from a gain of nearly $500 million to cost of more than $500 million, which would fall to the taxpayer. "
An independent review of officials' estimates of New Zealand's Kyoto liabilities has given them a qualified thumbs up.
Revised estimates showed in June the country was likely to exceed its target by 36 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent between 2008 and 2012, during the climate change treaty's first commitment period. The Government would need to buy carbon credits from other Kyoto countries to cover the shortfall.
That was a big turnaround from last year's estimate, which had the country in credit to the tune of 33 million tonnes.
At an indicative carbon price of $15 a tonne (the value used to set the carbon tax due to come into effect in 2007), that is a switch from a gain of nearly $500 million to cost of more than $500 million, which would fall to the taxpayer. "
Council Signs Greenhouse Document with Austria
uncil
The Palmerston North City Council is about to send an invoice for $300,000 to the Austrian Government.
The invoice is an advanced payment required from the Austrian Government to pay the City Council to reduce the greenhouse gas emission from its Awapuni Landfill.
This activity is required to take place during the first Kyoto Protocol period of 2008-2013 although the Council intends to start the project next year. "
uncil
The Palmerston North City Council is about to send an invoice for $300,000 to the Austrian Government.
The invoice is an advanced payment required from the Austrian Government to pay the City Council to reduce the greenhouse gas emission from its Awapuni Landfill.
This activity is required to take place during the first Kyoto Protocol period of 2008-2013 although the Council intends to start the project next year. "
Thumbs down to Marsden B decision
A decision to give the go ahead to a coal-fired power station at Marsden Point has received widespread condemnation.
After a marathon 20-day hearing, which attracted more than 3000 submissions, a panel of four commissioners gave consent to Mighty River Power to convert the mothballed Marsden B power station to run on coal. However, consent is subject to almost 160 conditions, some of the toughest environmental conditions ever imposed in Australasia. "
A decision to give the go ahead to a coal-fired power station at Marsden Point has received widespread condemnation.
After a marathon 20-day hearing, which attracted more than 3000 submissions, a panel of four commissioners gave consent to Mighty River Power to convert the mothballed Marsden B power station to run on coal. However, consent is subject to almost 160 conditions, some of the toughest environmental conditions ever imposed in Australasia. "
Gas find 'solution to pylon crisis'
Methane buried in deep coal seams at North Huntly and Rotowaro coalfields could be there in large enough quantities to power the country for two years on its own.
Coal and biofuels producer Solid Energy would carry out tests in June next year to discover whether there was enough gas to make extraction commercially viable, and whether it would flow easily.
Solid Energy research manager Tim Moore said the location of the coalfields near the Huntly Power Station could enable the gas to be distributed to every North Island home that had access to the gas pipeline network. "
Methane buried in deep coal seams at North Huntly and Rotowaro coalfields could be there in large enough quantities to power the country for two years on its own.
Coal and biofuels producer Solid Energy would carry out tests in June next year to discover whether there was enough gas to make extraction commercially viable, and whether it would flow easily.
Solid Energy research manager Tim Moore said the location of the coalfields near the Huntly Power Station could enable the gas to be distributed to every North Island home that had access to the gas pipeline network. "
