3. CATHERINE DELAHUNTY (Green) Link to this
to the Prime Minister
Does he stand by his statement in the House that “I certainly agree that part of New Zealand’s important brand is the clean, green image”?
Hon JOHN KEYCatherine Delahunty Link to this
Is the Prime Minister aware that the innovative Enviroschools concept—now 10 years old, and a roaring success in New Zealand—is being promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the trade talks for the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement with Singapore, Brunei, and Chile, and that it is likely to result in a small, but profitable, export opportunity as well as a great clean, green branding opportunity.
I am aware that a decision was made by Cabinet to cease the $19.4 million worth of funding over 4 years to the Enviroschools project. The reason for that is that a higher priority for this Government was the $36 million put into literacy and numeracy. We think that is more important.
Catherine Delahunty Link to this
Is the Prime Minister aware that 212,870 New Zealand kids attend Enviroschools—one-quarter of all our schools—and that 210 schools and early childhood centres are on the waiting list wanting to join this highly successful and innovative programme?
Yes, I am. There is nothing stopping teachers continuing to teach in this area. In fact, environmental education is still very much a part of the curriculum. The website is still up and running. I expect that the good, talented New Zealand teachers will continue to teach New Zealand’s young people about the importance of maintaining the environment.
Catherine Delahunty Link to this
Does the Prime Minister recall a video statement he made to the Enviroschools YOUth Jam on 11 September 2007 where he said that we can no longer afford to take the environment for granted, that the environment is very important for the future of our country, that technology and innovation is essential to sustainability, and that sharing innovative ideas for sustainability with the rest of the world is crucial to solving global problems, and concluded that Enviroschools youth leaders can “play a leadership role in getting that message out there to the community.”?
Yes, I do, but there is every chance that the member delivered the words more eloquently than I did.
Catherine Delahunty Link to this
Is the Prime Minister concerned that many parents and teachers around the country who support and voted for National have expressed disbelief at the recent cuts to environmental education, and is he prepared to meet with the Green Party to find a solution that is best for the environment, best for the economy, and best for our children?
We regularly meet with the leadership of the Green Party, and we will continue to do so. I make the point again that nothing is stopping schools continuing to teach about the environment—in fact, we actively encourage it. In fact, it is part of the curriculum, and it will continue to happen. But if the member wants to put the issue with her co-leader sitting next to her, Metiria Turei, we are happy to have a discussion about it next time we meet.