John
As usual NZs pious attitude on the rest of the world shows through on this topic.NZ tells the world just how clean & green it is. That I s nothing to do with Government policy. Its all to do with a small population & being isolated at the bottom of the world. By signing the Kyoto agreement & waving a collective lefty finger at other countries will only serve to show just how irrelevant NZ really is.
David Hosking
The issue is not about having a car that is too big or small, but is it needed? My father has a 4wd because he actually uses it for gold panning and fishing, I won’t own one because our efficient 2litre station wagon does the job. SUVs for the Remuera mum picking up the kids from school and shopping? Well, that’s just irresponsible and selfish.
Adrian Hills
What is the point in driving a small, efficient vehicle? You pay extra tax if you drive a diesel, and if you own a motorbike your registration costs more then a car.T here is nothing from the government to encourage people out of their dirty 4wd and into a more sensible vehicle.
Dale
Yes, they should. If they want us to take their greener credentials seriously. And even if they do not give a stuff about whether they practice what they preach, it is a moral and also a practical requirement of all of us to go easy on the only planet we have. After all, what is our Plan B?
Olmec Sinclair
New Zealand has a proud history as an early adopter of world changing ideas. I would like to see us take on something like what the Norwegian government has done, offsetting CO2 emissions from government air travel.
Darren Dumble
The politicians are completely missing the point about the types of cars they drive. They should be actively encouraging the nationwide adoption of low emission vehicles by making them cheaper to operate. I noticed that none of the pollies quoted mentioned buying diesel vehicles. Why? Because they know that the RUC makes these vehicles more expensive to run. The RUC effectively discriminates against the owners of ultra economical light diesel vehicles by imposing a tax per kilometre instead of the more equitable tax per litre (confirmed in the latest energywise rally). By abolishing the RUC on light diesel vehicles, and adding tax at the pump, the Government will be encouraging the ownership of fuel efficient vehicles of any type.
Paul Wheatcroft
Politicians should set an example and practice what they preach. This should mean: Govt departments etc should all use hybrid vehicles. Where hybrid vehicles are inappropriate due to the need for larger vehicles (visiting VIP’s, security issues, etc) the vehicle should be powered by LPG.
Paul Mackay
Reducing carbon emissions is going to incur significant costs. MPs should be honest about what these costs are instead of prattling on about petty issues like recycling egg shells and what type of car they drive.
