The Emissions Trading Scheme was introduced on Thursday.  It is an extension of the earlier scheme that included just forestry. This scheme has proved to be a disappointment as the critics warned that it will not have a positive effect on small businesses and households.

The scheme is said to increase the load on the taxpayers rather than the emitters. The short-term impact of the scheme will not be very significant on the greenhouse emissions in New Zealand.

It is difficult for the common man to be familiar with the intricacies of the scheme, the cost of which is $3.17 per customer a week.

National's Environment Minister, Nick Smith, knew the threats posed by the scheme and consequently responded by calling it "lowest common denominator" scheme.

People may not seem to be having much enthusiasm regarding it but majority of them can survive with it. So far it has not had much impact on the on households.

Also, the elections are slated for next year and National will make it a point that their scheme does not hit the people much.

National considers that their scheme would go down well with nearly 80% of the electorate.