Simmonds PennyHon PENNY SIMMONDS (Minister for the Environment): Thank you Madam Speaker. As the Minister for the Environment I rise to address the New Zealand Bill of Rights (Right to Sustainable Environment) Amendment Bill brought forth by Green MP the Hon James Shaw. I would firstly like to extend seriously my best wishes to the member for his upcoming retirement from politics—10 years is indeed a noble effort and co-leader since 2015 so my very best wishes. I had not heard that your maiden speech was being characterised as human rights for snails" but it increases the anticipation I have for your valedictory speech.While we all share—and we do all share—an absolute common objective of safeguarding a clean healthy and sustainable environment for present and future generations it's imperative that we thoroughly deliberate the implications of this proposed legislation. Let me underscore that the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to environment sustainability. However we must approach this endeavour with a blend of pragmatism as well as caution.Scott Willis: And fossil fuels.Hon PENNY SIMMONDS: Our belief lies—well fossil fuels it might be there to be pointed out that the additional coal from Indonesia came in through the last Government. However let me underscore that the Government remains steadfast in its commitment. We want to approach this with pragmatism and with caution because our beliefs lie in attaining environmental objectives through intelligent and efficient measures that use the best science and the best technology to nurture economic growth rather than impede it.The introduction of section 18A into the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 though commendable in its intent carries the risk of it inadvertently erecting barriers to economic development and investments. It is crucial to recognise that rigid interpretations of this bill—as the member himself discussed—might impose cumbersome regulatory obligations potentially hindering growth and job creation. And this is just something that we simply cannot afford at this time in our country's history.What we truly need are sensible and pragmatic environmental regulations that so much of industry across the country is crying out for that will yield tangible results. The existing regulatory framework has grown excessively convoluted complex and expensive to implement failing to deliver the outcomes that New Zealanders rightfully expect. We believe that cutting wasteful compliance rather than adding to it is the key to unlocking the full potential of our nation both environmentally and economically.Furthermore we harbour reservations about the potential watering-down of existing environmental protection laws and the ambiguity that could come from interpretation of this amendment—how it might be introduced. We cannot afford to stifle innovation or constrain the evolution of future environmental policies in response to emerging challenges and scientific advancements. We know that in so many sectors and particularly in the agricultural sector we lead that innovation and advancement.I note the environmental interests are recognised already in several statutes in law including the Environmental Act 1986 the Resource Management Act the Climate Change Response Act 2002 and the Local Government Act 2002. We understand that fostering a conducive environment for investment is fundamentally essential to unleashing the economic growth that will drive our nation—New Zealand—forward. We seek not to add burdensome red tape but to strip it away clearing the path so that we do get innovation and we do get prosperity.It is paramount too that our opposition to this bill does not diminish our dedication to sound environmental stewardship. We acknowledge the necessity for a balanced approach where economic prosperity and environmental sustainability can coexist harmoniously. We've seen many examples of where rather than legislation pushing down actions on the ground pushing up have created environmental improvements—and we can see that across the country with the work that catchment groups do and farmers are leading that work.We must grow our economy not as an end in itself but a means to an end. An end where we can invest in renewable energy in the form of wind and solar farms infrastructure like a nationwide EV-charging network—and heaven knows in our very large Southland region we need a much more comprehensive network—and provide investment into our research and our university sector to help them develop cutting-edge emissions reduction technology which will in turn generate more money to be invested back into the sustainable economy forging a path towards a more sustainable future.Some people say it's very hard to be green when you're in the red. I like to take a more positive approach: it's easier to be green if you're in the black. So there are some key things that we need to ensure that we have a better environment and also a stronger economy by cutting wasteful compliance not adding to it. The greatest barrier to achieving a low-emissions high-productivity environmentally responsible economy is regulation.So in conclusion this Government is of the belief that legislation passed serves the best interest of our economy and our environment if we work together to craft solutions that promote sustainability without stifling growth as we believe this bill would. We need to ensure a legacy of both prosperity and protection for our country and for our grandchildren.I do not commend this New Zealand Bill of Rights (Right to Sustainable Environment) Amendment Bill to the House. I apologise that we are unable to do this for the member as he leaves Parliament but again I reiterate that we do wish him all the very best as he leaves this House. Thank you Madam Speaker."