Transtasman Political Letter – 20 September Digest

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Govt seeks to reclaim political momentum, unveils carbon trading plan and sustainability policies...
Despite polls, Clark back on top of her political game...
But there are worries on living costs rising sharply...
Did Labour miss a trick on tax cuts?...
Is the new Christian party going to be stillborn?...
And the rural industries ride to the rescue of the NZ economy.

The Green Paper

• Govt Announces Its Plans For A Sustainable Carbon Neutral Future
• Govt’s New Weapons To Combat Climate Change

Clark Buoyant After Watching UK Labour’s Performance

Despite several polls showing National with a lead of 10 points or more over Labour, Helen Clark was in surprisingly buoyant form when talking to Trans Tasman.

Govt Re-Sets Political Agenda

The Govt in announcing climate change measures to meet its Kyoto obligations has re-set the political agenda and could generate real momentum as it drives NZ down the road to carbon neutrality, even though the Greens are likely to cry “too little and too late.”

Cost Increases Make New “Green” Laws A Worry

The Govt will be anxious to keep energy cost increases arising from the new carbon trading scheme as low as possible, particularly as food prices are set to escalate, in another side-effect of climate change policies, notably as a result of the surge in bio-fuel production in the US.

Election Funding Bill Needs Re-Think

The Govt’s appears determined to press ahead with its so-called reform of election funding despite mounting opposition to the way the Bill is framed.

CAPITAL TALK

The Deputy Prime Minister doesn’t often take extended overseas trips but he’s off on Saturday to China, the UK and India.

Play Of The Week: Brand Loyalty

It was Labour’s week for re-stating the party brand. Remind voters of Labour’s past achievements? Check.

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