News Direct: Media releases
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.
Conference to tackle energy hardship and build resilience returns for third year
2 Sep 2025
Media release - Ara Ake | The Energy Resilience and Affordability Conference will return on 8-9 October 2025 at the Harbourside Function Centre, Wellington, bringing together leaders from across Aotearoa New Zealand’s energy, community and research sectors.
Tasman flood waste recovery receives $2M boost
1 Sep 2025
Media release - New Zealand Government | The Government has granted Tasman District Council up to $2 million to support the region’s recovery from the severe flooding this winter, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says.
Marae resilience research takes global stage
29 Aug 2025
Media release | University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau | Marae are central hubs for whānau, hapū, and iwi across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Contact and bp charge partner to offer savings on EV charging
28 Aug 2025
Media release | Contact Energy (Contact) and bp charge have partnered to introduce a new customer offer to make electric vehicle (EV) charging easier for Kiwi drivers.
Rising cost of insurance prompts call for action on affordability and climate risks
27 Aug 2025
Media release | Consumer NZ releases a sobering report that highlights how house insurance is becoming increasingly out of reach for New Zealanders.
East Coast schools receive funding as part of pool solar project
26 Aug 2025
Media release: Trust Tairāwhiti | Four schools along the East Coast have been equipped with solar panels, battery storage, and pool heating systems as part of a $3.5m school pool heating and resilience project.
Verra and S&P advance carbon market integration with next-generation registry
26 Aug 2025
Media release - Verra | World’s largest GHG standards body collaborates with the world’s leading commodities information and registry infrastructure provider.
The quest to turn e-waste into metals
26 Aug 2025
Media release – University of Auckland | William Sheard is on a quest to turn electronic waste into metals.
Latest data confirms rail as lower carbon option for moving freight
25 Aug 2025
Media release | KiwiRail customers who chose to move their goods on rail collectively saved 220,254 tonnes of CO2e emissions in the last financial year (ending June 2025).
Nearly half of Kiwi in the dark about risks facing their homes
22 Aug 2025
Media release – Tower | As weather events become more frequent and extreme its important people have information about the risks that could affect their property.
Why helping customers electrify is a growth opportunity for energy retailers
22 Aug 2025
Media release – Cogo | The global shift to a low-carbon economy is transforming the energy market. For energy retailers, this shift brings both pressure and possibility.
Governments in Global South get dedicated support to tap into carbon markets
21 Aug 2025
Media release – VCMI | A new toolkit will help emerging markets and developing economies decide how best to generate and sell carbon credits to access climate finance, accelerate innovation and help close the $1.3 trillion climate finance gap.
Action urgent for Pacific region to ‘stay alive and thrive’
19 Aug 2025
Media release – Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland | Pacific Climate Change Roundtable theme underlies urgency to address impacts of climate change.
Will reflective roofs help beat the heat?
15 Aug 2025
Media release - University of Auckland | About 500 roofs across four continents have been painted with a reflective coating, as part of research into tackling the health impacts of climate change.
Hot water heat pumps next big thing – but need a push
14 Aug 2025
Media release – Ecobulb Limited | Bold action is needed to accelerate New Zealand’s transition to cleaner, more energy-efficient homes and businesses, says energy efficiency expert Dr Chris Mardon.
Innovative partnership delivers measurable climate action for not-for-profit sector
14 Aug 2025
Media release - Rātā Foundation | A groundbreaking programme developed by Terra Nova and Rātā Foundation is delivering measurable climate action results for the not-for-profit sector, with participating organisations reducing their emissions intensity by 28% per dollar spent.
New resource management bill an 'unprecedented power grab' by ministers
13 Aug 2025
Media release – Environmental Defence Society | The changes proposed in the Amendment Paper represent an "egregious aggregation of power" by Minister Bishop, aimed at disempowering councils who protect the environment.
Pacific climate response in question as NZ finance remains unclear
Fri 19 Dec 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | With New Zealand's $1.3 billion international climate finance commitment set to end with no clarity on what follows, the Auditor-General says oversight of that funding remains patchy and long-term outcomes are unclear.
NZ hydrogen regulation to catch up with the world
Thu 18 Dec 2025
By Pattrick Smellie | The government has announced a regulatory reset for New Zealand’s emerging clean tech hydrogen sector.
State-owned farmer drives profit growth with emissions reductions
Fri 19 Dec 2025
By Pattrick Smellie | Government-owned Landcorp, trading as Pāmu, is one-third of the way to meeting its 2031 emissions reduction targets, with five years left to run to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30.3% against 2021 emissions.
Transport dominates NZ’s rising consumer emissions
10 Dec 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Transport pollution was the biggest contributor to an increase in New Zealand’s consumption-based emissions in 2023, with emissions from household travel up 12%, and consumption-based emissions totalling 58.3 million tonnes – up 1.6% from the previous year.
NZ could become ‘dumping ground’ for dirty vehicles: Commissioner
16 Dec 2025
By Liz Kivi | Simon Upton, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, has warned the Government that its changes to the clean car standard could turn the country into a dumping ground for high emitting cars, making future emissions budgets harder to achieve.
Uncertainty eroding confidence in forestry sector
5 Dec 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Warnings are mounting that tree planting is set to plunge to “very close to zero”, as new Ministry for Primary Industries data shows ETS registration applications falling sharply as confidence in forestry declines.
Investors must support positive climate-tech
28 Nov 2025
OPINION: We need better leadership than the current ‘climate opportunism’ that is rife in the Beehive, and we need to back a marketplace that will make it happen, writes Rob Campbell.
