Budget undermines climate and environmental research, say scientists
Fri 23 May 2025
By Shannon Williams
Scientists are criticising the 2025 budget for sidelining environmental and hazard research, warning that deep cuts to core programmes reflect a growing shift towards profit-driven science at the expense of public safety and climate resilience.
Cuts to climate finance put exports in jeopardy: Lawyers
Fri 23 May 2025
By Liz Kivi | The government has halved international climate finance, a move aid organisations describe as “devastating,” and which lawyers say could put our Paris Agreement commitments and export market access at risk.
Govt budgets $200m for would-be gas investors
Fri 23 May 2025
By Liz Kivi | Energy Resources Aotearoa has welcomed the government's plan to co-invest $200 million in fossil gas expansion, while environmental and climate groups have reacted with horror.
Public transport woes for Canterbury’s big growth areas
Fri 23 May 2025
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter | It is back to the drawing board on proposed bus services in the Selwyn district as Canterbury's regional council struggles with growing demand and limited funds, chairperson Craig Pauling says.
Media round-up
Fri 23 May 2025
In our weekly round-up of climate coverage in local media: What is behind delays to a taxpayer-funded methane satellite? Is carbon capture a fossil fuel industry scam? and David Hall argues that efficient forms of energy are not "lesser evils."
NZ moving too slowly to decarbonise – former commission chair
Thu 22 May 2025
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand's energy transition is too slow and too controlled by vested interests, according to former Climate Change Commission chair Rod Carr.
Govt puts off reviewing carbon subsidies
Thu 22 May 2025
By Shannon Williams | The government is no longer considering changes to phase-out rates for millions of dollars worth of carbon subsidies to industrial polluters under the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Public distrust over electricity sector
Thu 22 May 2025
A poll found that nearly half of New Zealanders feel more concerned about their power bill than last year and believe breaking up the electricity gentailers could improve competition.
Fed Farmers ‘ready to go into battle’ over methane target
Wed 21 May 2025
Federated Farmers say they will never accept a 24% methane reduction target, and they are prepared to go into battle with the government over the issue.
Council delays forestry plan as national rules remain unclear
Wed 21 May 2025
Tairāwhiti’s forestry reforms are facing fresh delays, with Gisborne District Council now tying its plan changes to national direction that remains uncertain.
