NGA Consultation In February 2003

NGA Consultation In February 2003

The New Zealand Climate Change Project plans to hold consultation with key stakeholders on the details of NGA (Negotiated Greenhouse Agreements) policy in February 2003. The meetings will involve a brief presentation of the proposed policy followed by opportunity for feedback and discussion.

The following three meetings are scheduled: * Christchurch: Tuesday, 11 February 2003, 10am-1.30pm, Hotel Grand Chancellor * Wellington: Wednesday, 12 February 2003, 10am-1.30pm, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor * Auckland: Thursday, 13 February 2003, 10am-1.30pm, Mercure Hotel

Visit http://www.nzbcsd.org.nz/story.asp?id=249 for more information on the meetings and the relevant NGA consultation paper.

DOES NEW ZEALAND HAVE A HYDROGEN FUTURE?

What will New Zealand's road map to a hydrogen future look like? That's the question being examined at a workshop next month in Wellington.

Government officials, key private sector organisations and organisations involved in hydrogen and fuel cell research will gather to develop an understanding of the international hydrogen scene, get an update on what is already happening in New Zealand and examine the hydrogen future.

The workshop follows the identification of hydrogen as a potential energy source in the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy and the June 2002 announcement of significant government investment through the Foundation for Science, Research and Technology. This six-year investment covers research by CRL Energy and Industrial Research Ltd and could see New Zealand powered by 'clean green' hydrogen energy by 2020.

Speakers include Michael McDonald, Head of Methanex's Fuel Cell Division in Vancouver, Michael J Binder and Mark Williams from the US Department of Energy and Simon Whitehouse, Director of Alternative Transport in Perth. BP, Meridian Energy, Solid Energy, Transpower, Methanex and the Bus and Coach Association are sponsoring the event.

Attendance is by invitation only, and details can be obtained from Connie Crookshanks at the Ministry for the Environment, email mailto:connie.crookshanks@mfe.govt.nz, phone 04 917 3745.

BIKE WISE BUSINESS BATTLE 15-23 Feb 2003

Trim the butt - Cruise the roads - Hit the hills - Refresh the brain

All you have to do is get as many people from your organisation to get on their bikes during Bike Wise Week (15-23 Feb 2003) and you could be in to win Kathmandu gear and your 'team' could win one of 17 sumptuous 'work shouts'.

The battle is sponsored by Kathmandu, EECA, Sport and Recreation NZ, Bike Wise and the Heart Foundation. For more information visit http://www.bikewise.co.nz/events/bike_wise_week/battle/default.asp

MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM ANNOUNCED

The Ministry for the Environment has announced the appointment of four General Managers to lead the Ministry's new strategic direction and head the new business groups.

For the associated press release visit http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/media-speeches/media/general-managers-20Dec02.html

SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD FOUND TO BE COST EFFECTIVE

BOSTON, Massachusetts, December 12, 2002 (ENS) - Corporate seafood buyers can make money and protect ocean resources by selecting sustainably caught seafood. A new report issued by Environmental Defense's Alliance for Environmental Innovation argues environmental sustainability and business success can go hand in hand for seafood buyers. "Business Guide To Sustainable Seafood," shows while some seafood products have major environmental problems, a wide variety of high quality, competitively priced, and environmentally responsible products are available. "Seventy percent of world fish stocks are fully exploited or over fished, and catches are declining," "While some species are over fished, sustainable seafood selections similar in taste and texture, often lower in cost, and provide greater supply stability." Over fished Atlantic cod, can often be replaced by other mild white fish such as New Zealand hoki or farmed tilapia - at substantial cost savings. http://ens-news.com/ens/dec2002/2002-12-12-09.asp#anchor4.

Source: - "news and views" email Ray Skinner at mailto:rayskinner@clear.net.nz to subscribe

USA: HOME DEPOT ADOPTS NEW WOOD PURCHASING POLICY

ATLANTA - Home improvement retailer Home Depot Inc. (HD.N) said it will only buy wood products from suppliers committed to environmentally friendly logging and lumber practices.

For more details visit http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/19281/story.htm

THE BIG CLEAN UP CAMPAIGN - UPDATE

The latest update on the Auckland Regional Council's Big Clean Up campaign is available at http://www.arc.govt.nz/arc/big-clean-up/big-clean-up-update/

This update includes the following 2 features that may be of particular interest:

1. Advertising Awards:

The Big Clean Up 'cleaned up' at the Australasian Advertising Festival this year. The Big Clean Up won bronze awards in three categories:

* Community Service and Charity Campaigns * Mixed media campaigns for Community Service and Charity * TV commercials for Community Service and Charity

2. Market Research

There is ongoing research and monitoring being carried out behind The Big Clean Up, so that ARC can monitor public attitudes and behaviour, and adjust the campaign accordingly.

Research reports are published quarterly and are available on The Big Clean Up website.

ARC welcome any feedback on their research or if you have any research which could help formulate campaigns or understand best practice approaches to engaging communities in environmental action, they would welcome the opportunity to incorporate it into future planning for The Big Clean Up. For more information or to provide feedback, please email claire.mortimer@arc.govt.nz

NIKE RULING TO BE REVIEWED The US Supreme Court has agreed to review the decision holding Nike potentially liable for all statements it may make about its social and ethical performance by labelling it as 'commercial speech'. In response to the finding, Nike has ceased its programme of corporate responsibility reporting. Source: Lyn Mayes, Mad World Communications, lynmayes@madworld.co.nz

Regards The Team at NZBCSD

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