Balancing environmental protection with the need for better economic performance will be a major consideration for a National-led government, says National Party Leader John Key.

"New Zealand can be prosperous and have a protected environment," Mr Key told the Forest and Bird conference in Upper Hutt today.

"I want to grow our economy so New Zealanders have the choices, security and opportunities that prosperity brings; be that better healthcare, low-carbon technology, or wages that are high enough to stop our children departing for Australia."

The balancing act is shown up in National's climate change policy.

National has a target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, as compared to 1990 levels, by 2050, and the electricity sector offers potential to significantly cut emissions.

"To ensure New Zealand takes up this clean technology we have to make it easier for generators to invest in renewable energy," says Mr Key.

"As it is, sensible wind-farm and hydro developments are being caught up in red tape, while Government-owned power stations are burning more coal and gas than ever before.

"I can't understand how New Zealand can carry on like this while simultaneously making a claim to climate change credibility.

"That is why I recently voiced my support for restarting the Dobson Dam hydro project on the West Coast.  The flooding of a small piece of land seems a small price to pay for the long-term reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that would result from it.

"Trade-offs are an intrinsic part of environmental decision-making.  They are tough, and there is often a cost to bear, but shying away from making the call isn't an option."