News Direct: Media releases
Big players dropping the ball on climate change
Fri 7 Nov 2025
Media release | New Zealand’s major sports bodies are lagging behind much of the world when it comes to climate action, says University of Auckland sociologist Dr Chris McMillan.
New Indigenous-led Climate Institute opens at Lincoln University
Thu 6 Nov 2025
Media release | Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University proudly announces a pivotal new chapter in climate resilience with the establishment of the Kāika Institute of Climate Resilience.
UN Body agrees first methodology under Paris Agreement carbon market
Wed 5 Nov 2025
Media release | The UN body responsible for setting up an international carbon market under the Paris Agreement has agreed its first new methodology, which sets out how emissions reductions from a specific project type can be calculated.
Auckland Council toughens up on building in flood risk areas
Wed 5 Nov 2025
Media release: Auckland Council | From Monday 3 November 2025, stronger planning rules take effect in Auckland to better protect people and property from natural hazards.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council welcomes new flood data
Mon 3 Nov 2025
Media release | Hawke’s Bay Regional Council welcomes the release of the National Flood Tool and accompanying data by Earth Sciences New Zealand. This is an important contribution to understanding the impacts of climate change for New Zealand.
Developing countries will need US$310 billion annually for climate adaptation by 2035
31 Oct 2025
Media release - UN Environment Programme: Slow climate adaptation is threatening lives and economies.
What will it take to stop Antarctic ice shelves from collapsing?
30 Oct 2025
Media release: Springer Nature | Up to 59% of Antarctic ice shelves may be at risk of disappearing under high-emission scenarios by 2300, according to a comprehensive analysis of the effect of ocean warming published in Nature.
Enviroschools hui coming up
29 Oct 2025
Media release: Otago Regional Council | Enviroschools is continuing to inspire students through practical action with six hui scheduled for schools across Otago during Term 4 – spanning October through to early-December.
UC launches interactive tool for low-carbon urban planning
28 Oct 2025
Media release | University of Canterbury researchers launch an interactive mapping tool to help urban planners and local councils design lower-carbon neighbourhoods.
Carbon Finance Program upscales efforts to close climate investment gap in climate vulnerable nations
22 Oct 2025
Media release | The Climate Vulnerable Forum and its V20 Finance Ministers (CVF-V20) will work with the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) to upscale the Carbon Finance Program in reach and impact, supporting more climate-vulnerable countries to host high-integrity carbon projects that yield tangible climate, nature, and sustainable development benefits.
New methane research barn boosts farmer options
20 Oct 2025
Media release | The Government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has said at the opening of a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in the Waikato.
Councils need funding tools to address climate challenges – LGNZ
17 Oct 2025
Media release | Local Government New Zealand is welcoming the Government’s new National Adaptation Framework, while cautioning that councils will struggle to meet its new expectations without additional funding tools.
AgriZeroNZ board reinforced to drive methane reduction
17 Oct 2025
Media release | Two experienced agribusiness leaders have been appointed to the AgriZeroNZ board to help the public-private joint venture’s efforts to drive the adoption of new tools to reduce on-farm emissions.
Unlocking the national potential of flexible energy use through residential appliances – EECA calling for submissions
16 Oct 2025
Media release | EECA is asking for feedback from the energy sector on a newly published green paper about unlocking the potential of demand flexibility through end-use products, such as appliances, used in New Zealand homes.
Lightyears secures funding for solar farm portfolio expansion
15 Oct 2025
Media release | Solar farm developer, Lightyears, has refinanced with Australian renewables lender, Infradebt, to take their portfolio of solar farms to 27MW, split across five farms. Three farms are already operational and two more are under construction.
Te Kāhu Pōkere prepare to take flight for COP30
14 Oct 2025
Media release | With just weeks until they depart for Brazil, Te Kāhu Pōkere – the first iwi-mandated Māori youth delegation to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference – will gather for their final wānanga in Pōneke next week.
European Union invests into groundbreaking Christchurch environmental projects
13 Oct 2025
Media release – Christchurch City Council | Two Christchurch City Council restoration projects in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor have been selected to partner in a significant European Union environmental initiative.
Climate change could strain GP access, research warns
10 Oct 2025
Media release - University of Canterbury | New UC research shows the serious effects that climate change could have on New Zealand’s health system, making it even harder for people to see a GP.
Bottom trawling a triple threat to marine environments - new report
9 Oct 2025
Media release | Greenpeace is calling for urgent action to restrict bottom trawling after a new government report highlights the compounding effects this destructive fishing method has on climate change, habitat degradation and biodiversity loss.
Fix it, don't ditch it: University of Auckland hosts first Repair Cafe
9 Oct 2025
Media release - Auckland University | The University's first-ever Repair Cafe is bringing students and staff together to give broken items a new lease on life, while promoting a culture of repair and reuse.
Online tool aims to reduce road freight emissions
9 Oct 2025
Media release | Road freight association Transporting New Zealand are announcing the launch of an online tool that aims to help the industry decarbonise.
Port Marlborough delivers on strategy with sustainable investments
7 Oct 2025
Media release | Port Marlborough reports a resilient performance for the 2025 financial year, with revenue of $46 million and a projected dividend of $4.2 million to its shareholder Marlborough District Council Holdings. The result demonstrates disciplined delivery against strategy, major investment in sustainable infrastructure and partnerships that support Marlborough’s economy, people and environment.
UC wins top international award for civics education
6 Oct 2025
Media release | A University of Canterbury research group has received international recognition at the highest level of political science.
Environment Minister abusing role to put freshwater at risk – Greens
3 Oct 2025
Media release – Green Party | Documents obtained under the Official Information Act have revealed the Minister for the Environment is pressuring local councils to allow ‘water take’ consents for a group of farmers that includes her party colleague, in a catchment already showing signs of serious decline.
Study warns climate leadership falling short in NZ
1 Oct 2025
Media release - Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland | Research suggests New Zealand’s climate leadership is falling short, with current adaptation efforts focused on property and cost-cutting rather than protecting communities.
Solar investment to cut long-term costs at Te Ngaengae Pool
1 Oct 2025
Media release | Hutt City Council has confirmed it will reinvest part of the remaining budget from the Te Ngaengae Pool and Fitness project into a large-scale solar panel installation. An invest-to-save measure that will help cut running costs.
Auckland Transport and Kinetic charging ahead for sustainability
30 Sep 2025
Media release | Auckland Transport (AT) and bus operator Kinetic and have taken another step in their decarbonisation journeys with major upgrades completed at Kinetic’s Glenfield bus depot to support a growing zero emissions fleet.
Day of action against incinerators
29 Sep 2025
Media release | Zero Waste Aotearoa will call on the Ministry for the Environment to embrace real solutions to waste and climate change, not toxic pollution from incineration as part of an international day of action on Tuesday 30 September.
China's new target unlikely to drive down emissions
26 Sep 2025
Media release - Climate Action Tracker | China’s new 2035 climate target, announced at the UN, marks a shift from emission and energy intensity targets to setting absolute emission reduction targets for the first time.
Govt needs to plan for catastrophes
25 Sep 2025
Media release - Otago University | Two thirds of New Zealanders support the idea of the Government developing specific plans to deal with catastrophic risks, such as a Northern Hemisphere nuclear war or the release of a bioengineered infectious disease, University of Otago research has found.
Students repeat request for Victoria University to divest from fossil fuel investments
24 Sep 2025
Media release | A group of students campaigning for climate action at Victoria University of Wellington have dropped a banner protesting against the university’s lack of action on its 2014 commitment to divest from fossil fuels.
From nuisance to crisis: New report on pest wasps In Aotearoa
24 Sep 2025
Media release: Moths and Butterflies NZ Trust | Just published is the Final Report of the Pest Wasps Survey carried out by the Moths and Butterflies of NZ Trust (MBNZT) offering a comprehensive look at New Zealanders’ awareness, experiences, and attitudes toward wasps and the growing ecological, health, and social issues associated with them.
Bay of Islands treasures under threat – New EDS case study points towards practical solutions
23 Sep 2025
Media release | The Environmental Defence Society has released its latest oceans reform case study: Caring for Te Pēwhairangi – Bay of Islands, highlighting the extraordinary natural and cultural values of the Bay of Islands and the urgent need to address the serious environmental degradation occurring there.
Professor conjures up new sustainable foods
23 Sep 2025
Media release: University of Auckland | Grapes can be turned into wine, but can unwanted fruit be transformed into new sustainable foods?
$600k Climate Resilient Communities Fund allocated
22 Sep 2025
Media release: Northland Regional Council | Twenty-two Northland projects will share $600,000 of funding to support community-led initiatives that build resilience to the immediate and ongoing effects of climate change.
State of the Environment report: Auckland is improving in part but big challenges lie ahead
18 Sep 2025
Media release: Auckland Council | Auckland’s environment is showing green shoots of recovery, yet many of our ecosystems are still in trouble.
The ozone hole continues to recover thanks to international action
17 Sep 2025
Media release: World Meteorological Organization (WMO) | The Earth’s protective ozone layer is healing and the ozone hole in 2024 was smaller than in recent years, according to a new report.
Solar and battery systems to boost resilience at Tasman community facilities
16 Sep 2025
Media release: Tasman District Council | Ten community facilities across Tasman District will soon be equipped with solar panels and battery storage, following confirmation of co-funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
Echo Tech secures growth investment to tackle NZ's e-waste crisis
15 Sep 2025
Media release | Echo Tech Limited, New Zealand’s leading provider of e-waste recycling and IT asset recovery services, is proud to announce a strategic investment from growth equity firm Altered Capital.
New courses focus on climate action, activism and creating vision
12 Sep 2025
Media release | Dark Times Academy’s final lineup of courses for 2025, launching in mid-September, will focus on taking action on climate, learning about practical activism, and creating visions for the future.
Ara Ake backs 13 projects to unlock NZ’s energy flexibility
11 Sep 2025
Media release | Ara Ake has approved over $600,000 in funding from the National Flex Discovery Fund for 13 flexibility service providers (FSPs).
Review calls for streamlined standards to unlock distributed energy potential in Aotearoa New Zealand
10 Sep 2025
Media release – Electricity Engineers’ Association | A recent electricity industry report finds significant variability in technical standards across 29 electricity distributors, hindering integration of solar, batteries, and electric vehicles.
NPDC funds empowering community-led initiatives towards greener future
9 Sep 2025
Media release – New Plymouth District Council | If you have a project that aims to reduce emissions and waste or boost the number of native plants across the district, you could be eligible for funding through one of NPDC’s environmental funds.
New research reveals our passion and blind spots when it comes to nature
9 Sep 2025
Media release – Department of Conservation | New research reveals New Zealanders care deeply about nature and want to help but aren’t aware of the scale of challenges nature is up against.
All Aboard: New electric trains for Lower North Island
8 Sep 2025
Media release - Minister of Transport | Government’s $802.9 million investment into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines has now reached a major milestone, with Greater Wellington Regional Council today signing a contract for a new fleet of 18 battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) trains, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
Air pollution is fuelling climate change, and climate change is fuelling air pollution
8 Sep 2025
Media release - World Meteorological Organization | A new WMO report traces the complex interplay between air quality and climate, highlighting the role of tiny particles called aerosols in wildfires, winter fog, shipping emissions and urban pollution.
Endeavour Fund research to shape NZ’s future
5 Sep 2025
Media release - New Zealand Government | A project that looks to harness the potential of supercritical geothermal energy is amongst 19 ambitious science programmes the Government is backing, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announced today.
NZ homes could be fully solar-powered by 2032
4 Sep 2025
Media release - Harrisons Solar | A surge in solar capacity has put New Zealand on track to generate enough solar energy to power every home in the country within the next seven years, according to new research.
Aotearoa's waters teeming with undiscovered seaweed species, scientist says
4 Sep 2025
Media release - Earth Sciences New Zealand | Scientists believe they’re only seeing a snapshot of what could be living in our subantarctic islands and deep waters.
New look for New Zealand’s bioeconomy research
3 Sep 2025
Media release | The Bioeconomy Science Institute, Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest research organisation, launched its new look.
Why I’m not outraged at the Govt’s latest climate backsliding
Fri 7 Nov 2025
COMMENT: The Government’s latest climate rollbacks underline New Zealand’s long history of a lack of genuine desire to cut emissions, writes Geoff Bertram.
Govt gas expansion 'climate vandalism' – Greens
Fri 7 Nov 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Green Party has labelled the Government’s move to broaden the scope of its $200 million fossil gas investment fund as vandalism, accusing Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of breaking trust with New Zealanders.
NZ off-track for 2030 methane target
Thu 6 Nov 2025
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand is no longer on track to meet its 2030 methane target, according to the Ministry for the Environment.
Emissions down slightly - Stats NZ
24 Oct 2025
By Liz Kivi | Greenhouse gas emissions fell 1.5% in the June 2025 quarter, although the decline seems to reflect the economy continuing to contract rather than Aoteoroa inching towards decarbonisation goals.
Christchurch Airport boasts world-first liquid-hydrogen refuelling for test aircraft
30 Oct 2025
By Liz Kivi | Local companies working on hydrogen-electric flight have made ‘a significant step forward’ in successfully filling aviation tanks with liquid hydrogen produced and stored on-site at an international airport for the first time.
From pines to natives: Nelson's forestry reset begins
29 Oct 2025
By Max Frethey, Local Democracy Reporter | Nelson City Council’s transition away from clear-fell pine forestry is well underway with around 74,000 trees planted in the Maitai and Marsden Valleys this winter.
Vero warns losses to rise 26% by 2050 over extreme weather
29 Oct 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Extreme weather could drive a 19–26% spike in annual insurance losses by 2050, fuelled by rising seas and more intense flooding, according to Vero’s latest Climate-Related Disclosures Report.
