We’re pleased with the way it went – both the turnout (about 200 people) and the quality of the presentations. The keynote, given by Canadian environmentalist, Dr David Suzuki, was simply outstanding.
So, in my opinion, were the two theoretical expositions that followed, by Dr. John Peet and Assoc. Prof. Marjan van den Belt. But in truth, all presenters gave insightful and thought-provoking addresses and participated in the discussion constructively.
Thanks to our two National and Labour colleagues, Hon. Dr Nick Smith (Minister for the Environment) and Hon. David Cunliffe (Opposition finance spokesperson). We appreciated their decision to join us across party lines. We respected the quality of their presentations.
Pretty much all commentators have said the conference was interesting and successful. A couple, however, saw it as the Greens talking to the greens. Not so. There were many academics, think-tank experts, and others who were certainly not connected to the Green Party and who in fact go to considerable lengths to make that clearly understood.
The aim of the conference had been to strike a dialogue with MP colleagues across all parties, and all members of the general public, on the nature of economics in the 21st century, and the common understanding that might be developed between us. Invitations had been extended to all 122 MPs. Many decidedly non-green individuals had been invited through various networks.
I’m hoping this conference, whose central purpose was a cross-party initiative, will encourage others (and for that matter ourselves) to try this kind of thing again. Parliament’s Legislative Council Chamber is a perfect venue to act as an antidote to the adversarial exchanges that occur in the House, some 20 metres down the corridor. Our economic thinking and the resulting Green policies that come from the conference will be smarter as a result.
My thanks to all who participated in the conference for making it such a pleasant and meaningful event.
