Kia ora Mr Speaker.

Helen Kelly, CTU President, said today that the union movement has enormous appreciation of the contribution made by Jeanette Fitzsimons during her time in Parliament.

Prime Minister John Key says Jeanette Fitzsimons' contribution to politics in New Zealand has been significant and will leave an important legacy.

The Green MP today announced she will retire after 13 years in Parliament.

Politically, the year 2009 was (to paraphrase an old Bill Clinton campaign adage) all about the economy, stupid!

+12

A leaked UN report shows that New Zealand needs to come to the party and lift its emissions target to stop catastrophic runaway climate change, said the Green Party today.

The Green Party today welcomed the announcement that New Zealand will lead a Global Research Alliance for reducing climate change emissions from agriculture, adding that it is crucial to pursue science and ideas that enhance our clean green reputation.

John Key needs to cut emissions at home, not pay poor countries to do our share, said the Green Party today.

The Prime Minister wants other countries to cover New Zealand's climate change responsibilities while we shirk doing our fair share, the Green Party said today.

The Government must have an open mind and be ready to join forces with world leaders at Copenhagen and make bold, fair and binding commitments to fight climate change, said the Green Party today.

An environmental leadership forum held in Rotorua this week brought together 22 of the nation's top dairy farmers to hammer out farmer-led solutions to environmental challenges facing the industry.