2 Jul 2016

Cut in spending on greenhouse gas advice - Greens

1:40 pm on 2 July 2016

The Government has cut the amount it intends to spend on advice for reducing domestic greenhouse gas emissions.

Figures obtained by the Green Party show the amount set aside in this year's Budget is about $3.5 million, down $800,000 from the previous year.

29062016 Photo RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King. Green Party Co-leader James Shaw.

Green Party co-leader James Shaw. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Party co-leader James Shaw said the government was not making climate change a priority.

He said domestic greenhouse gas emissions had risen by 19 percent since the National Party had been in government.

"Reducing the amount that they're spending on advice at this particular time, after the Paris Agreement has been signed, when the onus is one us to reduce our greenhouse emissions, is daft," he said.

Paula Bennett during caucus run 1.03.16

Climate Change Minister Paula Bennett. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

However, Climate Change Minister Paula Bennett said she was comfortable with the level of advice, and it was more important to spend money on initiatives, rather than advice.

"More money on electric vehicles, more money in public transport is what's most important," she said.

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