4 Mar 2012

'Green Growth' recommendations issued

11:07 am on 4 March 2012

A Government advisory group has issued a Green Growth report, which makes 26 recommendations in the mining, biodiversity, tourism and food and beverage sectors.

Chair Phil O'Reilly says New Zealand businesses need to work towards environmental policies to meet a growing demand for sustainable products and services.

Mr O'Reilly says environmental sustainability will be more important to businesses and consumers in the future.

He says the report highlights how green growth can be sustained across a broad range of activities.

The proposals include a recommendation that the Government seek a greater consensus from New Zealanders about what petroleum and mineral resources should be mined and how that happens.

Environment Minister Nick Smith has welcomed the report.

Green Party co-leader Russel Norman says the Government is using the report as PR spin to convince the public of the benefits of mining. Dr Smith denies this.