Submissions

  • Improvements to the Emissions Trading Scheme

    OraTaiao submission, 24 September 2018

    'We support the government’s intention to act with urgency and improve the ETS. We are, however, concerned by the highly technical nature of the consultation documents. We consider that currently, input is severely constrained from those who will bear not only the impacts of climate change, but also the impacts of climate change mitigation and adaptation policies. The ETS is complex, but because of the far-reaching implications for New Zealanders, it’s essential that every effort is madeto widen this discussion. We consider it essential that there is a clear statement of the principles upon which the ETS is based, and that this is developed with due democratic process.

    'Our greatest concerns are firstly, that the ETS continues to fail to deliver reductions in greenhouse gas emissions because not all sectors are included, and/or because there is a weak pricingmechanism and/or there is no “sinking lid” on the number of units being auctioned. Secondly, weare concerned that the ETS will increase social and health inequities – this issue can be mitigated through good recycling of revenue to support a low-carbon transition for low-income, Māori andPacific households. Thirdly, we are concerned about corruption in the ETS process, through the purchasing of overseas credits.'

    Read full submission here (PDF).

    Romelli Rodriguez-Jolly

    Written by
    September 25, 2018

  • Zero Carbon Bill

    OraTaiao submission, 19 July 2018

    'We welcome the Bill, which is not just crucial to reducing New Zealand emissions, but is also some of the most important health legislation of our generation. OraTaiao, alongside other experts in climate change and health, considers that tackling climate change is potentially the greatest global health opportunity this century. With that in mind, our submission is focused on the potential health gains and the other co-benefits from New Zealand reducing its emissions.'

    The submission also states: 'A healthy Zero Carbon Act is an essential prescription for New Zealand’s health and well-being, and we strongly support it. Health workers call for a Zero Carbon Act that’s fast, fair, firm andfounded on Te Tiriti – with health at its heart. In summary, we want the target of net zero emissions across all greenhouse gases by 2040 set in law now.'

    Read full submission here (PDF).

    Romelli Rodriguez-Jolly

    Written by
    August 07, 2018

  • Safe practice in an environment of resource limitation

    OraTaiao submission, 27 July 2018

    OraTaiao: The NZ Climate and Health Council thanks the Medical Council of New Zealand for the opportunity to have input into the Draft revised statement on safe practice in an environment of resource limitation.

    In summary, we consider the proposed revisions need to specifically address the sustainable use of resources in healthcare as part of professional medical practice. 

    Read full submission here (PDF).

    Romelli Rodriguez-Jolly

    Written by
    July 27, 2018

  • New Zealand Productivity Commission’s Low-Emissions Economy: Draft Report

    OraTaiao submission, 13 June 2018

    'OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council welcomes the draft Report from the Productivity Commission on achieving a low-emissions economy for New Zealand. We recognise that the recommendation of the Commission to include emissions from agriculture in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is a significant step in transitioning the NZ economy, however we consider that the target should be to a net zero emissions future with accelerated timelines.'

    OraTaiao also propose some, 'principles by means of which the process to achieve net zero may be implemented. These include a more robust acknowledgement of the substantial co-benefits to health from well-designed reduction and mitigation, adherence to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and a commitment to address issues of inequities within New Zealand society.'

    Recommendations are summarised in the submission.

    Read full submission here (PDF).

    Romelli Rodriguez-Jolly

    Written by
    June 13, 2018

  • Wellington City Council Long Term Plan 2018-2028

    OraTaiao submission on Wellington City Council Long Term Plan (WCC LTP) 2018-2028. 15 May 2018.

    Romelli Rodriguez-Jolly

    Written by
    May 15, 2018

  • Greater Wellington Regional Council Long Term Plan 2018-2028

    OraTaiao submission on Greater Wellington Regional Council Long Term Plan (GWRC LTP) 2018-2028. 30 April 2018.

    Romelli Rodriguez-Jolly

    Written by
    April 30, 2018

  • International treaty examination of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership

    OraTaiao submission, 18 April 2018

    'Climate change is a major threat to human health and ultimately to human survival. It worsens health inequities. It requires urgent action globally and in New Zealand to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions – particularly from fossil fuels.

    'The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will create a more challenging legal environment for New Zealand (and other signatory nations) to pass the policy and regulatory changes necessary to achieve this.'

    Read the submission here (PDF).

    Romelli Rodriguez-Jolly

    Written by
    April 18, 2018

  • Let's Get Welly Moving

    OraTaiao submission, 19 January 2018

    'OraTaiao supports LGWM’s guiding principles developed from 2017 public consultation. But these principles do not appear to be sufficiently defined, nor prioritised, to actually guide scenario development and evaluation. We hope our submission encourages LGWM’s ‘process principles’ to:

    • be informed and guided by evidence
    • be bold, aspirational and innovative
    • adopt best practice urban design and transport standards
    • seek win-wins where possible.'

    Read full submission here.

    Romelli Rodriguez-Jolly

    Written by
    January 19, 2018

  • Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2018/19-2027/28

    OraTaiao submission, 31 March 2017

    'Climate changes fundamentally threaten human health and wellbeing; yet well-designed climate action can mean greater health and fairness in both the short and longer term. Transport is integral to this. There are close links between transport, climate and health, where eg.

    • active and sustainable modes of transport (such as walking and cycling) positively affect health; 
    • the current reliance on private motor vehicle transport has negative impacts on health through greenhouse gas emissions, road traffic crashes, air and noise pollution and increased sedentary time. 

    'This submission relates to the GPS2018 and: acting on climate change, prioritising active transport, prioritising public transport, the opportunity costs of poorly cost-effective roading choices including lost health gains, and the importance of making transport user hierarchies and the NZ Health Strategy integral to GPS2018's Strategic direction and Objectives.'

    Read the submission here (PDF).

    Romelli Rodriguez-Jolly

    Written by
    May 15, 2017

  • Greater Wellington Regional Council Annual Plan 2017/18

    OraTaiao submission on Greater Wellington Regional Council Annual Plan 2017/18. 12 April 2017.

    Romelli Rodriguez-Jolly

    Written by
    April 12, 2017