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Environment Minister Marian Hobbs has welcomed the release of a report on sustainable development by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.

We need to manage water better. And that is my challenge to you - as scientists, planners, advisers, industry representatives and users.

Sustainable development across all portfolios is the cornerstone of Labour's just-released Environment policy, Environment Minister Marian Hobbs said today.

It is positive and encouraging knowing that, as an industry, you are looking for opportunities to lead by example.

I want to discuss initiatives from the government towards approach to better and smarter management of agrichemicals.

Environment Minister Marian Hobbs today totally rejected allegations that the government had covered up a release of genetically modified corn seeds in 2000.

If Northland genetically modified tamarillo trials had been carried out under today's law, there would no concern about the level of containment and monitoring, Environment Minister Marian Hobbs said today.

The National Party’s solution to delays in Resource Management Act processes would be undemocratic and cut people out of the process, Environment Minister Marian Hobbs said today.

The minister responsible for establishing the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification says the call by a new pressure group to extend the GE moratorium fails to recognise the safeguards in place and the cautious approach being taken by the government.

The National Party is having to play 'catch up' to the current government in its environment and conservation policy, Environment Minister Marian Hobbs said today.

I believe that through innovative ‘cooperation’, we can reduce costs and improve environmental and public health outcomes at the same time.

Experts and scientists need to acknowledge there are risks from some GM technologies but they should also explain New Zealand has a robust, transparent and independent system in place to manage those risks to protect health and the environment, Environment Minister, Marian Hobbs said today.

Decisions involving GM must be made on the basis of careful consideration of the facts, constantly taking into account scientific evidence and public concerns. This is exactly the approach taken by the Labour/Alliance government, firstly through the establishment of the Royal Commission, and then in the government’s response to the Commission.

Water is clearly our most important resource. There are many conflicts and challenges in managing how we use it.

Environment Minister Marian Hobbs has marked World Environment Day by announcing the winners of the 2002 Green Ribbon awards. The Awards were introduced in 1990 to recognise people, community organisations and businesses enhancing our environment.

There will be no release of genetically modified material into the New Zealand environment when the moratorium on GM applications ends on October 29, 2003, Environment Minister Marian Hobbs said today. Green Party advertising claims to the contrary were untrue.

The release of ‘Ambient Air Quality Guidelines’ is another step towards ensuring New Zealanders have clean air to breathe, Environment Minister Marian Hobbs said today.

Environment Minister Marian Hobbs has rejected Green Party claims of a widespread release of GE material next year and condemned these statements as a political stunt.

Mr Speaker, the passing of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Genetically Modified Organisms) Amendment Bill into law will implement one of the key government decisions in response to the report of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification.

The environment will be a significant beneficiary in Thursday's Budget, Environment Minister Marian Hobbs said today.

I want to touch on three aspects of the government’s perspective on sustainable development.First and foremost partnerships, also how the government’s leadership role fits into that partnership, second the draft sustainable development strategy, and finally I’ll touch on the international issues.

New Zealand's Waste Strategy, launched last month, will be one of the features at a meeting of Australian and New Zealand environment ministers in Australia this week.

Environment Minister and Wellington Central MP Marian Hobbs is congratulating Wellington City Council for introducing a kerbside recycling scheme for inner city residents.

A new qualification for people handling refrigerants will help protect the ozone layer and guard against climate change, Energy Minister Pete Hodgson and Environment Minister Marian Hobbs, said today.