New Zealand world first on Kyoto gas protocol

Media Release Thursday, August 9th, 2001

New Zealand world first on Kyoto gas protocol

Combined with the present electricity crisis, today's announcement that New Zealand will ratify the Kyoto Protocol next year does not bode well for new investment from offshore, the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) says.

"Business believes New Zealand should be 22nd to sign the Kyoto agreement on greenhouse gases, not amongst the first," said Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.

"Because we are 21st in the OECD list of economies, it makes sense to sign the agreement at number 22, especially considering our reasonable environmental track record.

"Big noting it on the world stage by a small country while sliding down the ranks of OECD nations does not seem to be the wisest approach to take.

"Science Minister Pete Hodgson says there are great business opportunities available for New Zealand forestry and technology by being the first to sign. This would be a good time to explain them."

Further comments: Alasdair Thompson tel 09 367 0911 (b) 09 303 3591 (h) 025 982 024

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