News Direct: All stories
Climate experts to brief young ambassadors
28 Aug 2009
Government and academic experts will share their expertise on climate change at the first of three NZ workshops preparing a group of young Kiwis for the international stage.
Loads-of-roads programme dinosaur thinking, say Greens
28 Aug 2009
The "loads of roads" National Land Transport Programme will mire New Zealand in an outdated 1950s approach to transport and do nothing to protect us from rising oil prices, climate change, or the obesity epidemic, says the Green Party.
Online GHG reduction calculator
28 Aug 2009
In an effort to increase the understanding of various emissions trading scheme-related policy suggestions, The ValueAdd Company has launched an online Greenhouse gas emissions reduction target analyser.
Sustainable paints win $1m prize for Resene
21 Aug 2009
New Zealand-owned Resene Paints Ltd had won Industrial Research Ltd’s What’s Your Problem New Zealand? competition.
Government scheme warms more than 3000 homes
21 Aug 2009
Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee says the government ‘s home-insulation scheme is exceeding expectations in its first month of operation.
Queenstown businesses learn how to use less power
21 Aug 2009
Before spending a fortune on the latest energy-saving device, check your bills, swap to efficient lighting, replace shower heads and install flow regulators.
Hybrid car advert okay, authority rules
21 Aug 2009
A recent complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority over claims made about the fuel efficiency and environmental benefits of hybrid cars in a television advertisement by The Clean Green Car Company has been dismissed in a unanimous decision by the ASA Complaints Board, the car company says.
More people buying smaller cars
21 Aug 2009
Some 16 per cent of people said they had recently down-sized their main vehicle, with 52 per cent citing fuel economy as the main reason, according to the 2009 AA Insurance Drivers Index.
Labour wrong on 2020 costs, says Smith
14 Aug 2009
Labour's claims that the government has exaggerated by tenfold the costs of a 10 to 20 per cent emissions reduction target announced on Monday raises serious questions about the economic literacy of the Opposition, says Climate Change Issues Minister Nick Smith.
Greens: NZ to spend on emissions target when it could save
14 Aug 2009
The Government wants to take the most expensive route to its emissions target, telling the world it will purchase carbon credits rather than work to reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gases, says the Green Party.
Most New Zealanders want 20-plus emissions reduction target
7 Aug 2009
Almost half of New Zealanders want the Government to set a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent or more by 2020.
High price for 100 per cent renewable energy, says Smith
7 Aug 2009
Achieving 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2020 would cost $17.5 billion, put power prices up by 30 per cent and require the equivalent of seven Clyde Dams being built, Climate Change Minister Nick Smith says.
ANZAC approach needed to tackle climate change, says business group
7 Aug 2009
The upcoming Australia-New Zealand Business Climate Change Conference is an opportunity for the two countries to develop a common voice on climate change issues, say Trans-Tasman Business Circle chief executive John Weiss and the general manager of the Australia and New Zealand Sustainability Circle, Gareth Johnston.
New reports help inform climate change policy, says Smith
31 Jul 2009
New reports released this week on the economic and forestry aspects of climate change policy will help inform Government decisions on New Zealand's 2020 emissions target and policy on emissions trading, Climate Change Minister Nick Smith says.
Costs of emissions cuts most likely overstated - report
31 Jul 2009
A carbon price of $100 to $200 per tonne is being assumed to generate estimates that New Zealand households will face a $3000-a-year bill for cutting emissions by 15 per cent, says the Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Timber tops for environmentally friendly buildings - report
31 Jul 2009
Increasing the amount of timber used in large-scale commercial buildings can decrease some environmental impacts of the building, according to a Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry study.
'Wood miles' stack up in New Zealand's favour
31 Jul 2009
It can be just as environmentally friendly to ship timber from New Zealand to distant markets than it is for those markets to use timber sourced more locally, a new study shows.
Business backs 20% emissions cut target
31 Jul 2009
The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development has advised the Government to set a unilateral target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent by 2020.
No new tree planting under this Parliament, say Kyoto forest owners
31 Jul 2009
Climate Change Minister Nick Smith is "badly misreading commercial and economic realities" if he thinks the Government's planned changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme will lead to the private sector resuming tree planting, the Kyoto Forestry Association says.
Guarantee for good biofuel moves closer
31 Jul 2009
A guarantee that biofuels in New Zealand are good for the environment moved a step closer this week as a Member’s Bill from Green Party MP Jeanette Fitzsimons passed its first reading in the House with widespread support.
Biodiesel Grants Scheme off to a strong start, says Brownlee
31 Jul 2009
A grants scheme set up to encourage biodiesel production in New Zealand is off to a strong start, with five companies set to take part, Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee says.
Minister’s political games on climate are off target, say Greens
31 Jul 2009
The Green Party has accused the Government of playing politics with the most significant threat ever to our economy and our environment while ignoring the obvious practical solutions.
Labour urges boldness on carbon pollution reduction target
31 Jul 2009
It is better to be bold than to be timid when setting New Zealand's 2020 carbon pollution reduction target, says Labour's Climate Change Issues spokesperson Charles Chauvel.
Sustainability report a useful step towards accurate reporting
31 Jul 2009
Business NZ has welcomed steps towards accurate reporting on sustainability.
2020 emission reduction target large cost, says coalition
31 Jul 2009
The Greenhouse Policy Coalition submission to the government on a 2020 target for emission reductions, warns that if the government settles on a 15 per cent reduction target from 1990 levels, it will cost NZ households 10 times what the US is proposing to charge its citizens.
Canon cuts emissions by 23%
31 Jul 2009
Canon New Zealand says it is taking action to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment by using resources more efficiently and making business decisions with sustainability in mind.
Shift heavy freight by rail, not juggernaut trucks
24 Jul 2009
Canon New Zealand is preparing for the third annual eDay – the community initiative designed to raise awareness of the benefits of recycling computers and of the hazardous nature of sending electronic waste to landfill.
Entries open for 2009 Concrete3 Sustainability Award
24 Jul 2009
Entries for the second annual Concrete3 Sustainability Award are now open, and those eligible for the award include anyone who can demonstrate sustainability in the in the production or use of concrete in the building and construction industry.
New emissions tool for exporters
24 Jul 2009
Airshed and Catalyst R&D have launched the launch of a new Greenhouse Gas emissions calculation tool for sea freighted container cargo.
Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre 26 - 28 October 2009
24 Jul 2009
The hosts of Carbon Market Expo Australasia 2009 are pleased to announce Macquarie Bank and Baker & McKenzie as Diamond Sponsors of Carbon Market Expo Australasia 2009.
Gull supports Greenpeace emissions reduction stand
17 Jul 2009
Gull New Zealand, a leader in biofuel and alternative energy, says that it supports Greenpeace’s recommendation that the New Zealand government make a strong commitment in setting its greenhouse gas emissions target for 2020.
Babydoll sheep to cut emissions at vineyard
17 Jul 2009
In his quest to develop the world’s leading sustainable vineyard, Peter Yealands has come up with a novel way to keep the grass down at his 1000 hectare vineyard in the most sustainable way.
Paper sector preparing for product stewardship
14 Jul 2009
The Paperboard Packaging Association says it plans to work with the Paper Forum on a combined paper and paperboard packaging product stewardship scheme as a natural successor to the Packaging Accord.
Whangarei's first energy efficient marine township in development
14 Jul 2009
Residents of Marsden Cove, near Whangarei ,will soon be able to enjoy the ultimate in energy efficient living, thanks to a recent agreement between Right House, New Zealand's energy efficiency solutions company and property developer, Hopper Developments.
Key’s Pacific tour should prompt rethink of climate change targets
10 Jul 2009
The New Zealand Government needs to take some regional leadership on the climate change crisis which threatens the very existence of some Pacific Island nations, say the Greens.
Environmental initiatives help OfficeMax strike diamond
10 Jul 2009
OfficeMax’s ongoing commitment to the conservation, protection and enhancement of the environment has been officially recognised by the Landcare Research Enviro-Mark programme.
Millions face climate-related hunger, says Oxfam
7 Jul 2009
Shifting seasons are destroying harvests and causing widespread hunger – but this is just one of the multiple climate change impacts taking their toll on the world’s poorest people – says a new report launched from Oxfam.
Energy Data File highlights rich lignite resources
7 Jul 2009
Straterra, the industry group representing New Zealand’s natural resources industries, says release of the 2009 edition of The New Zealand Energy Data File highlights the huge – and largely untapped – economical potential of the country’s natural resources.
Security threats from climate change top Pacific agenda
7 Jul 2009
Security threats from climate change must top the agenda of John Key’s tour of Pacific island nations after a recent United Nations Security Council Resolution, says the Green Party.
Report shows positive shifts in energy use and supply, govt says
3 Jul 2009
Energy and Resources Minister, Gerry Brownlee has released the latest edition of The New Zealand Energy Data File, an annual record of energy use in New Zealand.
One in five likely to go for home insulation rates deal
3 Jul 2009
Paying back insulation loans through rates could appeal to 21 per cent of colder-home owners
Electrolux wins award for excellence in sustainable design
3 Jul 2009
The Electrolux 2008 Refrigeration Collection has won the 2009 Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design in the prestigious Australian International Design Awards, a division of Standards Australia.
Companies back-track on toxic electronics phase-out
3 Jul 2009
Three of the world’s largest PC companies are failing in their commitments to phase out toxic chemicals in their products according to the the latest edition of Greenpeace’s 'Guide to Greener Electronics' released yesterday.
Golden Bay house gets energy efficiency rating
3 Jul 2009
A Golden Bay holiday home may be New Zealand’s most energy efficient house, achieving nine out of 10 stars under the Home Energy Rating Scheme – the highest rating awarded yet under the scheme.
Same trucks, less carbon, says Gull
3 Jul 2009
Gull says that it supports the Government's announcement to increase the load carrying capacity of trucks on New Zealand's roads.
New licence improves access to environmental data
3 Jul 2009
Two major environmental databases are set to become more accessible and easier to use following the re-release of these digital maps by the Ministry for the Environment.
Government improves water quality monitoring
3 Jul 2009
“An important part of the Government’s strategy to address fresh water quality is improving the standard and frequency of monitoring”, Environment Minister Nick Smith said this week in addressing Fish & Game New Zealand’s annual staff conference.
Three-day event celebrates New Zealand Antarctic research
30 Jun 2009
The University of Auckland says it is proud to host the annual Antarctica New Zealand conference this week, with climate change on the agenda.
Cathay buys carbon credits
26 Jun 2009
Cathay Pacific Airways and sister airline Dragonair have announced the purchase of 20,000 tonnes of carbon emissions reductions from leading offset retailer JP Morgan Climate Care for the airlines’ Fly Greener offset programme.
Commission declines Transpower request to amend settlement
23 Jun 2009
The Commerce Commission has declined a request from Transpower that the Commission amend the administrative settlement it reached with Transpower last year.
Common low-grade clay strengthens low-carbon concrete
Thu 5 Jun 2025
Media release | Engineers at RMIT University have converted low-grade clay into a high-performance cement supplement, opening a potential new market in sustainable construction materials.
