KEY POINTS:
A majority of voters would not mind paying a bit more for petrol if it meant their cars emitted less carbon, according to the latest Herald DigiPoll survey.
Less favourable was a proposed tax on rubbish to reduce the amount of waste produced.
But the Government's new overarching theme of "sustainability" has been given an overwhelming thumbs up - more than 70 per cent approve - by voters.
The poll was held soon after the Prime Minister's statement to Parliament on February 14 in which Helen Clark said she wanted New Zealand's approach to "environmental sustainability" to be as central to its identity as its anti-nuclear position.
She set targets for the sale of biofuels - by 2012 - and oil companies will face penalties if they don't meet them.
Labour also said it would support a Greens bill before a select committee which was expected to result in a tax on rubbish - rising to $30 a tonne - to reduce waste.
The Government says biofuel blends should not cost more than ordinary petrol or diesel but admits all prices could rise as part of the obligation to sell them.
Shell has estimated the cost of petrol and diesel could increase by at least 5c a litre to cover costs.
Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said she had sensed a big shift in public opinion in the past year or so.
"I think climate change is driving it because people are starting to understand that it really is serious."
She was not surprised a majority was opposed to the waste levy as it could be seen as a punishment. But if it had said the money would be spent to support more recycling centres the response could have been more favourable.
She said last year's spike in oil prices got people used to the notion of paying more for petrol, and fuel emissions were directly related to climate change.
Energy Minister David Parker said the poll's results were "heartening".
"It shows people are concerned about the sustainability issue and are prepared to do what they can to help."
Greenpeace is today expected to present a report on its ideas on climate change to Mr Parker.
