Good afternoon,

As you may be aware, the Government is introducing new standards for vehicle emissions to improve air quality and New Zealanders' health. The new Rule will take effect from 3 January 2008.

I am writing to bring the matter to your attention, in case you would like to disseminate the information through your networks, put something on your website or include it in your newsletter.
 
Here is part of a recent media release by the Associate Minister of Transport Judith Tizard on 27 November:

Many of the diesel vehicles coming into this country have already been banned from Tokyo’s roads because of the concern over air quality. The Tokyo Government won’t allow these vehicles on their roads and we are taking the same stance.
 
Emissions from vehicles, particularly older diesel vehicles, are costing the New Zealand environment and costing New Zealanders their health. The HAPINZ Report released earlier this year showed that 500 New Zealanders are dying prematurely every year as a result of vehicle emissions. That number has grown from 399 in 2002. This Rule is an important part of our plan to arrest that trend.

Petrol vehicles built to the Japan 98 standard can continue to be imported into New Zealand next year. The Japan 00/02 standard will be introduced from 2009. This should result in improved air quality and minimise potential economic and social impacts.

The link to the full media release is
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=31440.

The full Rule is also online at: http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/rules/vehicle-exhaust-emissions-2007.html

Regards,

Sara Norling
Senior Communications Adviser
Ministry of Transport - Te Manatu  Waka
Novell House
89 The Terrace
PO Box 3175
Wellington
 
ddl 04 439 9393
cell 021 249 0462
s.norling@transport.govt.nz