Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Iwi group lauds decision to slow ETS

Updated at 7:27 am on 5 July 2012

The Climate Change Iwi Leadership Group says the Government's decision this week to slow down the Emissions Trading Scheme is prudent and responsible.

Chairman Apirana Mahuika says slowing down the ETS to keep pace with other countries' climate change programmes will ensure Maori export businesses aren't put at a competitive disadvantage.

He says the Government's recognition of indigenous forests, both for their ability to capture carbon and their biodiversity attributes, was raised repeatedly at hui held throughout New Zealand.

Mr Mahuika says it's positive for Maori that the Climate Change Minister has agreed to work with the Iwi Leadership Group on appropriate options to recognise the value of indigenous forests, which aren't currently covered by the ETS scheme.

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