The Environment and Safety

New Zealand is probably the cleanest industrialised country in the world

Electricity is largely generated by renewable means with little or no carbon dioxide emmissions. More than 70% is from renewable resources: hydro dams, wind and geothermal. We are a lucky country in this way in that we get plenty of rain (too much sometimes!!), we get plenty of wind from our long coastline (this is why we are generally good yachtsmen!) and there is plenty of geothermal activity which is being harnessed in increasing quantities.

New generation is never from coal and increasingly is from renewable resources. What thermal generation there is coming on stream is only from natural gas which is 60% more efficient and less carbon-producing than coal.

Our competitors are generally in countries where global warming seems to be disregarded. China for instance is opening a new coal-burning power station every week and is ignoring the environmental consequences.

Air quality is better in new Zealand than any other industrialised nation. We have clear bright-blue skys which produce stronger UV rays than almost anywhere else. While this is not good for human skin it has meant that our coated products have to be more resistant to ultra violet light which is what breaks fabrics down over time.

The air from our exhaust stacks is regularly monitored to ensure that air pollution is kept to a minimum and our waste water discharge is also carefully monitored by local authorities who are particularly diligent. Sometimes we think they are too diligent but it does preserve the clean and green image of our beautiful country.