Wagner Nicky: Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Forestry Sector) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Wagner Nicky: Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Forestry Sector) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:655;Page:4560] 
NICKY WAGNER (National) 
: 
 I rise to support the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Forestry Sector) Amendment Bill. The Government is introducing this bill to deal with technical aspects of the timing of the emissions trading scheme as it relates to forestry. The reason we are proposing this bill is that the special Emissions Trading Scheme Review Committee is still debating the issues and the process will not be completed before 30 June. The committee will report back in late July or early August so unless we amend the law now before 30 June many forest owners may find themselves acting in breach of the law and they may be adversely affected. 
It does not make sense for the Government to publish an allocation plan by 30 June when issues surrounding forestry are still in debate. The review committee has heard many and detailed submissions from the forestry sector and is still considering the final shape of the emissions trading scheme for forestry. It is also considering the introduction of offsetting or another mechanism for pre-1990 forests. Getting the inclusion of forestry into an emissions trading scheme is a complex process. New Zealand is the first country to attempt it so we must take our time and we must do the work to get it right. We are well aware of the enormous financial and environmental importance of forestry to New Zealand and to our economy and we understand that these decisions are critical for foresters. Of course we are working towards the substantive climate change amendment legislation later in the year and this is where the final shape of the forestry scheme will be spelt out. 
New Zealand is a country that values its clean green brand. Most New Zealanders identify closely with the natural environment and understand that we must be responsible international citizens when it comes to dealing with climate change and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Our two biggest industries agriculture and tourism rely heavily on the quality of our natural environment. Tourists come to see our beautiful clean green country and when we sell our agricultural products overseas food safety is of the utmost importance. In doing good for the environment we do good for our economy as well. 
So the Government and New Zealanders are committed to making emissions reductions but we want to reduce emissions in ways that result in the least cost to society and the economy. The Bluegreens the environmentalists in the National Party have developed a series of values that help us make decisions on environmental matters. The overriding principle is that we must use our resources in a sustainable manner and we believe that economic growth and improving the environment can and must go hand in hand and I was very interested to hear Charles Chauvel saying something very similar earlier this evening. 
It is important that all environmental decision-making is based on good science. It is the only way to get quality decisions. We also believe that people respond best to change when they are engaged or given incentives and that is why we generally support financial instruments rather than just adding another tax. Philosophically we prefer the flexibility and choices available within an emissions trading scheme to a carbon tax. We believe that financial instruments when used effectively can provide incentives for businesses and organisations to do the right thing environmentally by choice rather than by rules and Draconian legislation. 
We want to harness the innovation of New Zealanders and New Zealand companies to develop ways to manage their greenhouse gases and protect the environment. Of course the profile of New Zealand’s greenhouse gases is heavily influenced by our agricultural emissions. Over 50 percent come from our farms whereas in most developed countries agricultural emissions are nearer 12 or 15 percent. We have an unusual profile of emissions and one that is particularly difficult to manage but New Zealand is recognised for its expertise and research and development in the agricultural and forestry sectors and that is why we are leading the development of an international research centre focused on greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector. The Centre for Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research will be a great opportunity for us to use our unique knowledge and expertise to tackle the issue both in New Zealand and internationally. Of course we will be doing anything we can to tackle the other major areas that produce greenhouse gas emissions: energy use and transport. 
As I said New Zealand is a country that values its clean green brand. New Zealanders identify closely with the natural environment and want to be responsible when it comes to dealing with climate change. Forestry is an important part of our environment our economy and our response to climate change. The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Forestry Sector) Amendment Bill will ensure that we take our time to do the work and understand the international conditions so that we can create an effective long-lasting and sustainable emissions trading scheme for forestry and for New Zealand.