Green Party MP Gareth Hughes Shares His Ideas on New Zealand's Clean Energy Future

Gareth Hughes explains solar energy to Room 21 students

On Tuesday the 25^th of February, Green Party MP, Gareth Hughes visited Room 21 of Howick Intermediate School to talk to us about clean energy.

We all enjoyed his visit. He told us about solar, wind, hydro and geo thermal energy. Mr Hughes told us that New Zealand is the Saudi Arabia of wind power. We also learnt about the different types of solar panels and how they work.

There are three political areas he is passionate about. He believes more homes in New Zealand should have the opportunity to generate their own energy as power prices in New Zealand have been sky rocketing over the past years. Mr Hughes told us that in New Zealand there are 1500 houses powered by solar energy but it is predicted by 2018 we will have 30,000! If a home generates too much energy they have the opportunity to sell it back to the grid. Mr Hughes wants to ensure that these people will get a fair price for the power they sell back to the grid.

When Mr Hughes was a university student he was unhappy with the services provided by the hall of residence in which he lived. He set up a Residents Association who meet regularly and took their feedback back to the university. Mr Hughes said it goes to show that politics occurs in everyday life.

Mr Hughes also worked for Green Peace on board the Rainbow Warrior to oppose illegal fishing.

Mr Hughes is now a member of parliament and one of his jobs is to be the ‘whip’. As the ‘whip’ he has to make sure his team is organised and it includes meeting the other whips from the other parties. He is also one of the youngest MPs in parliament.

He also feels strongly about the need to protect the biodiversity within our oceans. Lastly, that New Zealanders should have access to fast and free internet. We all like and agree with these ideas.

By Cale Ying
Year 8