In the red corner

Our Government made it clear to Kiwis that we would take meaningful action on climate change, and that’s exactly what we have done.

As a country, we can’t opt out of the effects of climate change, so we can’t opt out of taking action.

During the past four years, we have laid the foundations for bold, enduring climate action that will reach across governments and generations.

Because of this work, New Zealand is on track to bend the curve of our emissions downwards for the first time in history.

Last week we released the Emissions Reduction Plan, which will meet the Climate Commission’s independent science-based emissions reduction targets.

The plan guides the work we do together – government, businesses, and communities – so that collectively, we transition to a high-wage, low emissions economy that provides security for all Kiwis in good times and bad.

The plan supports more people to purchase EVs, our towns and cities to have world-leading public and active transport infrastructure, our highest emitters to make the switch to clean and reliable energy, our farmers with the technology and tools they need to grow food in ways that help the climate and enhance our global brand, and more of our homes to be warmer and more affordable to heat.

Through our Climate Emergency Response Fund, we’re making the biggest investment in climate action ever, to support the initiatives set out in the Emissions Reduction Plan.

Addressing climate change is the right thing to do to safeguard our environment for future generations and it’s also the smart thing to do.

Taking action now will benefit our economy and reduce cost pressures on Kiwi households and businesses.

We build consensus with other parties wherever possible, to ensure change that endures.

It has been concerning to see National Party leader Christopher Luxon saying he opposed supporting businesses because National ‘‘expect companies to be cutting their emissions without help’’.

Climate change won’t stop and wait for Luxon’s expectations.

Decisions – and action – need to be taken now, not least because leaving everything up to businesses on their own would make action more expensive in the long run.

We need to get on with it and we are.