Jenny Shipley
Leader of the Opposition
Friday 13 October 2000
National will take environmentalism to the mainstream
National's challenge and intention for 2002 is to deliver environmental policies that reflect the concerns of mainstream
New Zealand, Opposition Leader Jenny Shipley said this evening.
Mrs Shipley was opening the Nelson forum of the Bluegreens, a National Party ginger group that encourages innovative
environmental policies.
"In the year 2000 environmentalism is no longer the domain of single-issue politicians. It's a mainstream New Zealand
concern. Everybody cares about environmental values.
"Being environmentally conscious is not at odds with economic success. It's the reverse. To work, environmental policies
must be economically sound.
"We intend to show that environmentalism has not been captured by the backward-looking, left-leaning NZ Green Party. We
intend to be the mainstream party for kiwis who are concerned about a successful and sustainable future.
"The NZ Green Party has espoused narrowly based but popular causes, and they have not worried about the consequences -
hoping that their policies will always be tempered by a larger coalition partner. National's intention over the next 15
months is to develop comprehensive, integrated policies that work in the broadest sense.
"We won't be banging on about compost toilets, hemp jackets and organic tofu.
"Our policies will be credible, forward looking and in touch with mainstream New Zealand. Our thinking will be lead by
Nick Smith, David Carter, Eric Roy and Richard Worth - and our Bluegreen team.
"New Zealanders can expect us to be innovative and original as we seek to capture the huge environmental vote that's
there for the taking. We intend to do just that," Mrs Shipley said.
Ends