Green Party politicians have handed a bouquet to the primary sector for its more efficient energy use.
A new Statistics New Zealand survey shows the primary industries sector's total energy use as well as fossil fuel use fell by 1% over three years to 2011, while its contribution to gross domestic product rose by 9%.
The Greens say that means the sector has improved energy efficiency by more than 7% in that time, benefiting both their profits and the environment.