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Research Outline
Prepared for Millie B. | Delivered January 29, 2020
NZ Political Parties and the Environment/Trees
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Goals
To provide an overview of the stance of each of the major political parties in regards to the environment, including any specific information on their efforts to plant or protect trees.
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Early Findings
Labour Party
New Zealand's Labour Party has taken an official stance on
protecting the environment
. The party's stance is rooted in the belief that "
all things are interconnected
, and we are kaitiaki of land, sea, freshwater and air."
The Labour Party's official stance
addresses
the need to protect water resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions to impact climate change, conserve New Zealand's natural environment, protect endangered species, address
t
g
e
relationship between tourism and the environment and increase the use of renewable energy sources while decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.
T
h
e
Labour party, in conjunction with the Kauri Dieback Programme, has made efforts to protect New Zealand's native kauri trees, which have been increasingly impacted by dieback disease. These efforts include the development of the National Pest Management Plan (NPMP), which includes "
mandatory hygiene practices
, consistent regulations that apply nationally, stronger governance and access to funding."
The Labour Party has also launched the
One Billion Trees Programme
, which aims to plant one billion trees by 2028. This program aims to make planting the "
right tree
, in the right place, for the right purpose" easier and to double the current rate of planting in the country to achieve its goal.
T
h
e
O
n
e
Billion Trees Programme includes
$240 million
in funding to encourage the planting of trees.
National Party
The National Party has taken an official stance on the environment. Their stated environmental priorities include "
improved freshwater quality
, cleaner air, a reduction in harmful waste, better management of our oceans and the facilitation of urban development."
The National Party claims to be working on
science-based solutions
to address environmental issues with all New
Z
e
a
l
a
n
d
e
r
s
.
The National Party's stance on platform claims to be "
delivering better management
of our environment while ensuring we deliver a growing economy and more jobs."
T
h
e
National Party's stance on the
environment
does not include any mention of planting or protecting trees.
A search of commentary, statements and policies published by the party uncovered some
criticism
of the Labour Party's One Billion Trees programme, but no mention of the National Party's efforts specific to planting or protecting trees.
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