Labour urges govt to boost green economy

Labour is offering to work with other parties on a plan to make New Zealand a world leader in clean technology and renewable energy.

Economic development spokesman David Cunliffe says the government’s “business as usual” attitude to innovation is driving the country into a high carbon, low value future.

Labour is reacting to a report by the green business lobby group Pure Advantage, which says global growth in sustainable technology is potentially worth $NZ6 trillion a year and represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for New Zealand to improve its economy.

“This report makes it clear we are lagging behind other countries,” Mr Cunliffe said.

“If we don’t change, New Zealand’s clean, green brand will be 100 per cent undermined and we won’t be able to achieve the premium we seek for our fine natural produce.”

He says Labour is prepared to work with all the parties in parliament “to ensure our children have a future we can be proud of, and indeed have a future at all.”

Prime Minister John Key says the government is investing in science and technology to help green economic initiatives.

“In a world that has been very cash-strapped the one thing this government has done consistently over four years is invest in science,” he said.

Green Party co-leader Russel Norman says the government has its head in the sand when it comes to making choices that benefit the planet and the economy.