New Zealand

New Zealand, current population about 4 million, was among the earliest members of the United Nations.

It has been prominent in moves to protect the Earth, including having a Cabinet Minister sailing on a ship into the French nuclear testing zone in protest against the testing. The French Government later sent to New Zealand a team of spies, who fatally blew up a Greenpeace ship in Auckland.

It is proud of its "clean, green" image.

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

The New Zealand National Party yesterday 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.