Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

The goods and services that make up our economy are dependent on our planet's ecological
systems. Yet natural capital is grossly undervalued in economic and cost-benefit
calculations, which have a short-term focus. Natural systems are in bad shape. A disastrous
3-4 degree warming of the Earth is looking increasingly likely, biodiversity is being lost at an
alarming rate, and acidification is pushing the oceans close to their ecological limits.
Like all economically developed nations, New Zealand is contributing to global climate
change. Labour wants New Zealand to become a carbon neutral nation that takes full
responsibility for its greenhouse gas emissions. We also need to address issues around
water supply and quality, deal more effectively and efficiently with our waste, and ensure
New Zealanders are breathing clean air.
Leading by example
Labour believes government must set the standard and take a leadership role on
sustainability. We will focus on the development of better public sector business practice
with clear criteria around how to operate sustainably. This includes a whole of government
approach for energy efficiency and procurement of low-emission vehicles.
Labour will establish measurable standards and will encourage leadership of
sustainable practice across the public sector.
The development of sustainable business practice across the public sector will make it
possible to establish benchmarks and standards for private businesses wishing to work with
government agencies to provide goods and services.
Labour will implement a programme within government that:
Establishes benchmarks and standards for what sustainable businesses look
like
Modifies the government contract tendering system to identify green
businesses that comply with those benchmarks and standards and which
want to tender for government contracts.
Environment centres and environmental education
Labour values the role Environment Centres play in providing advice and guidance to their
local communities and in bringing people together to take action to protect and enhance the
environment. Environment Centres also provide valuable assistance to local authorities in
the implementation of local and regional plans. However, many areas of the country do not
yet have Environment Centres.
Labour will encourage the development of a network of Environment Centres around
the country, and support them in delivering guidance and leadership on sustainable
business practice within their communities.
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