Group formed to give advice on emissions trading

Thirty-one leaders across business, agriculture and forestry, science and the environment, the union movement and non-government organisations have joined a group to advise the government on emissions trading and related issues.

Climate Change Minister David Parker also announced that businessman Stephen Tindall has agreed to lead the Climate Change Leadership Forum.

Parker said the forum will help the government to develop climate change solutions which are durable and broadly supported by the wider community.

"It is important that the government works closely with representatives of key sectors across the economy and society in the detail of the emissions trading scheme to deal with climate change and put New Zealand on a more sustainable footing," Parker said.

Parker said that considerable work had gone into the scheme of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme, but that public engagement before the final government decisions on the design and implementation of the scheme were needed.

"The Climate Change Leadership Forum will be an important element in our engagement process," Parker said.

"The members will provide fresh perspectives on policy related to climate change and emissions trading, assist with communicating proposals developed by government and industry with the wider community, and facilitate discussions with broader groups in the community."

The forum will report directly to Ministers of Finance and Climate Change through monthly face-to-face meetings, with the first meeting in October.