New Zealand: Taskforce plan urged

Australia’s former trade commissioner to China says the Tasman District Council needs to set up two taskforce teams to address the issues of peak oil and climate change.

Carolyn Hughes, who held the position for four years until 2004 and now lives in Ruby Bay, said at the council’s draft 10-year plan submission hearings in Richmond this week it was wishful thinking if the council believed technology, central government or the “invisible hand of the market” would resolve the issues.

Ms Hughes, who gives New Zealand businesses advice on trading with China, said setting up two taskforces could support training schemes in the environmental sector, and launch a local volunteer carbon credit trading platform between the TDC and Nelson City Council.

The taskforces would have the role of engaging closely with the community and not just the active special interest or “squeaky wheel” groups, she said.

Stuff