11 August 2009 Media Statement

Inflated ‘costs” of target cynical and misleading

The fact the National Government has got it so badly wrong in terms of the cost of its emissions target to individual New Zealanders undermines the credibility of the rest of its package, says Labour climate change spokesperson Charles Chauvel.

“I find it hard to believe that National could overstate the cost to New Zealanders of its 10 to 20 percent target by so much unless it is being totally cynical in trying to persuade New Zealanders the country can’t do any more than the timid approach it favours,” said Charles Chauvel.

“Prime Minister John Key and Climate Change Minister Nick Smith solemnly outlined yesterday that the cost of National’s package to individual New Zealanders in 2020 would be $1450, or $30 a week if it’s averaged up.

“That is so blatantly wrong that it leaves little room for doubt that the Government is trying to pull the wool over the eyes of Kiwis,” said Charles Chauvel.

“The cost of the emissions target will not be totally absorbed in 2020. Spread over 10 years, as it will be, the cost will be $145 a year --- or about $2.80 a week.

“Kiwis need to ask why the Government is setting out to frighten them. The answer surely is that this timid and short-sighted Government is too frightened to stand up to business and agriculture pressure groups who are putting their own interests ahead of the national interest.

“National is using its dubious and misleading tactics to try to divert public attention from its cop-out in terms of New Zealand showing global leadership in setting pollution reduction targets.”

ENDS

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