Jeanette Fitzsimons Archive

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  Lignite and IT problems - by frog

  
  
  
  The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has completed a report entitled Lignite and climate change: The high cost of low grade coal. “The plans to increase lignite use are extremely concerning as they would produce huge quantities of carbon dioxide which contributes to climate change – the biggest environmental threat we have ever faced.” The [...] read more
  December 9, 2010 3:48 pm - 2 Comments
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  Sustainable Business Awards 2010 - by David Clendon

  
  
  
  I recently attended the Sustainable Business Network national awards for 2010.  It was a great night, lots of very positive stories came out, and our very own Jeanette Fitzsimons was recognised with an achievement award.  Here’s a brief video that highlights and catches some of the buzz of the evening. Enjoy! read more
  November 29, 2010 10:32 am - No Comments
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  Democracy in NZ: Lost, Stolen or just Mislaid? - by frog

  
  
  
  Last weekend Jeanette Fitzsimons delivered the inaugural Rod Donald Memorial lecture to a packed audience in Christchurch. Here are some highlights of the speech and you can read the whole thing here. Running through the history of democracy has been the issue of just who is a member of society? In ancient Athens women and [...] read more
  November 23, 2010 12:22 pm - 21 Comments
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  Jeanette says we must keep the coal in the ground - by frog

  
  
  
  The Herald ran a very compelling op-ed by Jeanette Fitzsimons yesterday, suggesting that from a climate perspective our priority must be to keep most of the remaining fossil fuel in the ground. For 35 years I have been wrong about how to prevent climate change. It’s time I confessed. For 35 years I have worked [...] read more
  November 3, 2010 6:57 pm - 51 Comments
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  Former Green Co-leader appointed to UN top job - by frog

  
  
  
  Former Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons has put weeks of speculation to rest and confirmed she has been appointed to the role of Secretary General of the United Nations. Ms Fitzsimons, who retired from Parliament in February, was initially looking forward to spending more time at home on her Coromandel farm. ‘But Harry had everything [...] read more
  April 1, 2010 10:00 am - 13 Comments
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  Greens promote good farm stories this Farm Day - by Kevin Hague

  
  
  
  Don’t forget to visit our Good Farm Stories website for Farm Day this Sunday. There are great things going on in rural New Zealand with some farmers proving that we can have both a healthy farming sector and a healthy environment. One of the last things Jeanette Fitzsimons did before leaving Parliament was to put [...] read more
  March 26, 2010 3:32 pm - 16 Comments
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  Here’s how you can watch Jeanette’s valedictory speech live - by frog

  
  
  
  For those who can’t make it to Parliament House, Jeanette Fitzsimons’ last speech is viewable on line in several ways. Look here to choose your preference. Tune in from 5:30 pm today to ensure you don’t miss a word. Yes, the sad day has come, but we’ll see her off in good style! read more
  February 10, 2010 3:17 pm - 24 Comments
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  Send a tribute to Jeanette - by frog

  
  
  
  I never thought I’d be writing this post. Nevertheless, as I write, Jeanette is in Wellington announcing that she is stepping down as an MP. This post is a place for frogblog readers to send a personal message to Jeanette or recall a favourite memory. If you would like to debate the consequences or your [...] read more
  January 28, 2010 10:01 am - 51 Comments
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  Jeanette steps down from Parliament - by frog

  
  
  
  The headline kind of says everything, doesn’t it? It’s heartbreaking news to me, even if Jeanette has signalled since stepping down as co-leader that she would go before the next election. This is the post where we can discuss what it all means. Judging from past events, we will once again have to field all [...] read more
  January 28, 2010 10:00 am - 13 Comments
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  Copenhagen Diary: It is a disgrace - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  Tonight’s outcome in Copenhagen is a tragedy for humanity. It is  widely recognised as a failure papered over with some fine sounding words by Obama. The purpose of the meeting was to agree on a second commitment period for the Kyoto  protocol. That has not been achieved. We came here wanting an ambitious, fair and [...] read more
  December 19, 2009 1:03 pm - 76 Comments
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  Copenhagen Diary #6: Catching the climate train - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  A crowd of people set out to catch a train. The train had already left some time ago but was moving quite slowly, though steadily. It was still possible to catch the train if everyone ran. It was vital that they caught the train as disaster was chasing them. Also, no-one could get on the [...] read more
  December 19, 2009 8:24 am - 9 Comments
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  Copenhagen Diary #5 - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  In the midst of the gloom about the chances of a deal, it is worth recording one small victory for the planet. There has been a huge amount of work by the NGOs to protect biodiversity and indigenous rights and they have been restored in the text. read more
  December 19, 2009 3:21 am - 1 Comment
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  A video message from Green MPs in Copenhagen - by frog

  
  
  
  As the COP15 climate summit draws to a close, Jeanette Fitzsimons and Kennedy Graham offer their views on what is, and isn’t, happening at this most important of international meetings. Jeanette discusses the lack of emissions reduction targets thusfar offered by rich nations, and the $100 billion pledge from the US that will begin in 2020 to [...] read more
  December 18, 2009 11:14 pm - 1 Comment
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  Copenhagen Diary #4 - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  Different cultures have very different views on the relationship between population and climate change. In some circles population is the great unmentionable. It is still associated with the coercive policies some early family planners tried to impose. In others it is the perfect excuse for why we should not have to do anything about our [...] read more
  December 17, 2009 12:52 am - 8 Comments
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  Copenhagen Diary #3 - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  Copenhagen has a public transport system to die for. With a population similar to greater Auckland, although covering much less space, it has a new (2002) metro that is very fast and I’ve never had to wait more than 4 minutes even though I’m near the end of the line. read more
  December 16, 2009 3:27 am - 5 Comments
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  Copenhagen Diary #2 - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  Forests are key to this negotiation – both how forest sinks, land use and land use change (LULUCF) are treated in the agreement for the next period, and the mechanisms for protecting 0ld growth forests in developing countries from logging. Estimates are that 15-20% of global emissions are n0w from deforestation. Along with the carbon, [...] read more
  December 14, 2009 5:52 am - 39 Comments
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  Copenhagen Diary #1 - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  Just arrived after 32 hours travel via Hong Kong. Flying across Asia gives you  different perspective on the earth. From the East Asia coast to England not a tinge of green. The desert in West and north China went on for ever – mountains and hills and plains, but all sand coloured. I wonder how [...] read more
  December 12, 2009 10:04 pm - 34 Comments
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  Think our native forests were safe? Think again. - by frog

  
  
  
  “Agricultural intensification over the past 10 years has led to the highest rate of native vegetation loss since European colonisation.” Landcare Research Annual Report read more
  November 2, 2009 11:29 am - 18 Comments
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  Green Oral Question for today - by frog

  
  
  
  In Parliament today, the Green Party’s Questions for Oral Answer (number 3) is from Russel Norman to the Minister of Finance, Bill English: Does he stand by his statement that “water assets will not be privatised as a result of the restructuring” of local government; and if so, how does he reconcile it with Cabinet’s [...] read more
  October 29, 2009 11:42 am - 30 Comments
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  Love Wild Rivers? Give them your support - by frog

  
  
  
  Cool. Today a new campaign has been launched for one of New Zealand’s most iconic features – our Wild Rivers. It’s great to see diverse groups – tree-huggers, deer-stalkers, bird-watchers, knobbly-kneed trampers, sharp-edged climbers, risky rafters, kool-kat kayakers, and angelic anglers – representing “over 100,000 New Zealanders” and united in seeking to protect wild rivers [...] read more
  October 28, 2009 12:37 pm - 3 Comments
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  NZ embassy on “high terror alert” - by frog

  
  
  
  The representatives at the embassy apparently claimed they were ‘not in a position’ to receive the satirical award, and said that the responsible person was ‘not in the office’. The bizarre thing was that they then asked the group to leave, claiming to be on ‘high terror alert’. read more
  October 2, 2009 3:29 pm - 1 Comment
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  ETS is sure to spur growth – but what kind? - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  Now here’s a great idea for economic development. Extract lignite, the lowest quality coal, very wet and of low calorific value. Add copious water pollution, coal seam methane and land disturbance from open cast mining. read more
  October 1, 2009 6:45 am - 20 Comments
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  Undermining our most generous gifts - by frog

  
  
  
  On 23 September 1887 – 122 years ago yesterday – Te Heuheu Tukino of Tuwharetoa gifted the mountains of Tongariro, Ngaruhoe and Ruapehu to the people of Aotearoa…. This anniversary was sullied by the fact that the Crown is now considering the Park’s mining potential. read more
  September 24, 2009 2:30 pm - 12 Comments
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  Now we see the hidden costs of the ETS - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  Last night’s briefing on the ETS finally revealed the two missing columns from the curious page of numbers tabled in the House on Tuesday by Nick Smith. That table, to the extent it was comprehensible at all, showed there would be a $415m cost to the taxpayer from now to 2013; a saving between 2013 [...] read more
  September 24, 2009 10:32 am - 10 Comments
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  ETS makes us the seventh state - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  It is clear from the minister’s briefing last night that the main purpose of National’s changes to the ETS is to make us effectively the seventh state of Australia. The bill mimics exactly the bill the Rudd government has been trying (unsuccessfully) to get through the Australian senate. So a bill that has been twice [...] read more
  September 24, 2009 9:17 am - 8 Comments
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  Wild and perverse ETS disincentives - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  For the first six months of this year, wilding pine control cost DOC $811,000 in carbon liabilities – a large amount for a department that has already had its budget for this year cut by $13.5 million. That money could have saved some endangered species, increased the area of land under pest control, or – got rid of more wilding pines. read more
  September 22, 2009 1:27 pm - 39 Comments
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  Is Methanex poised to rort the taxpayer with National’s help? - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  Methanex could get $87 million in free credits each year. Under the Labour scheme Methanex would have paid for their growth. Under National’s scheme, taxpayers do. read more
  September 20, 2009 10:09 am - 21 Comments
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  What’s wrong with the National-Maori Party ETS? - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  Basically, it’s less obligation for everyone, and more delay. Taxpayers pick up the cost. It seriously weakens the scheme we have now, and will do little to reduce emissions. read more
  September 18, 2009 6:30 am - 41 Comments
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  An open letter to Phil Goff, on reading Friday’s Herald - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  Dear Phil, I am deeply disappointed you are letting Nick Smith’s electioneering define the Labour party, and apologising for that definition. It is hard to see how Labour will ever have an independent identity if it leaps to deny sensible policy whenever National attacks it. Even using their term, “nanny state” fails politics 101 – never repeat your opponent’s terms of abuse. read more
  September 12, 2009 5:17 pm - 180 Comments
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  ETS: No majority = FAIL - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  The really interesting question now is, where is National going to get a majority for its amendments to the ETS in the House? Peter Dunne on his own hasn’t got the votes. They need one more party. The Maori Party’s minority report makes it clear they do not support an ETS at all, and if there is going to be one they do not support intensity based allocation. They have a simple principle: the polluter should pay. So National can... read more
  August 31, 2009 10:58 pm - 45 Comments
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  ETS: Four minority reports = FAIL - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  The long awaited report of the special select committee to review the ETS – yes, that one with the terms of reference that didn’t even mention reviewing the ETS – you know, the one forced on the government by a coalition partner who then mostly didn’t even turn up to occupy their place on it – yes, THAT one – has finally reported. read more
  August 31, 2009 10:50 pm - 42 Comments
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  Climate change is now – urgent action needed for Pacific - by frog

  
  
  
  One person who won’t be impressed by the Government’s greenhouse gas emissions target announcement (so pathetic that John Key was labelled a piker by Jeanette Fitzsimons on National Radio this morning) is Reverend Tafue Lusama of Tuvalu. He speaks at 1.15pm today at Samoa House in Auckland, where he will appeal for stronger action on [...] read more
  August 11, 2009 10:17 am - 110 Comments
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  Nick Smith doesn’t get it - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  Nick Smith’s response to “Getting There“, the Green Party’s analysis of how much of a 40% greenhouse gas reduction target we could meet in NZ at low cost, was entirely predictable. We asked him 7 questions in the House today and are none the wiser. First, he refused to give any information about any work [...] read more
  August 5, 2009 10:32 am - 148 Comments
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  Recommended Sunday listening - by frog

  
  
  
  Some great listening and viewing this morning on NZ environmental issues. Podcasts and on-demand TV means those who slept in haven’t missed out – so enjoy. RadioNZ’s Insight doco at 8am was on carbon offsetting. Reporter Ian Telfer narrated a well-rounded look at the benefits and risks inherent in the largely-unregulated voluntary carbon market. Includes [...] read more
  July 26, 2009 12:15 pm - 23 Comments
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  Town and Country at Loggerheads - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  There was a stark contrast between the Napier consultation meeting on our climate change target, and those in the major cities. We’re now reaping the consequences of several years of misinformation being fed to the farming community about climate science and it is driving the deepest town-country divide I have seen in my lifetime. Auckland [...] read more
  July 20, 2009 9:04 am - 127 Comments
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  Fitch is sending New Zealand a message - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  It is hardly surprising Fitch has signalled a credit watch on account of our current account deficit. The Greens have been pointing out the seriousness of our overseas deficit for many years. There is not much compassion in international circles for people who have been living beyond their means for many years and expecting others [...] read more
  July 17, 2009 5:57 pm - 72 Comments
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  Green Day, live at Parliament! - by frog

  
  
  
  No bands sorry, but plenty of parties and tickets are free! The parliamentary Order Paper for today, Member’s day, looks like this: Yes, that’s right, all the bills to be debated today are Green bills! It’s Green Day at Parliament. The Sustainable Biofuel Bill has the support of the National Party to select committee [newsflash!], [...] read more
  July 1, 2009 10:32 am - 65 Comments
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  Aorere shows the way on water - by Kevin Hague

  
  
  
  On Friday I had the opportunity to attend a celebration of the Aorere Catchment Project in Golden Bay. When I had been presenting the Green New Deal in Takaka several local people had mentioned the project to me in tones of pride, so I jumped at the chance to attend the celebration. read more
  June 29, 2009 12:50 pm - 43 Comments
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  Consultation: clayton’s or genuine? - by frog

  
  
  
  The Government chose the Forest and Bird AGM to tonight announce there will be a quick-fire round of public consulation in July on what 2020 climate change target New Zealand should choose. They plan to announce the target in August. Will it be a clayton’s consultation, or is it genuine? How will they weigh public [...] read more
  June 26, 2009 10:43 pm - 11 Comments
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  Gratitude for a climate change denier - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  Thank goodness for climate change denier Senator Fielding of Australia. Didn’t think you’d ever hear me say that, did you? Senator Fielding is the one vote Rudd didn’t have yesterday to pass their “Carbon Reduction Plan” – or Emissions Trading Scheme in our language. And that is a good thing, because the proposal was so [...] read more
  June 24, 2009 1:19 pm - 29 Comments