Dom Post Editorial on Greens

A useful editorial today in the Dom Post, responding to the Greens scorecard of parties on climate change:

Many New Zealanders do have a philosophical commitment to green policies. It is when it comes to practicalities that the necessary compromises begin between that commitment and their other, equally worthy ambitions, such as ensuring New Zealand has an economy capable of delivering a high standard of living, of providing jobs for its young people, and of financing the welfare state.

If New Zealand was populated by maypole-dancing, beancurd-eating, bicycle-embracing voters, the Greens would be in control of the Beehive and eco taxes would abound.

Instead, most New Zealanders have come to a more pragmatic balance between environmental purity and economic reality, a balance that recognises the West Coast snails need to co-exist with mine development.

Dr Norman chides the Labour-led Government for timidity on climate change, and for being unwilling to challenge the economic orthodoxy of the day. The Greens believe in building consensus. He should recognise that is what is needed on climate change policy, not scorecards.

I’m now trying to picture a maypole-dancing, beancurd-eating, bicycle-embracing voter!