News Direct: Media releases
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.
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.
Sustainability cuts cost at council
23 Jun 2009
North Shore City Council sustainability manager Michael Field has been in the job less than two years - but over the past 12 months has saved $1.2m from city-wide and in-house initiatives with a positive environmental outcome.
Green hotel top choice for eco-conscious corporates
23 Jun 2009
A new Auckland hotel says that it is fast becoming a popular destination for eco-conscious dignitaries and business travellers wanting to lower their carbon footprints.
ETS economic impact report reaction: Government
19 Jun 2009
A joint report by economic consultants NZIER and Infometrics concludes that a modified emissions trading scheme is the best way forward for New Zealand on climate change policy, says the Government.
ETS economic impact report reaction: Labour
19 Jun 2009
Labour says it welcomes a long-awaited economic modelling of climate change policy options, recommending an emissions trading scheme as the best climate change policy response.
ETS economic impact report reaction: Greens
19 Jun 2009
New economic modelling shows that New Zealand can continue with an emissions trading scheme at little economic cost, and Green Party MP Jeanette Fitzsimons says it is a clear message to Government to stop dithering and get on with it.
Polluters should pay, say Greens
19 Jun 2009
The Green Party welcomes yesterday's acknowledgement of responsibility for historic contamination by a chemical company, but is calling for clear financial liability and a fairer contribution to the clean-up and health costs.
Good magazine celebrates; One year, six major milestones and zero emissions
19 Jun 2009
Good magazine, a New Zealand guide to sustainable living, is one year old this month.
Banks waive fees for home insulation scheme
19 Jun 2009
All main trading banks have agreed to join the government’s insulation and heating scheme, and all have agreed to waive their fees for top-up loans homeowners get as part of insulation retrofits.
Govt 'over-selling' home insulation scheme
19 Jun 2009
National is over-selling the extent of its home insulation programme, details of which were announced today, says Labour's energy spokesperson, Charles Chauvel.
Electric vehicles to be RUC exempt
19 Jun 2009
Transport Minister Steven Joyce says that the government will exempt light electric vehicles from paying road user charges for four years as a first step towards encouraging their uptake.
Kawerau Jet wins silver Qualmark award
19 Jun 2009
Queenstown's Kawarau Jet, the world's longest-established commercial jet boat operation, has achieved the Qualmark Enviro-silver accreditation in recognition of its dedication to environmental sustainable practice.
Study into impact of sugar policies on energy and food issues
19 Jun 2009
Research into how sugar policies in Europe, the United States Brazil impact on world food and energy issues will be undertaken by experts from Nottingham Trent University and the University of Salford.
New software measure farm emissions
12 Jun 2009
A software programme allowing farmers to estimate their on-farm emissions of greenhouse gases and assists their business in balancing profit and environmental impact is among the technology showcased by AgResearch at National Fieldays this week.
Tardy council consent processing proves need for reform
12 Jun 2009
A new report showing only four of the country's 84 councils are fully complying with the law by processing resource consents on time proves the case for reforming the system, says the Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Climate scientists drilling for evidence in Southern Alps
12 Jun 2009
Scientists from three countries will camp out high in Mt Cook National Park for the next three weeks collecting ice cores from glaciers for climate research.
Air quality standards to be reviewed
12 Jun 2009
New Zealand’s air quality standards need reviewing to ensure they are practical and achievable, says Environment Minister Nick Smith.
Cuts to climate finance put exports in jeopardy: Lawyers
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.
Gas supply reducing faster than forecast
Thu 5 Jun 2025
By Liz Kivi | Gas reserves have reduced 27% as of 1 January 2025 compared to last year, according to data released today by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Controversy around NZ’s methane target hits international press
Tue 3 Jun 2025
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand’s approach to methane targets has hit international media, with climate scientists from multiple countries penning an open letter warning Prime Minister Christopher Luxon not to weaken methane targets.
Tech alone won’t save us, warns climate expert
Wed 4 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Technology alone won't be enough to reach net zero emissions, environmental psychologist Lorraine Whitmarsh told the Carbon and Energy Professionals conference in Auckland last week.
“It’s not the car – it’s how we move” – EECA
Tue 3 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams| New Zealand’s transport emissions conversation has focused heavily on electric vehicles – but Richard Briggs, group manager, delivery and partnerships at the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, says we’re asking the wrong question.
Fed Farmers launches campaign against carbon forestry
Fri 6 Jun 2025
By Liz Kivi | Federated Farmers has launched what they are calling the ‘Save Our Sheep’ campaign, blaming carbon forestry for declining sheep numbers and calling on the government to urgently review the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Kiwi cleantech companies on the world stage
27 May 2025
Six New Zealand 'cleantech' companies were in Singapore earlier this month, along with a venture capital firm and the MacDiarmid Institute, to meet investors and multinational partners.
