The Labour Party leader says de-carbonising New Zealand does not mean de-industrialise

Chris Hipkins has addressed the Just Transitions Forum at Parliament -- where stakeholders are discussing moving toward a low carbon economy.

He says the fossil fuel industry has played its role and farming is vital for New Zealand - both providing good, well-paying jobs for generations.

But Hipkins says it's beyond time for change.

He says examples like New Zealand Steel's conversion to an electric furnace shows how Government partnership cut emissions while keeping steel-making.