Greens and National strike deal

Russel Norman

The Greens and National are to work together on some policy areas, they announced today.

They have reached an agreement on a nationwide home insulation programme, updating New Zealand's energy efficiency strategy and developing a New Zealand-based regulatory system for natural health products.

Green Party co-leader Russel Norman said a Memorandum of Understanding signed today stressed his party's independence while tackling environmental matters.

He added: "These are core Green issues with far-reaching consequences for the health and well-being of the country and our economy. We welcome the chance to work with National in these areas of common interest."

On natural health products, Green MP Sue Kedgley will work with the Minister of Health Tony Ryall and Associate Minister Jonathan Coleman to develop a regulatory system that is specific to New Zealand, rather than the trans-Tasman model that had been proposed by the previous government.

Prime Minister John Key said: "I note that this agreement is not a confidence and supply arrangement, but it does provide a sound basis for the two parties to work together on important policy issues in a co-operative way, without compromising the independence of either party."

Before the election the Greens ruled out any support arrangement with National, but at a press conference at lunchtime today the two parties revealed their new partnership.

The Greens were disappointed when the new Government dumped their 15-year $1 billion home insulation fund. It had been negotiated with the previous Labour Government and was linked to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Mr Key in February talked about the value of insulation work, saying there was the workforce to do it and there were health as well as environmental benefits.

He met Mr Norman and fellow Green co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons last month to talk about areas they could co-operate on.

It is understood there are a small number of policies they had in common but that was unlikely to include big ticket items such as the ETS. The Government is currently reviewing that scheme.

- NZ HERALD STAFF, NZPA