Carbon emissions and environmental protections in trade agreements more than 'best endeavours', MFAT says

Carbon emissions and environmental protections in trade agreements more than 'best endeavours', MFAT says
Shane Jones questions the value of MFAT's previously redacted advice on the oil and gas exploration ban. (Image: NZME)
Dileepa Fonseka
Carbon emission and environmental protection clauses in free trade agreements are not just “best endeavours” clauses as the Government has previously maintained, at least according to previously hidden advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.Minister for Resources Shane Jones said a regulatory impact statement (RIS) with advice on the oil and gas offshore exploration ban was accidentally left unredacted by officials at the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and then tabled in Parliament.“There...

More Politics

Luxon says business to be a winner out of Budget
Politics

Luxon says business to be a winner out of Budget

Luxon says there's not much money to spend in the Budget, but business is a priority.

Dileepa Fonseka 08 May 2025
Survey of Aucklanders not a real survey, pollster says
Politics

Survey of Aucklanders not a real survey, pollster says

The communication of the data behind a University of Auckland survey has been criticised.

Dileepa Fonseka 08 May 2025
John Key, Helen Clark united in 'bed tax' support
Policy

John Key, Helen Clark united in 'bed tax' support

The former Prime Ministers are buying what Wayne Brown is selling.

Oliver Lewis 07 May 2025
Govt readies new $30m coastal shipping fund
Policy

Govt readies new $30m coastal shipping fund

The $30m was earmarked last June, but details have remained scarce.

Oliver Lewis 07 May 2025