Media Release Thursday,
April 12th, 2001

Assurances on Kyoto welcome

The messages given by Science Minister Pete Hodgson this week on New Zealand's position over the Kyoto Protocol are reassuring and welcome, the Employers & Manufacturers Association says.

"Business was concerned New Zealand would try to adopt climate change controls ahead of a commitment by our trading partners do the same," said Bruce Goldsworthy, EMA's Director of Manufacturing.

"Minister Hodgson's statements this week saying this will not be the case recognises our business competitiveness and investment potential would be put at risk by any unilateral action.

"We welcome Government's recognition the concern is legitimate and real and that it intends to proceed cautiously, and will consult affected parties before making commitments.

"We note the Minister finds negotiating climate change issues is "very technical and very political" but that the issue won't go away.

"We are intensely aware "a workable international emissions trading system (with) recognition of forest carbon sinks" has a long and complex way to go before the world will sign up to it.

"New Zealand business is keen to contribute to seek workable, equitable methods of reducing carbon emissions, and to support strategies to cut energy use and other forms of waste"

Further comments: Bruce Goldsworthy tel 09 367 0948 (bus) 09 522 2723 (hme)

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