03 November 2008

Greens clean up in environment poll

The Green Party's huge lead in a major environmental poll gives a clear indication of where we stand on environmental issue - out in front by a long way, the Green Party Conservation Spokesperson Metiria Turei says.

The Green Party scored 97 out of 100 in Greenpeace and ECO's environmental poll of political parties, with National and Labour scoring only 44 and 27 percent respectively.

"This result shows why New Zealand needs a strong Green voice in Government," Mrs Turei says.

"The marine environment is coming under particular pressure, from fishing, from mining and mineral extraction and increasing energy opportunities. Careful planning is needed to manage these demands while protecting the biodiversity of the oceans. The Green Party continues to uphold the importance of mataitai and taiapure as key marine protection mechanisms, along with marine reserves.

"Cleaning up New Zealand's aquifers and waterways and protecting them from industrial abuse is hugely important the Green Party. The Green Party believes that New Zealand's rivers need to be clean, sustainably managed, and fairly shared with other species.

"The Greens understand better than any party that a healthy environment is key to our social and economic progress. Attempts by others to undermine environmental protection are destroying the very source of safe healthy food, local and national economic development and climate change mitigation that will protect our communities in the coming years."

"No other party comes close to our score, and whether the Government is led by National or Labour, there is going to be plenty of need for our oceans, forest and animals to have a committed voice speaking on their behalf," Mrs Turei says.

To view poll results, go to: http://www.greens.org.nz/node/20300

ENDS

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