1. Education: New Zealand is struggling to produce enough science and technology graduates to meet the demanded for a skilled workforce. What will you do to improve the attractiveness of science and technology among young students in the education sector?
National was disappointed to see the results of the latest NEMP survey on science in primary school show that almost two out of five Year 8 pupils didn’t enjoy science at primary school. We were also disappointed that the number of Year 8 pupils who indicated they never did really good things in science had doubled to almost 16%. We believe the solution to making science and technology the sector more attractive is a complex one.
We believe that National’s broadband policy, which will deliver ultra-fast broadband to schools, is an important way to ensure pupils at all schools have access to information from the Internet, video conferencing, and other online interactions that they cannot currently access. The science and technology areas are fields that we believe will be able to take huge advantage of the potential to deliver more interactive information in this way.
We also believe that the quality and quantity of science and technology teachers matters. We are committed to addressing these shortages and will work with the sector to find ways to get science and technology professionals into teaching positions. We realise that we don’t have a monopoly on good ideas in this area and want to work with the sector to encourage more pupils into science and technology careers.
2. Bio-security. An outbreak of foot and mouth disease could devastate New Zealand’s primary sector on which we are economically dependent. Likewise, a global pandemic, such as Avian Flu could cut New Zealand off from its economic allies. What will your Government do to help prepare the country for a disease outbreak, bio-terrorism attack or global pandemic?
Effective biosecurity is essential to the success of New Zealand’s economy, health and environment. In the past five years, 333 new organisms have been detected and validated as being present within New Zealand. Deliberate breaching of New Zealand’s borders by items which pose a biodiversity risk is unacceptable.
National will address biosecurity further in its Biosecurity policy which will be released soon. Fines, import health standards, inspections, pest management, surveillance, and legislative approaches will be outlined in the policy.
3. Energy: Our reliance on hydro-electric power as an energy source raises questions about the future security and sustainability of power generation in New Zealand. What policies would you support to meet demand for energy while ensuring an economically and environmentally sustainable future and where do you stand on nuclear energy?
National is concerned about whether Labour’s current energy policy settings can give New Zealanders confidence in the security of our future energy supply. We will do four things to ensure the lights stay on:
• We will acknowledge the extent of future demand. National believes that growth in electricity demand will be closer to 2% per year than the 1.2% per year that Labour has flagged. We will plan for realistic levels of future demand growth, because running out of electricity is a risk we are not prepared to take.
• We will reform the Resource Management Act (RMA) to allow more renewable generation to be built. Not enough new electricity generation has come online in the past nine years under Labour. A big reason for that is the RMA, which has created a climate of uncertainty around new development, and delayed decisions that need to be taken quickly.
National will introduce to Parliament a bill to reform the RMA within the first 100 days of our first term. These reforms will send a message about the seriousness of our support for considerable new investment in electricity generation. National believes there is a role for more wind, geothermal, and hydro generation in our energy mix.
• We will send a clear signal that gas will be a part of the energy mix needed for security of supply. The lesson from this winter is that thermal electricity generation is essential in keeping the lights on. At times this winter, thermal electricity was providing over 50% of our power needs. National will, therefore, overturn Labour’s ban on new base-load thermal power stations. We will allow generators to make decisions about future gas investments without government peering over their shoulder. New plants like e3p at Huntly are highly efficient and produce relatively few carbon emissions.
• We will streamline the investment and decision-making processes for investing in new transmission. New Zealand has a very complex and costly electricity regulatory environment. National will undertake a careful review of the roles that Transpower, the Electricity Commission, and the Commerce Commission take in the electricity sector.
New Zealand must balance its energy needs with its environmental responsibilities. In the past eight years, well over half of new electricity generation has come from thermal sources. National is determined to provide clear policy settings that favour renewable electricity generation.
The primary means of doing this will be through an Emissions Trading Scheme that puts a price on carbon and which will send appropriate signals to those wishing to invest in new generation. We believe that one effect of our proposed ETS will be the phasing-out of the use of coal to fuel the Huntly power station.
This could significantly lower New Zealand’s emissions from electricity. We also expect that our proposed ETS will result in no new coal stations being built – unless proven technologies for carbon capture and storage change the emissions profile of coal.
In relation to nuclear energy, National sees no need for nuclear energy to be developed in New Zealand. We have an array of cheap, plentiful, and renewable alternatives.
4. Research and development: New Zealand has lagged behind other OECD countries when it comes to research in R&D, particular private sector R&D. What is your approach to encouraging R&D in general and in particular among New Zealand businesses?
National will broadly reduce taxes, which will make it more attractive for researchers and scientists to undertake research in New Zealand. We will also boost funding for research and science:
• Establish an international centre for research dedicated to the reduction of on-farm greenhouse gas emissions, and fund it at $20 million.
• $25 million a year funding boost for research consortia in the primary and food sectors.
• $25 million a year boost within Vote RS&T for primary sector and food research.
• $157.5 million boost over three years for the Performance Based Research Fund, the Marsden Fund, and the Health Research Council.
• $157.5 million boost over three years for secure funding for Crown Research Institutes.
• $1 million a year for new annual Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.
• Create a new role of Prime Minister’s Science Adviser, to be filled by a scientist seconded for a time from the sector.
5. Climate change: How confident are you that the recently passed emissions trading legislation will prove effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions? What other policy measures would you take to tackle climate change?
Within nine months of taking office, National will pass legislation to amend Labour’s Emissions Trading Scheme. We will ensure that a New Zealand ETS is introduced on 1 January 2010.
In amending the ETS, we will be led by six key principles:
1. The ETS must strike a balance between New Zealand’s environmental and economic interests. It should not attempt to make us a world leader on climate change.
2. The ETS should be fiscally neutral rather than providing billions of dollars in windfall gains to the government accounts at the expense of businesses and consumers.
3. The ETS should be as closely aligned as possible to the planned Australian Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, with, where possible, common compliance regimes and tradability. National wants to closely co-operate with Australia as we develop our respective schemes.
4. The ETS should encourage the use of technologies that improve efficiency and reduce emissions intensity, rather than encourage an exodus of industries and their skilled staff to other countries.
5. The ETS needs to recognise the importance of small and medium enterprise to New Zealand and not discriminate against them in allocating emissions permits.
6. The ETS should have the flexibility to respond to progress in international negotiations rather than setting a rigid schedule. This way, industry obligations can be kept in line with those of foreign competitors.
Our plans are:
• 50 by 50. Set and legislate for an achievable emissions reduction target – a 50% reduction in New Zealand’s carbon-equivalent net emissions, as compared to 1990 levels, by 2050.
• Promote global co-operation but honouring New Zealand’s Kyoto Protocol obligations, and supporting international efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, including working to achieve further global alliances that build on the goals agreed at Kyoto.
• Support emissions trading by passing legislation to amend Labour’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) within nine months of taking office.
• Fast-Track renewable energy projects by reforming the Resource Management Act.
• Boost investment in climate change research and development, particularly in the area of agriculture emissions.
• Empower consumers by ensuring they have access to the infrastructure, clear information, and meaningful incentives that encourage climate-friendly behaviour.
• Focus on incentives for biofuels and new energy technologies rather than compulsion.
6. Genetic modification: New Zealand research institutions such as AgResearch are applying for permission to undertake increasingly extensive genetic modification trials with the aim of improving agriculture and human health. How will you use policy to balance the benefits of genetic modification with the potential risks?
National’s view on genetic modification is that we support the approach of the Royal Commission into Genetic Engineering. It recommended a cautious approach with rigorous independent checks on new technologies. We are keeping a watching brief on these systems to ensure they are working.
7. Stem cell research: What is your position on government regulation and funding of stem cell research?
National has no plans to ban stem cell research in New Zealand. Funding of such research would be subject to normal application and approval criteria.
8. Water: Research suggests New Zealand could face water shortages within four years as water held in major catchments becomes fully allocated. What will your government do to ensure adequate water supply and quality to meet the growing demand for water resources?
The protection and management of our waterways is the responsibility of every individual or business, to ensure that quality of the resource is maintained. In this regard, farming has the same requirements as industry, local authorities, and other entities.
The absence of completed water plans leaves a vacuum of knowledge. We do not know the extent of the resources of water or its overuse. National wants to see the completion of water plans as a matter of priority.
The competition over the use of water is not a new phenomenon. There have been some good results in management process such as the Guardians of Lake Manapouri, who have maintained good ecological outcomes for lake and rivers under their management.
It is important to have a defined process to determine, firstly, ecological integrity in the flow levels, and then what a practical amenity flow is, then how to apportion commercial usage. National’s Bluegreen Vision for New Zealand document covered initiatives to replace the first-in, first-served approach to water allocation and steps to address water quality. In August 2008 we met with sector groups – Maori, irrigators, conservation NGOs, recreation NGOs, farming bodies, electricity generators – to discuss their views on our proposed approach to water policy.
We have decided to initiate a collaborative governance process that will engage key stakeholders – water users, recreational users, iwi, and environmentalists – to develop a better framework. We will put on hold the widely condemned draft National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management, and give the collaborative governance process the opportunity to come up with a better approach.
9. Health: What role should science and technology play in providing better healthcare and wellbeing for New Zealanders? What policy decisions would you make to improve biomedical research in New Zealand?
National recognises that the opportunity to undertake research and use modern technologies, surgical techniques, and pharmaceuticals will be central to retaining the health workforce, improving quality patient care, and lifting productivity.
As technology advances there will be more opportunities to help individuals take greater responsibility for managing their own health (self-care), particularly those with chronic conditions. In order to encourage more research, National will increase the Performance Based Research Fund, Marsden Fund, and Health Research Council funding allocations. We will also create a new secure funding allocation system for CRIs and investigate options for reducing compliance costs and unnecessary bureaucracy within the science system.
10. Marine sustainability: The world’s fisheries are under immense pressure and evidence shows marine protection areas are not doing enough to protect coral reefs and fish populations. What policies will you implement to help preserve the health of the oceans surrounding New Zealand?
Management of our marine environment is a balance between environmental and economic concerns as fishing, ecotourism and conservation all call on this resource. Creating marine reserves is part of the solution but reserves must result in scientifically justified biodiversity protection. Consultation is also vital to get both community buy-in and ensure fishers are motivated to help police such areas. National is also committed to facilitating recreational, customary, and commercial agreement on the location of recreation-only fishing reserves.
We are every keen to see New Zealand’s marine farming industry grow because this will help meet the world’s demand for seafood. Therefore, we will vastly improve the current legislative framework as well as continue to support research and development for aquaculture. National will also be refocusing all administrative, operational, and policy focus in the Ministry of Fisheries that is unnecessary for the sustainable utilisation of fishery resources and direct those resources into bolstering the research and monitoring of fish stock health.
With respect to Hectors and Maui dolphins, they are among New Zealand’s most precious and iconic species. Further deterioration in their populations must be halted. New Zealanders can be assured that National will rely on the science to determine what is causing the dolphins’ decline and act on that science.
1. Education: New Zealand is struggling to produce enough science and technology graduates to meet the demanded for a skilled workforce. What will you do to improve the attractiveness of science and technology among young students in the education sector?
National was disappointed to see the results of the latest NEMP survey on science in primary school show that almost two out of five Year 8 pupils didn’t enjoy science at primary school. We were also disappointed that the number of Year 8 pupils who indicated they never did really good things in science had doubled to almost 16%. We believe the solution to making science and technology the sector more attractive is a complex one.
We believe that National’s broadband policy, which will deliver ultra-fast broadband to schools, is an important way to ensure pupils at all schools have access to information from the Internet, video conferencing, and other online interactions that they cannot currently access. The science and technology areas are fields that we believe will be able to take huge advantage of the potential to deliver more interactive information in this way.
We also believe that the quality and quantity of science and technology teachers matters. We are committed to addressing these shortages and will work with the sector to find ways to get science and technology professionals into teaching positions. We realise that we don’t have a monopoly on good ideas in this area and want to work with the sector to encourage more pupils into science and technology careers.
2. Bio-security. An outbreak of foot and mouth disease could devastate New Zealand‘s primary sector on which we are economically dependent. Likewise, a global pandemic, such as Avian Flu could cut New Zealand off from its economic allies. What will your Government do to help prepare the country for a disease outbreak, bio-terrorism attack or global pandemic?
Effective biosecurity is essential to the success of New Zealand’s economy, health and environment. In the past five years, 333 new organisms have been detected and validated as being present within New Zealand. Deliberate breaching of New Zealand’s borders by items which pose a biodiversity risk is unacceptable. National will address biosecurity further in its Biosecurity policy which will be released soon. Fines, import health standards, inspections, pest management, surveillance, and legislative approaches will be outlined in the policy.
3. Energy: Our reliance on hydro-electric power as an energy source raises questions about the future security and sustainability of power generation in New Zealand. What policies would you support to meet demand for energy while ensuring an economically and environmentally sustainable future and where do you stand on nuclear energy?
National is concerned about whether Labour’s current energy policy settings can give New Zealanders confidence in the security of our future energy supply. We will do four things to ensure the lights stay on:
- We will acknowledge the extent of future demand. National believes that growth in electricity demand will be closer to 2% per year than the 1.2% per year that Labour has flagged. We will plan for realistic levels of future demand growth, because running out of electricity is a risk we are not prepared to take.
- We will reform the Resource Management Act (RMA) to allow more renewable generation to be built. Not enough new electricity generation has come online in the past nine years under Labour. A big reason for that is the RMA, which has created a climate of uncertainty around new development, and delayed decisions that need to be taken quickly. National will introduce to Parliament a bill to reform the RMA within the first 100 days of our first term. These reforms will send a message about the seriousness of our support for considerable new investment in electricity generation. National believes there is a role for more wind, geothermal, and hydro generation in our energy mix.
- We will send a clear signal that gas will be a part of the energy mix needed for security of supply. The lesson from this winter is that thermal electricity generation is essential in keeping the lights on. At times this winter, thermal electricity was providing over 50% of our power needs. National will, therefore, overturn Labour’s ban on new base-load thermal power stations. We will allow generators to make decisions about future gas investments without government peering over their shoulder. New plants like e3p at Huntly are highly efficient and produce relatively few carbon emissions.
- We will streamline the investment and decision-making processes for investing in new transmission. New Zealand has a very complex and costly electricity regulatory environment. National will undertake a careful review of the roles that Transpower, the Electricity Commission, and the Commerce Commission take in the electricity sector.
New Zealand must balance its energy needs with its environmental responsibilities. In the past eight years, well over half of new electricity generation has come from thermal sources. National is determined to provide clear policy settings that favour renewable electricity generation. The primary means of doing this will be through an Emissions Trading Scheme that puts a price on carbon and which will send appropriate signals to those wishing to invest in new generation.
We believe that one effect of our proposed ETS will be the phasing-out of the use of coal to fuel the Huntly power station. This could significantly lower New Zealand’s emissions from electricity. We also expect that our proposed ETS will result in no new coal stations being built – unless proven technologies for carbon capture and storage change the emissions profile of coal.
In relation to nuclear energy, National sees no need for nuclear energy to be developed in New Zealand. We have an array of cheap, plentiful, and renewable alternatives.
4. Research and development: New Zealand has lagged behind other OECD countries when it comes to research in R&D, particular private sector R&D. What is your approach to encouraging R&D in general and in particular among New Zealand businesses?
National will broadly reduce taxes, which will make it more attractive for researchers and scientists to undertake research in New Zealand. We will also boost funding for research and science:
- Establish an international centre for research dedicated to the reduction of on-farm greenhouse gas emissions, and fund it at $20 million.
- $25 million a year funding boost for research consortia in the primary and food sectors.
- $25 million a year boost within Vote RS&T for primary sector and food research.
- $157.5 million boost over three years for the Performance Based Research Fund, the Marsden Fund, and the Health Research Council.
- $157.5 million boost over three years for secure funding for Crown Research Institutes.
- $1 million a year for new annual Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.
- Create a new role of Prime Minister’s Science Adviser, to be filled by a scientist seconded for a time from the sector.
5. Climate change: How confident are you that the recently passed emissions trading legislation will prove effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions? What other policy measures would you take to tackle climate change?
Within nine months of taking office, National will pass legislation to amend Labour’s Emissions Trading Scheme. We will ensure that a New Zealand ETS is introduced on 1 January 2010.
In amending the ETS, we will be led by six key principles:
1. The ETS must strike a balance between New Zealand’s environmental and economic interests. It should not attempt to make us a world leader on climate change.
2. The ETS should be fiscally neutral rather than providing billions of dollars in windfall gains to the government accounts at the expense of businesses and consumers.
3. The ETS should be as closely aligned as possible to the planned Australian Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, with, where possible, common compliance regimes and tradability. National wants to closely co-operate with Australia as we develop our respective schemes.
4. The ETS should encourage the use of technologies that improve efficiency and reduce emissions intensity, rather than encourage an exodus of industries and their skilled staff to other countries.
5. The ETS needs to recognise the importance of small and medium enterprise to New Zealand and not discriminate against them in allocating emissions permits.
6. The ETS should have the flexibility to respond to progress in international negotiations rather than setting a rigid schedule. This way, industry obligations can be kept in line with those of foreign competitors.
Our plans are:
- 50 by 50. Set and legislate for an achievable emissions reduction target – a 50% reduction in New Zealand’s carbon-equivalent net emissions, as compared to 1990 levels, by 2050.
- Promote global co-operation but honouring New Zealand’s Kyoto Protocol obligations, and supporting international efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, including working to achieve further global alliances that build on the goals agreed at Kyoto.
- Support emissions trading by passing legislation to amend Labour’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) within nine months of taking office.
- Fast-Track renewable energy projects by reforming the Resource Management Act.
- Boost investment in climate change research and development, particularly in the area of agriculture emissions.
- Empower consumers by ensuring they have access to the infrastructure, clear information, and meaningful incentives that encourage climate-friendly behaviour.
- Focus on incentives for biofuels and new energy technologies rather than compulsion.
6. Genetic modification: New Zealand research institutions such as AgResearch are applying for permission to undertake increasingly extensive genetic modification trials with the aim of improving agriculture and human health. How will you use policy to balance the benefits of genetic modification with the potential risks?
National’s view on genetic modification is that we support the approach of the Royal Commission into Genetic Engineering. It recommended a cautious approach with rigorous independent checks on new technologies. We are keeping a watching brief on these systems to ensure they are working.
7. Stem cell research: What is your position on government regulation and funding of stem cell research?
National has no plans to ban stem cell research in New Zealand. Funding of such research would be subject to normal application and approval criteria.
8. Water: Research suggests New Zealand could face water shortages within four years as water held in major catchments becomes fully allocated. What will your government do to ensure adequate water supply and quality to meet the growing demand for water resources?
The protection and management of our waterways is the responsibility of every individual or business, to ensure that quality of the resource is maintained. In this regard, farming has the same requirements as industry, local authorities, and other entities.
The absence of completed water plans leaves a vacuum of knowledge. We do not know the extent of the resources of water or its overuse. National wants to see the completion of water plans as a matter of priority.
The competition over the use of water is not a new phenomenon. There have been some good results in management process such as the Guardians of Lake Manapouri, who have maintained good ecological outcomes for lake and rivers under their management. It is important to have a defined process to determine, firstly, ecological integrity in the flow levels, and then what a practical amenity flow is, then how to apportion commercial usage.
National’s Bluegreen Vision for New Zealand document covered initiatives to replace the first-in, first-served approach to water allocation and steps to address water quality. In August 2008 we met with sector groups – Maori, irrigators, conservation NGOs, recreation NGOs, farming bodies, electricity generators – to discuss their views on our proposed approach to water policy. We have decided to initiate a collaborative governance process that will engage key stakeholders – water users, recreational users, iwi, and environmentalists – to develop a better framework. We will put on hold the widely condemned draft National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management, and give the collaborative governance process the opportunity to come up with a better approach.
9. Health: What role should science and technology play in providing better healthcare and wellbeing for New Zealanders? What policy decisions would you make to improve biomedical research in New Zealand?
National recognises that the opportunity to undertake research and use modern technologies, surgical techniques, and pharmaceuticals will be central to retaining the health workforce, improving quality patient care, and lifting productivity. As technology advances there will be more opportunities to help individuals take greater responsibility for managing their own health (self-care), particularly those with chronic conditions. In order to encourage more research, National will increase the Performance Based Research Fund, Marsden Fund, and Health Research Council funding allocations. We will also create a new secure funding allocation system for CRIs and investigate options for reducing compliance costs and unnecessary bureaucracy within the science system.
10. Marine sustainability: The world’s fisheries are under immense pressure and evidence shows marine protection areas are not doing enough to protect coral reefs and fish populations. What policies will you implement to help preserve the health of the oceans surrounding New Zealand?
Management of our marine environment is a balance between environmental and economic concerns as fishing, ecotourism and conservation all call on this resource. Creating marine reserves is part of the solution but reserves must result in scientifically justified biodiversity protection. Consultation is also vital to get both community buy-in and ensure fishers are motivated to help police such areas. National is also committed to facilitating recreational, customary, and commercial agreement on the location of recreation-only fishing reserves.
We are every keen to see New Zealand’s marine farming industry grow because this will help meet the world’s demand for seafood. Therefore, we will vastly improve the current legislative framework as well as continue to support research and development for aquaculture. National will also be refocusing all administrative, operational, and policy focus in the Ministry of Fisheries that is unnecessary for the sustainable utilisation of fishery resources and direct those resources into bolstering the research and monitoring of fish stock health.
With respect to Hectors and Maui dolphins, they are among New Zealand’s most precious and iconic species. Further deterioration in their populations must be halted. New Zealanders can be assured that National will rely on the science to determine what is causing the dolphins’ decline and act on that science.