Preferred Kyoto plan on hold

Government has delayed the release of its preferred approach to ratifying the Kyoto Protocol says the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern).

The plan previously due early this month is now not expected until mid May.

"Business will take this latest delay as a sign Government is rethinking how New Zealand should proceed to implement the Protocol," said Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.

"We welcome the signal Government is prepared to take into account New Zealand's economic future on this issue.

"Virtually all New Zealand business from manufacturers to farmers and foresters have expressed the strongest opposition to plunging headlong into the Kyoto commitments without first analysing in detail what they will mean for our standard of living and economic growth.

"Nevertheless New Zealand will undoubtedly still ratify the Protocol at Johannesburg in September.

"But we are pleased further ways are being explored before Government lumbers New Zealand business and growth with onerous new burdens in an effort to limit carbon emissions.

"New Zealand must proceed with the Protocol only in tandem with our trading partner countries, especially Australia and the US."

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