New Zealand’s environment is at the core of our national identity and our way of life. For most Kiwis it is considered a birthright to be able to get out and enjoy our great outdoors.  This unique ability to camp, fish, tramp, hunt, and picnic is part of what defines us as New Zealanders, and is enjoyed by young and old alike.

The reality is, though, that our natural environment, which we are all so proud of, is not being well managed. Many of our streams, rivers and lakes are deteriorating, greenhouse gas emissions are soaring, and our forest estate is shrinking for the first time in decades.  That’s why National’s environment, conservation and climate change polices aim to bring the new leadership and direction that our environmental management so badly needs.

Our approach in these areas is characterised by five important ‘Bluegreen’ principals. Firstly, economic growth and improving the environment must and can go hand in hand. Secondly, resource use must be based on sustainability. Thirdly, good science is essential to quality environmental decision-making. Fourthly, people respond best to change when engaged and given incentives.  And finally, Kiwis have a unique birthright to enjoy and access our special places. These principles are reflected in the following policies.

In climate change, we will set an achievable target of a 50% reduction in New Zealand's carbon-equivalent net emissions, as compared to 1990 levels, by 2050. In other words 50 by 50.

A well-designed, carefully balanced emissions trading scheme is the best tool to efficiently reduce emissions. Labour’s ETS, however, fails to meet these criteria. National will introduce and pass amending legislation to the Government's ETS within nine months of taking office, in line with our well-publicised series of six principles.

The ETS will be accompanied by other emission-reduction moves to encourage sustainable biofuels, electric vehicles, and solar water systems. These will include $1,000 grants for new and existing households to install solar water systems, and exempting electric cars from road-user charges.

National’s approach to biofuels reinforces our principles of ensuring policy is based on sound science and favouring incentives over Labour’s compulsion. We will support only those biofuels that are sustainably produced, and will replace Labour’s mandatory biofuel requirements with a consistent tax incentive for ethanol and biodiesel.  

In environmental governance, National will work with stakeholders to agree up to 20 national environment goals to be achieved by specific dates, at the latest by 2030.  Water will be a key focus.

To give those goals resonance, we will introduce legislation requiring the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment to conduct State of the Environment reports every five years.

We will also expand the existing Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) into an Environmental Protection Authority combining Erma's existing powers with new powers. These new responsibilities include development of National Policy Standards and taking on the national regulatory functions of the Resource Management Act.  In conjunction with this, we will refocus the Ministry for the Environment into a politically neutral, highly skilled, and respected policy advisor. These changes will not mean any extra bureaucrats.

In conservation, National, while recognising the Department of Conservation as the lead agency for conserving our native flora and fauna, will do more to encourage and incentivise private and community conservation. We will also require DOC to take a more consultative and engaging approach to landowners, as well as making the department more accountable.

Finally, National will establish a new national park in Northland's Waipoua and surrounding Kauri forests, and investigate a new national park on the public lands of the Waitakere Ranges.

Lifting New Zealand’s environment management is a must.  It is part of who we are and is at the core of our economic success.  New leadership and ideas are required.  National is ready and able to take up the challenge.