Genter sticks with transport
Julie Ann Genter will remain a key political figure for the motor vehicle industry after retaining the transport portfolio in the Green Party’s reshuffle.
The former Associate Minister of Transport will also tackle energy and resources, finance, and Covid-19 response portfolios among a number of roles in the new Parliament.
James Shaw, Green Party co-leader, says: “Julie Anne Genter naturally retains transport, after her excellent work in the Associate Minister of Transport role.
“She gains finance, where she’ll be able to put forward a strong green economic plan. She also gains local government and building and construction – where her planning credentials will shine.”
Genter, pictured, unveiled the last government’s plans in July 2019 that would have seen EVs attracting discounts of up to $8,000 and high-emitters being penalised.
The feebate scheme, known as the clean-car discount, was supported – in principal – by the automotive industry, while the clean-car standard, also called the fuel-economy standard, was condemned as unworkable in the form it was presented.
NZ First scuppered the “feebate” proposals being introduced, while Labour has pledged to introduce a clean-car standard for new and used car imports, with targets being phased in from 2021.
Shaw announced the new responsibilities for the Green Party’s 10-strong caucus on November 23. Other key appointments include Eugenie Sage tackling the environment, Ricardo Menendez March being responsible for immigration, and commerce and consumer affairs, and Teanau Tuiono landing the biosecurity and regional economic development portfolios.
Chloe Swarbrick will focus on economic development and small business, while Jan Logie picks up the ACC.
Shaw says: “In 10 MPs you have a small business owner, a human rights lawyer, an academic, a climate negotiator, a transport planner, and so much more.
“There are parents, anti-poverty activists, and environmentalists. Our caucus represents diversity, the honouring of te Tiriti, and gender balance.
“The breadth of skill and energy these Green MPs will bring to their areas of expertise will be of huge benefit to Aotearoa.”
For the full portfolio list, click here.
