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Thursday, November 23 2006
Solar water heating in New Zealand gets boost

At the initiative of the Green Party, as part of its "confidence and supply" agreement with the ruling Labour/Progressive coalition, the Government is investing $15.5 million to increase the use of solar water heating in New Zealand.

Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation Jeanette Fitzsimons says that, with climate change accelerating and energy prices rising, it makes sense to use the sun to heat our water.

The programme will run for five and a half years from now, with $15.5 million allocated for the first three and a half years. Funding levels for the final two years will be decided after a review in 2009.

“Our initial goal is to double the numbers of solar water heating systems being installed,” says Ms Fitzsimons.

This will see approximately approximately 15,000 to 20,000 systems installed by 2010. Assuming this electricity would have otherwise been supplied by coal and gas power stations, the estimated CO2 savings are equivalent to getting 5000 to 7000 cars off the road.

- New Zealand Government

Wednesday. July 19 2006

 * Water resource rental opposed


 * Lobby group Irrigation New Zealand says it will fight against any moves that could see farmers having to pay for water on a "resource rental" or volume-used basis.


 * In April, agriculture minister Jim Anderton kicked forward the Government's Sustainable Water Programme of Action to develop a strategic approach to managing New Zealand's freshwater resources.


 * Canterbury-based INZ chief executive Terry Heiler said any calls to have water allocated on a charge by volume basis would be strongly opposed. “That's got major implications, that's not done anywhere else that I know of in the world ... “


 * http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3735958a13,00.html

Latest publicity exercise by the Opposition
‘Axe carbon tax’ campaign launched

The New Zealand National Party yesterday (when was this?) launched a campaign to defeat Labour’s carbon tax.

Party Leader Don Brash says the tax will see all New Zealanders pay six cents more per litre of petrol, six per cent more for electricity, seven per cent more for gas, seven cents more per litre of diesel, and 1.3 per cent more for groceries.

“The carbon tax will increase the cost of living, undermine the competitiveness of business and achieve nothing for the environment,” says Brash. “New Zealand is the only country in the world to impose a carbon tax, despite our emissions amounting to just 0.4% of the global total. There is no evidence to suggest the carbon tax will reduce emissions.”

The campaign involves thousands of postcards being distributed to households, a petition available at petrol stations, and a series of regional and industry visits by National MPs. More information can be found on the campaign’s website – www.axecarbontax.co.nz.