6. Dr CAM CALDER (National) Link to this
to the Minister for the Environment
What work is his Ministry doing to help New Zealand take up the opportunity from green growth following the OECD May 2011 report on the high expected global demand for such products and services?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for the Environment) Link to this
The Government established the Advisory Group on Green Growth, led by Business New Zealand Chief Executive, Phil O’Reilly, earlier this year. This week it issued a discussion paper highlighting some of the opportunities. Our objective is to get our regulatory, research, and economic policies right so New Zealand businesses can maximise those global opportunities.
What examples does the Minister have of green growth businesses that the Government is supporting, and which are providing jobs and improving the environment?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
I could give many examples, but I want to draw the attention of the House to EnviroComp, a Canterbury-based family business that was started in 2009 composting disposable nappies, which is a world first. It has announced plans to expand to Wellington. It is now exporting that technology to both the UK and Australia. Another Kiwi business, Eco Stock Supplies, was started in South Auckland and it recycles food processor waste into livestock feed. It now employs over 30 people and diverts 25,000 tonnes of food waste from landfill into useful product. I commend both Nicky Wagner and Cam Calder for the way they have championed those sorts of businesses.