The Government has announced a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 10% to 20% below 1990 levels, by 2020.
The target was to be tabled on Monday at the latest round of international climate change negotiations in Germany.
Meeting the aim will cost New Zealanders about $30 each a week, mainly through increased petrol and power prices.
The Prime Minister, John Key, says the target is internationally credible, and environmentally and economically responsible.
He says it is going to be a big ask for New Zealand because the country's gross emissions are already 24% above 1990 levels. However, he says the target carefully balances the country's environmental responsibilities with the economic costs.
The Minister Responsible for Climate Change Issues, Nick Smith, says it is important for New Zealand to balance its green image with a productive economy. He says 10% - 20% is a flexible target, which will depend on progress by the rest of the world.
The Minister says even achieving the lower target will not be easy.
