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The New Zealand energy situation is not a healthy one. Maui gas has been wasted, very little has been done to encourage conservation, and our environment is still at risk from new coal generation and mega-transmission lines. Nuclear power is also not an option for this country.

Green Party Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons has been at the forefront of campaigning for a sustainable energy future for this country for 30 years, living her message with an off-grid home. In her first term Jeanette introduced the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill to Parliament which was finally enacted in May 2000 – the first Green Party Bill to become law. The Greens also negotiated with the Government to add $3 million to the funding of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) so they could do more of the tasks that the Bill had spelt out.

In October 2005, as part of the co-operation agreement with the Labour-led Government, Jeanette was appointed the Government spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and is working with ECCA on an Energy Efficiency and Solar Initiative that will

  • significantly reduce the projected $500 million Kyoto deficit by 2008.
  • meet the government's NEECS target of 2% pa improved energy efficiency
  • improve living conditions with warmer, drier homes and solar hot water
  • slow the increase in the cost of oil imports.

Read our energy policy

What's New

Fitzsimons visits the future on the last day of campaign

07 Nov 2008

Today Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons visited a junior school under construction which incorporates a number of heating and energy initiatives, making it one of the most efficient schools in the country.

Green change we need

06 Nov 2008

I greet you on a most auspicious day.

It is auspicious as a day of sadness because it is three years since we lost our friend and co-leader Rod Donald. Rod loved election campaigns and I’m sure he would’ve loved this one because the Greens time has come and the Greens will do well this Saturday.

Transport Policy Summary - Smart Moves

16 Oct 2008

New Zealanders need more transport choices. Transport accounts for well over 40% of climate-changing CO2 emissions, and the era of cheap oil, on which our transport system depends, is coming to an end.

Greens worried campaign is taking its toll on PM

16 Oct 2008

The Green Party is concerned that the stress of the election campaign may be causing the Prime Minister's memory to fail her.

Rumours about showers

16 Oct 2008

When will the media report the facts about proposed changes to the Building Code in relation to water heating, rather than the political spin being circulated by some politicians? There is no proposal to restrict flow rates in showers.

National announces plan to keep homes cold and damp

14 Oct 2008

National’s plans to cancel the Green Party’s $1 billion home insulation programme reveals yet again that they are not interested in the health and welfare of ordinary New Zealanders, Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says.

Coal - The Facts

06 Oct 2008

New Zealand is not liable under Kyoto for the greenhouse gases that come from coal mined here but burnt overseas. Never the less, we are still responsible for this climate disaster, one of the fastest growing and most polluting forms of energy, which is also the cause of massive environmental damage and species extinction here at home. Get the facts about the New Zealand Coal industry here.

Cross-Govt FAQs on CFLs (eco bulbs)

01 Oct 2008

CFLs use up to 80% less energy than a normal light bulb and can last 8-10 times as long, so they’re a good lighting option in many situations. CFLs do contain a very small amount of mercury, so like many household products that contain potentially toxic substances (e.g. cell phones, batteries), you should use them and dispose of them sensibly.

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