Te Mihi's contribution to government policies and objectives
The government is committed to a sustainable energy system. New Zealand needs to respond to climate change and reduce carbon emissions from our energy production and use. We also need to ensure our energy systems can deliver secure, clean energy at affordable prices to support economic development.
In the past six years, the government has introduced a number of specific energy and energy-related policies and strategies that contribute to a more sustainable energy system. They include:
- the New Zealand Energy Strategy to 2050 (October 2007), which sets out a path to a sustainable low emissions energy system (addressed in more detail below);
- the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy1 (October 2007)
- the introduction of an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to address climate change. This is to be implemented progressively from 2008 to include all sectors of the economy by January 2013.
- the Sustainable Development Programme of Action in 2003, which sets out principles for sustainable development policy and decision-making. Energy is one of four action areas identified in the programme;
- the Government Policy Statement on Electricity Governance2, which outlines the overall objective for the electricity industry of ensuring that electricity is produced and delivered to all classes of consumer in an efficient, fair, reliable and environmentally sustainable manner and promoting and facilitating the efficient end use of electricity;
- amendments to section 7 of the RMA (addressed in more detail below);
- the preparation of a National Policy Statement on Renewable Energy; and
- the establishment of the Electricity Commission in 2003.
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