13 February 2019
Press release
Public opinion clearly supports a cleaner, greener NZ
A Colmar Brunton survey released today clearly shows New Zealanders’ growing concerns about climate change, pollution and waste, says Green
Party Co-leader James Shaw.
“The results of the Colmar Brunton survey confirm that we’re on the right track with our plan for a smarter, cleaner,
low-emissions New Zealand.
“The increased concerns from New Zealanders about climate change, plastic waste, and water quality certainly don’t
surprise me.
“Those increased concerns are a reminder that New Zealanders increasingly want to lead more sustainable lifestyles and
want meaningful action from government and business on environmental protection and climate change.
“The Green Party is focused on solutions to the plastic waste choking our oceans and the dolphins, whales and fish which
live in them.
New Zealanders have listed this as their top concern and my colleague, Green Minister Eugenie Sage, is leading the
Government’s efforts to phase out unnecessary plastic and ultimately to create a zero-waste economy.
“I’m working to create cross-party support for a zero carbon bill as the centrepiece of our response to the climate
crisis. And Green Minister Julie Anne Genter is working to diversify how New Zealanders get about, with fast,
comfortable and convenient trains, buses, cycling and walking.
“The increased concern New Zealanders are showing for the environment inspires all our Green Party Ministers and MPs.
Clearly more New Zealanders want to lead sustainable, environmentally-friendly lifestyles. And they support both
government and business making decisions that help them do so, like ditching single use plastic bags and choosing more
sustainable travel alternatives”.
ends