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The environment is increasingly becoming a topic of conversation throughout the world.  I see Kiwi families everywhere doing their bit.  People are switching off those light bulbs and being more careful what they do with recyclable waste.  I often get people coming up to me and saying that helping the environment has also been helping their back pockets - better insulated warmer and healthier homes, more fuel efficient cars and even simple things, like turning off appliances at the wall have all reduced pollution and saved money.

Earlier this year Labour bought back New Zealand's trains from an Australian company so that we can ensure that New Zealand's railways work for New Zealanders' interests not for Aussies' pockets.  We will be able to move more freight off our roads and onto rail making our roads safer and less congested. 

With rising fuel prices, rail will certainly play a bigger role in public transport in our major centres and Labour will now be able to ensure that the much needed investment in railway will take place.  These initiatives and New Zealand's commitment to the environment recently received world recognition when we were asked to host World Environment Day.

Labour knows businesses will need to play a vital role in making sure New Zealand remains green and competitive in a world increasingly worried about the environment. And we're committed to ensuring businesses become more sustainable.

This year, Labour introduced a tax credit for investment in R&D and cut the business tax rate from 33 cents to 30 cents to help businesses to invest in innovation and sustainability.  Labour has also committed $700m for agricultural R&D, which will by matched by businesses.

With the right funding new technologies emerging in solar, wave and tidal power will be positive for both New Zealand and the rest of the world.

It is great to see Australia taking similar moves to New Zealand on the environment.  Both of our countries are moving to establish emissions trading schemes which will give monetary benefits to clean and sustainable businesses and energy generators.

As the world is becoming more concerned about the environment, New Zealand can either position ourselves to benefit from this economic change, or be left behind.  That is why it is so disappointing to see National dragging their heels on the issue.  John Key - who famously called climate change a ‘hoax' - is again failing to show any leadership on climate change and the environment. 

National refuse to support Labour's move towards cleaner, renewable energy generation.  They are promising to increase supply by burning coal and gas and reform the RMA to fast-track these power plants.  National has shown itself to have no new ideas and be out of touch.  National is putting sustainable energy in the too-hard basket.

Labour supports the huge investment currently underway in geothermal and wind generation.  We know that our export, agriculture and tourism industries rely on New Zealand's clean green image.  We are committed to preparing our economy for the future.  New Zealand's natural beauty is one of our biggest assets and Labour will make sure that it will remain that way for generations of Kiwis to come.

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