NACT policy – like pistons in a Vespa

Written By: - Date published: 5:17 pm, May 8th, 2009 - 18 comments
Categories: flip-flop, national/act government - Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Jeanette Fitzsimmons has written a very good post from the Emissions Trading Scheme special select committee* about her views on the impact of farming on our Kyoto obligations. She commented on the Federated Farmers submission which essentially said that they thought farming should be excluded from paying anything. That really isn’t feasible in NZ because…

However, in NZ methane and nitrous oxide from farming are the large half (51%) of our emissions. Leaving them out means taxpayers fork out a hefty subsidy to farming, or other energy users pay twice as much as they otherwise would.

What is as interesting as Jeanette’s post was the long set of comments, once you got past some of the usual commenting suspects and get into people genuinely discussing the issues raised. The need for research in the primary sectors keeps coming up over and over again. The techniques that are known to have some efficacy at reducing greenhouse gas emissions are not accepted by the Kyoto protocols because they have insufficent evidence to back up their claims. The main reason appears to be that there simply hasn’t been enough work done on them.

This was part of what the $700 million Fast Forward Fund that Jim Anderton put in  place last year was designed to start moving into high gear. It was a long-thought out proposal that probably didn’t do enough bearing in mind the size of the industry in NZ, as Rod Oram said. However National reflexively and immediately denounced the plan and said that they would scrap after the election without bothering to look at the plan – to widespread condemnation by the industries that supported it.

Organisations that have issued statements welcoming New Zealand Fast Forward include Business NZ, Dairy NZ, ZESPRI, Fonterra, the Meat Industry Association, Meat and Wool New Zealand, PGG Wrightson. Horticluture New Zealand, Crop and Food Research and many more.

National said they’d replace it with a ‘better’ system, and then very quietly snuck off and dumped it in Feburary after the election.

Well it is now months later and it appears that there is absolutely nothing to replace the FFF, and apparently nothing in the pipeline. Moana Mckey from Labour asked about it in a press statement earlier this month and as far as I can see there was no response.

Our current Minister of Finance said while denouncing FFF

Mr English says National will make long-term funding commitments to science, research and development which provide certainty to the sector.

Now you’re dumped the certainty, how are you going to regain it as you promised? Is it in the black budget?

John Key said that

National is committed to boosting research and development into emissions-reducing technology, especially in agriculture. Around the world, countries will be focusing their research dollars on the main causes of their own emissions, and so should we.

Yeah right – where is it? There doesn’t appear to have been a single movement towards any of the points Key outlined since the election apart from some slash and burn ‘cost-cutting’ across all departments. I certainly can’t see any visible on the net.

In fact the best description of NACT ‘policy’ since the election was in a prescient statement by Jim Anderton last year

Imagine if these guys were in government. Policy would fizz backwards and forwards like the piston in a Vespa,’ Jim Anderton said.

That is what it exactly how it has looked like since the election. Lots of activity, strange schemes, and nothing much happening apart from an economy sliding further into a recession.

* This select committee is becoming a bit of a farce, as MP’s from the party Act who initiated this review are not attending. The slacker appears to be Rodney Hide, and presumably whomever he gets to attend in his absence. No Right Turn speculates that this is because they don’t want evidence to upset their preconceptions. However it is as likely that Rodney is busy firefighting the super-city proposals defects.

18 comments on “NACT policy – like pistons in a Vespa ”

  1. Irascible 1

    Rodney’s non appearance might be because his credentials as a “Climatologist” so often broadcast in election advertising last year might be exposed as being as fictional as his ability to answer questions about his super city scheme and the real costs involved.
    Remember the old rule of survival: “When your credibilty and integrity are liable to be exposed as being non existent it’s time to fail to front up to the questioners.”

  2. who’d wanna b rodney hide huh?

    oh wait, the jobs filled.

    and he didn’t even need to apply.

    nepotism of the worst kind. inbreeding hillbillies of Epsom?. but he’s not from there. he’s ‘made up’. A lickspit&polishtician.

    i suspect rodders of narcissism

    not nazism.

    mmmmm rodney, ooh roddy u r nooughty,… no u r,…. oh shush yr……mmm i like it like tha…..ooh…..what? what did i? …ahhh luvverly…….

    I’d vote for me. Ay Rodney?

    captcha: matts when they

    what the hell?

  3. edoze 3

    fUCK you people suck balls, big hairy stinky balls.

    Why dont you people do something cool, post on the kiwis test tonight.

    Nah didnt think so, you tossers wouldn’t be into something as masculine as sport would ya. Crochet and talking smack about politics is your thing aye.

    • Eddie 3.1

      edoze. this is a political blog, there’s a hundred other sites you can go to to talk league, or you can just talk to your mates about it.

      Speaking of masculine, how ‘masculine’ is it to have a cry because we’re not writing about what you want?

  4. Doug 4

    Responses to “NACT policy – like pistons in a Vespa’
    But But The public don’t think so.
    http://www.roymorgan.com/news/polls/2009/4376/

    • r0b 4.1

      But The public don’t think so.

      Not yet…

      Speaking of good ideas that would have stimulated the economy, and that the Nats cancelled against advice, let’s not forget the dumped R&D tax credits and the slashed funding for small exporters. Unbelievably short sighted thinking.

      • Rex Widerstrom 4.1.1

        Agreed. And considering the beneficiaries of these measures were businesses, and the FFF would have been of benefit to farmers, perhaps the Nat leadership need reminding of their core demographics.

        I doubt the average swining voter would have been too vexed over the items you mention, yet business gets them ripped away.

        Yet something pro-business but unpopular with the voters, like harsher employment laws, gets paraded as a “100 days” achievement.

        See, this is what puzzles me when people here start going on about secret C/T master plans. Either a) there isn’t one or b) there is and they’re crap. I pick b, in which case I’m surprised the left isn’t positively encouraging the situation.

        • r0b 4.1.1.1

          I think the C/T master plan was about how to get elected, the end. Now they’re the government they haven’t got a plan, so they’re falling back on the old, old instincts.

    • ak 4.2

      Ah, not quite Dougie. Not “the public”. Just the crucial 5-8% of Joe and Polyanna Ever-Swingwell voters who determine our leadership.

      And sure, at the moment they’re happily chaffing back the Nactana Cocoa Pops dished up daily by their granny and her gummy pals: why wouldn’t our pets love it in the absence of anything substantial?

      Trouble is, Doug, sugar rushes never last. Especially in a fibre-free zone. That rumble you hear isn’t just the sound of Rodders’ paltry poll falling below Winnies: it’s the intestinal precursor to severe diarrhoea coming later in the year. To a street and a town near to mine and your own.

      Watch closely Dougal; the eyes have it: Sunny Biketrack’s grin is all wind: and the fear-to-fart creeping into those fish-eyes is all about the pressure behind Billy’s Fudgeit Budget. Fascinating entertainment coming up: the “Christian” versus the lyin’.

  5. serpico 5

    Flashback – I had a V8 Vespa with ape hangers back in the 60’s when I was doing acid undercover work.Rock on man.

  6. inpassing 6

    re your – lprent (hi, this in lieu ripp0) asterisked note’s word “preconceptions” above..

    please see comment also and relating same/similar subjects.. and can we suspect for the same reason/s.. 🙂

  7. Gareth 7

    So given the combined issues of:
    – the removal of necessary funding for research in this space, and
    – few recognised (in the Kyoto sense) options for farmers to actively respond to the price signal aspect of a carbon charge,
    why don’t we set agriculture up with a 100% revenue recycling emissions scheme that invests a large chunk of the tax-paid/units-bought into an NZFFF-type fund focussed on emissions reduction. The remainder could partly go towards paying their share of the Kyoto obligation. Keep it away from general taxation and invest to reduce our emissions bill in the medium term.

    • Zaphod Beeblebrox 7.1

      Why not just have a general carbon tax. Use the revenue to compensate the worst affected and invest in clean technology and emissions reduction.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • $571 million for Defence pay and projects
    Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago
  • Climate change – mitigating the risks and costs
    New Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago
  • Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
    Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Accelerating Social Investment
    A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Getting Back on Track
    Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with  your Board and team, for hosting me.   I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
    Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith,   Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States,   Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us.   Ladies and gentlemen -    In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Therapeutic Products Act to be repealed
    The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violence
    Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston.  “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs less
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Report provides insights into marine recovery
    New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • NZ to send political delegation to the Pacific
    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region.   The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu.    “New Zealand has deep and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Low gas production threatens energy security
    There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co.  Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
    Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry
    Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data Summit
    It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government.  I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Ceasefire agreement needed now: Peters
    New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Daily school attendance data now available
    A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.  The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-10T01:17:43+00:00