Another Ban, Another Dollar

Tip-Toe Through the Tulips

Press Release: The Green Party Calls for Ban on All Shipping
11th October, 8.08am

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Green Party Co-Leader, Metiria Turei has called for a ban on all commercial maritime activity within New Zealand's two hundred mile environmental zone.  "This represents a bold new policy position by the Green Party", said Ms Turei.  "We are the only political party prepared to make the tough calls and hard decisions to protect New Zealand's true economic future." 

For decades New Zealand under maritime law has claimed an "exclusive economic zone"  up to 200km out from our shoreline.  But it is becoming more obvious by the day that economics-as-usual involves environmental degradation.  Therefore, the Green Party would change the designation in law from an "Exclusive Economic Zone" to an "Exclusive Environmental Zone".  Ms Turei, a lawyer,  is sure that the United Nations will recognize the new designation.
 

The Green Party has long campaigned for a clean economy.  The best clean economy is one which reduces intensive economic activity.  "There is a reason we are enjoined to tip toe through the tulips," said Ms Turei. "Greedy, sock-the-poor economics smashes the whole tulip patch to pieces.  Green economics leaves the tulips standing tall."

The first policy plank the Greens will apply to New Zealand's new Exclusive Economic Zone will be to ban all commercial shipping within the zone.  "The grounding of the Rena in the Bay of Plenty is going to destroy numerous species and will do irreparable harm to our coastline.  Under our new policy that would never happen again."  Ships will be required to unload and load their cargoes 200km out to sea.  The Green Party believes that this will stimulate a whole new green industry in which New Zealand can lead the world.  "We call it waka-world," said Ms Turei.  "Thousands, even hundreds of thousands of unemployed people can be put to work making traditional waka.  Cargoes coming to and from New Zealand will be paddled through the protected environmental zone." 

The Green Party believes that this will not only stimulate employment in a clean green industry, but it will also be a powerful fillip to tourism.  Millions of overseas visitors can be expected to come to watch the majestic sight of cargo filled waka sailing majestically into our harbours and lagoons, carrying vital supplies. 


[Russel Norman, Green Co-Leader endorses this release. 
Declaration of interest: Mr Norman has a small shareholding in Waka Ltd, a company poised to invest in new waka construction.  Mr Norman assures New Zealand that because Waka will be involved in green technology, normal conflict of interest rules are not relevant.  Ms Turei, a lawyer, concurs.]