News Direct: Media releases
Luxury travel gathering said to be NZ's biggest carbon neutral event
22 May 2008
The countdown is on to New Zealand’s biggest tourism event, which is also New Zealand’s biggest carbon neutral event – TRENZ 2008 – kicking off in Rotorua on Monday 26 May.
Rural internet use jumps 97% in April as fuel prices rise
22 May 2008
Rural people are increasingly turning to the internet in response to rising fuel costs, according to rural broadband provider Farmside.
Tanczos to stay till election - new waste tax priority policy
22 May 2008
Green Party MP Nandor Tanczos will remain in Parliament till the 2008 election.
Ministry report blueprint for environmentally friendly printing
22 May 2008
The Ministry for the Environment’s milestone state of the environment publication has won a gold award for using best practice environmental printing processes.
Mallard cites sustainability in potential $200m fashion market.
21 May 2008
Environment Minister Trevor Mallard says Government initiatives and regulatory drivers, like the Emissions Trading Scheme and the New Zealand Energy Strategy, and changing consumer behaviour mean that New Zealand businesses do need to “get real” and become sustainable.
Google Earth powers up to show impacts of climate change
21 May 2008
Millions of Google Earth users around the world will be able to see how climate change could affect the planet and its people over the next century, along with viewing the loss of Antarctic ice shelves over the last 50 years, thanks to a new project launched yesterday.
Now its "go vege" and save the planet?
21 May 2008
A vegan group is now proclaiming a link between diet and climate change, and urging New Zealanders to "go vegie" and save the plant.
Watercare, Vodafone win trans Tasman sustainability reporting awards
21 May 2008
For the fifth year in a row Auckland company WaterCare Services has been honoured at the annual trans Tasman sustainable reporting awards announced in Sydney yesterday.
Anderton slams Key's inaccuracies on Fast Forward Fund
21 May 2008
Progressive leader and Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton has made public background papers on the New Zealand Fast Forward Fund and called on National to reverse its pledge to axe it.
Gutless National risk billions, says Agriculture Minister
20 May 2008
National’s gutless decision not to support emissions trading legislation is a cop-out by a weak leader who lacks vision for New Zealand or any understanding of the long term economic challenges we face, Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton said yesterday.
Parker panics over slowing of ETS process, says Smith
20 May 2008
The cost of rushed, ill thought-out ETS legislation will be far more disastrous for this country than any minor delay while the details are worked out, says National’s Climate Change spokesman, Nick Smith.
EMA applauds National call for pause in ETS
20 May 2008
The Employers and Manufacturers' Association Northern supports the need for New Zealand to have a robust policy to combat man-made contributions to greenhouse gases.
Greens 'away with the fairies', says NZCSC
20 May 2008
Green Party leader Jeanette Fitzsimons is "away with the fairies" in her views on climate change and emissions changing, according to Terry Dunleavy, secretary of the New Zealand Climate Science Coalition.
UN sustainable development forum ends with call for more investment in research
19 May 2008
The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) has wrapped up its annual session by emphasizing the need for ramping up investment in research and development in innovative and sustainable agricultural technologies and infrastructure in poor countries.
Mallard forced to explain ministry bungles - again
19 May 2008
Environment Minister Trevor Mallard has been forced to admit his beleaguered ministry has bungled again by cancelling public workshops to enable a staff member to take a jaunt to Australia, says National’s associate environment spokeswoman Jacqui Dean.
Key outlines case against current ETS proposals
19 May 2008
John Key, National Party Leader, speech to the National Party Lower North Island Regional Conference, Wellington.
Minister is trying to downplay cost of emissions trading
19 May 2008
The introduction of the emissions trading Bill could have far reaching economic consequences and the public deserve some clarity around the predicted costs of the scheme, says Greenhouse Policy Coalition executive director Catherine Beard in a statement.
National - weak in the face of anti-climate business lobby
19 May 2008
National's attempt to delay the emissions trading scheme (ETS) and undermine a partial ban on thermal power stations is unacceptable, and a strong indication the party puts big business backers ahead of tackling climate change, says Greenpeace.
Kyoto forests group supports Key's ETS stand
19 May 2008
The Kyoto Forestry Association (KFA) says it supports Opposition Leader John Key's call for submissions to be re-opened on the Emissions Trading Scheme.
John Key fails the leadership test on climate change, says minister
19 May 2008
National has shown its true colours today, Climate Change Minister David Parker said, in response to John Key’s announcement that National is pulling its support for emissions trading and biofuel legislation.
Leadership delay is not what New Zealand needs on the ETS bill
19 May 2008
Delaying the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) until after the election would only slow action to reduce emissions which in turn will increase the cost of adjustment for New Zealand
Emissions trading scheme must proceed
16 May 2008
The Emissions Trading Scheme must proceed, as it is an essential system for New Zealand to adjust to a carbon-constrained future and live up to our clean green image, says Dr Jan Wright, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
Ports of Auckland commits to improved environmental efficiency
16 May 2008
An inventory of Ports of Auckland's total greenhouse gas emissions has provided a solid foundation for further work by the company to manage its carbon footprint, managing director Jens Madsen said.
Cullen pre-budget address to Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association
16 May 2008
Next week I will deliver my ninth Budget – this will be the first time a single Finance Minister has delivered nine consecutive Budgets since Walter Nash did so through the Second World War.
Copeland to oppose emissions trading scheme
16 May 2008
Independent MP Gordon Copeland has announced that he will be voting against the Emissions Trading Bill.
Major coal deal for Toll Rail
16 May 2008
Toll Rail has signed a two-year contract to transport coal from Eastern Coal Holdings Takitimu mine to Clandeboye, one of Fonterra's two large South Island dairy factories.
Fonterra one of few companies capable of tapping global trend
16 May 2008
New Zealand’s largest company, Fonterra, is one of this country’s few hopes for tapping a “rich vein” of economic opportunities opening up globally, says chairman Henry van der Heyden.
Farm environment competition rewards more supreme winners
15 May 2008
Organisers of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards are praising the high standard of entrants this year, with another string of supreme winners honoured for their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Better use of science can cut fertiliser spending
15 May 2008
Given the price uncertainty in the fertiliser market – other than prices are clearly going up – users will have to become more canny about where and how they apply fertiliser.
Westpac plans to drive down C02 emissions
15 May 2008
Westpac New Zealand will remove over 500 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere as it renews its vehicle fleet over the next 12 months.
Climate legislation needs strengthening
15 May 2008
The Emissions Trading Scheme has to be strengthened to ensure all those that emit greenhouse gases have an equal incentive to reduce their emissions, the Environment and Conservation Organisations told the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee.
ETS relief needed for ‘trade exposed' shipping companies
15 May 2008
Provide New Zealand shipping companies with access to emissions credits like other “trade exposed” industries or exempt them from the Emissions Trading Scheme until international ships are also subject to an emissions charge.
Simon Marsters appointed to Solid Energy board
15 May 2008
Simon Marsters, an Auckland-based chemical engineer and former General Manager of Imerys Tableware Division Asia, has been appointed to the board of Solid Energy New Zealand Ltd by the Minister for State-Owned Enterprises.
McCain emissions trading pledge important for NZ's heavy emitters
14 May 2008
A pledge by US Republican presidential candidate John McCain to present a cap and trade emissions trading law to Congress to “change the dynamic of the American economy” will be reassuring to heavy emitters in New Zealand.
Biofuel misinformation will cost meat farmers
14 May 2008
A new process for making biodiesel from tallow could allow meat companies to offset emissions taxes and avoid those costs being passed on to farmers.
ETS will cut environmental lifeline
14 May 2008
The Government's proposed Emissions Trading Scheme is in danger of cutting New Zealand's environmental lifeline - its forests and wood products - according to Dave Anderson, chairman of the industry body, the Wood Processors' Association, which presented to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee.
Business decision makers back emissions trading
13 May 2008
Six out of 10 business people agree with the Government’s policy to introduce an emissions trading scheme.
Parker: Clean green energy important to Rio Tinto
13 May 2008
The Labour-led government has already moved to address concerns over the Emissions Trading Scheme legislation raised by Rio Tinto at select committee, Climate Change Minister David Parker said.
Carbon capture false hope, says Greenpeace
13 May 2008
Big business and policy-makers must not succumb to the elusive promise of carbon capture and storage (CCS) to solve the climate crisis, says Greenpeace in a major new report.
How Kiwis can take easy steps to reduce their footprint
13 May 2008
A new booklet available from the sustainability.govt.nz website gives some valuable tips for reducing your environmental footprint. Entitled 25 Easy Steps Towards Sustainability, the downloadable booklet has practical insights to help you take action.
Farmers Relieved At Supply Beyond 2013
13 May 2008
The government has announced plans to extend the obligation on lines companies to supply electricity to 'uneconomic'areas beyond 2013.
Price rises will trigger reduction of fuel use
12 May 2008
If petrol and diesel prices break the $2 per litre barrier, it will trigger nearly a quarter of New Zealanders to significantly reduce their fuel use.
Fonterra: Global emissions to increase from ETS
9 May 2008
The world's greenhouse gas emissions could potentially increase along with the revenues of offshore dairy competitors, if New Zealand's proposed Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) is not changed.
Labour asleep on Blue Lake logging
9 May 2008
The Labour Government has been asleep at the wheel in regards to the logging of 90-year-old forests on Crown land surrounding the Blue Lake, Tikitapu, in Rotorua, says National’s Environment and Conservation spokesman, Nick Smith.
Contact: ETS will boost renewable generation, cut emissions
9 May 2008
The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme has the potential to significantly increase investment in clean, renewable electricity generation projects and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the sector, Contact Energy said.
Business leaders urge action on world water crisis
9 May 2008
Governments of the Group of Eight (G8) countries need to take urgent action on the emerging global crisis in water and sanitation, say business leaders from some of the world's largest companies who have endorsed the United Nations Global Compact.
Greytown to become first "Greentown"
9 May 2008
The Wairarapa township of Greytown will become a "Greentown" for a month this year, starting on World Environment Day on June 5 and ending on July 3 - Greytown's traditional Arbor Day.
Tourism industry calls for emissions trading alignment with Australia
9 May 2008
The government should seriously consider aligning its proposed Emissions Trading Scheme with Australia, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says.
Changes to Kyoto last straw for forest owners
8 May 2008
Recent changes to the government's emission trading scheme mean forestry will be the only sector in the NZ economy meeting its Kyoto obligations until 2011, says the Nz Forest Owners Association in a statement.
Climate contradiction: Will Govt please explain?
8 May 2008
In the wake of its backdown on the Emission Trading Scheme Bill, the Government has been asked by Terry Dunleavy, secretary of the New Zealand Climate Science Coalition, to explain what he describes as “a glaring contradiction.”
NZ abstains from vote on global shipping carbon tax
Wed 22 Oct 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Government says it held back from endorsing the International Maritime Organization’s Net-Zero Framework over fears the plan could raise costs for exporters and importers.
Wet spring lifts gentailers into strongest start since 2021
Wed 22 Oct 2025
New Zealand’s main electricity generators head into summer with lake levels well above average and wholesale prices holding firm, setting up a strong start to the 2026 financial year and easing price pressure after two years of volatile supply.
Council buys dairy farm to help clean up Lake Rotorua
Tue 21 Oct 2025
Bay of Plenty Regional Council has bought a 266-hectare dairy farm in the Lake Rotorua catchment and plans to retire it from production to reduce nitrogen entering the lake.
Govt releases updated emissions projections
13 Oct 2025
By Liz Kivi | The Ministry for the Environment has released updated emissions projections to 2050, which show significant differences to the Climate Change Commission's recent projections for the same period.
NZ’s government wants tourism to drive economic growth – but how will it deal with aviation emissions?
Wed 22 Oct 2025
By Robert McLachlan, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University | Following a brief dip during the COVID pandemic, aviation is back in a growth phase.
Emails show forestry lobby fought Gisborne crackdown as slash clean-up drags on
26 Sep 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Sustainable land use advocates are accusing Eastland Wood Council of stonewalling efforts to tighten forestry rules, after correspondence between the group and the local council was released under the Official Information Act.
Govt to ease climate reporting thresholds, water down liability
Wed 22 Oct 2025
By Pattrick Smellie | The rollback of climate change reporting requirements has produced a wave of relief in corporate New Zealand as managed investment funds and listed companies with annual revenue under $1 billion are exempted.
