Working with New Zealand on Climate Change

Mr Rudd told the conference on Tuesday that the importance of being able to work closely with New Zealand at international climate change negotiations cannot be overestimated.

He praised Miss Clark's leadership in those negotiations, particularly when Australia had been absent from the table. "That's been really important in making sure that we are moving in the direction of a global consensus, despite all the obstacles."

Mr Rudd says both governments have been working closely on climate change mitigation and emissions trading.

Miss Clark says climate change will also be the focus of the Pacific Islands Forum in Niue, which both prime ministers are attending. "I think the change in position of the government in Australia on climate change is going to be very much welcomed there, and should lead to a very good and constructive discussion and outcome from the Pacific Islands Forum."


She says New Zealand will need to protect itself against the possibility of trade barriers being replaced by environmental barriers.

Miss Clark says New Zealand will have to make sure it deals effectively with greenhouse gas emissions from its biggest-emitting sector, agriculture, if it is to counter the imposition of environmental barriers against its exports

The two leaders have held an official meeting at Government House, and were due to leave for Niue on Tuesday afternoon.