News Direct: Media releases
Conserving biodiversity is a business opportunity, say IUCN and Shell
1 Apr 2008
Gland, Switzerland (IUCN)– The business case for conserving nature is strong and getting stronger, according to a new report published today by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and Shell International Limited.
Solar industries welcome National subsidy boost
1 Apr 2008
The Solar Industries Association welcomes the possibility of increased support for solar water heating as announced by the Hon Dr Nick Smith MP, National Party Climate Change Spokesman.
Family Party to oppose carbon tax
1 Apr 2008
Family Party leader Richard Lewis says the party is unconvinced that carbon based taxes are justified or necessary.
International biofuels and electric vehicles experts speaking at Wellington
31 Mar 2008
Six international speakers will join local experts to discuss the future of biofuels and electric vehicles in New Zealand at a conference in Wellington on Wednesday (April 2).
Wind farmers tilt at gas power for pushing up prices
31 Mar 2008
To say the 90% renewable energy target will be directly responsible for increased electricity prices ignores current electricity price trends, say Fraser Clark, CEO of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association.
Solar water heating grant to double under National
31 Mar 2008
A future National Government would introduce a $1,000 per household solar water heating grant and simplify the complex building consent rules for solar water heating in order to double the number of systems, says National's Climate Change spokesman, Nick Smith.
Forum explores low-carbon futures for local government
31 Mar 2008
“Innovative and forward-thinking councils committed to working on climate change will come together to discuss low-carbon futures for local government at the Communities for Climate Protection®- New Zealand 2008 Forum,” said Diana Shand, National Programme Manager for ICLEI’s Communities for Climate Protection - New Zealand (CCP-NZ) Programme.
Bollard: ETS will add to headline inflation
31 Mar 2008
The introduction of an Emissions Trading Scheme in New Zealand will also add to headline inflation here, Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard says in an economic outlook speech.
Air NZ: Do you want carbon credits with that?
28 Mar 2008
Air New Zealand customers now have the option to fund the purchase of carbon credits to offset their travel.
Minister of Energy rejects gas lobby claims
28 Mar 2008
Energy Minister David Parker says the oil and gas industry claim that renewable electricity will be more expensive than the gas fired electricity future the gas industry prefers is wrong.
Ballance: Nitrification inhibitor use tracked by software
28 Mar 2008
Ballance Agri-Nutrient’s nitrification inhibitor science is now recognised by the wider agricultural industry.
Right-Wing Council's Agenda is to Deny Climate Change
28 Mar 2008
City Vision-Labour Councillors are dismayed but unsurprised that Auckland's right-wing Citizens and Ratepayers (C&R) Council has done a U-turn on climate change by systematically removing progressive actions and programmes initiated by the last Council from Dick Hubbard's Mayoral Taskforce on Sustainability.
Unreliable renewable generation contributes to high spot prices
28 Mar 2008
“The flaws in the policy to ban new thermal power stations are being graphically illustrated by current high electricity spot prices,” said Ralph Matthes, Executive Director of the Major Electricity Users’ Group (MEUG).
Solid Energy records further improvement in environmental performance
28 Mar 2008
Solid Energy has published its 2007 Environmental Report reporting that for the second year in a row, the company has met its overall policy objective of having a net positive effect on the New Zealand environment. The overall improvement for the year to 30 June 2007 was 6.6% [1].
Cuba: Energy Program Saves One Million Tons of Oil in One Year
28 Mar 2008
Ciego de Avila, Cuba, March 25 (acn) -- Cuba saved nearly one million tons of oil in the period between 2006 and 2007, which translated into 400 million dollars, as a result of the ongoing nationwide energy program, known here as Energy Revolution.
Top business speakers appearing at carbon market workshop
27 Mar 2008
Experienced carbon market taders will feature at a Ministry for the Environment and Emissions Trading Group Carbon Markets Workshop in Wellington on April 4.
UK-NZ collaboration on climate change?
27 Mar 2008
The UK Minister for Trade and Investment is expected to provide detail on possible collaboration with New Zealand on climate change issues when he speaks at Auckland on April 4.
Environment Bay of Plenty welcomes major lake restoration move
27 Mar 2008
Environment Bay of Plenty has welcomed today’s announcement by the Prime Minister that the Government will be contributing $72.1 million to restore the Rotorua Lakes.
Now it's spot the cars with stars
27 Mar 2008
Car buyers wanting to save money on their fuel bills will find it easier to choose a vehicle that goes further on a full tank, as a result of new fuel efficiency labels.
Australia's threatened species face extinction due to climate change
27 Mar 2008
Australia's extinction crisis heats up as temperatures rise in the face of global climate change, a new report by WWF-Australia says.
Transpower announces half-year result - operating surplus down $23.6m
26 Mar 2008
Transpower, the owner and operator of the national electricity grid, made good progress on planning and implementing necessary investment in the grid during the six months ending 31 December 2007.
Greenpeace occupies coal ship; calls for real action on climate change
26 Mar 2008
Greenpeace ship the Rainbow Warrior has blocked a shipment of export coal from leaving the Port of Lyttelton.
New national environmental standard proposed on water flows
25 Mar 2008
A proposed national environmental standard on ecological flows and water levels will help look after New Zealand's freshwater resources, Environment Minister Trevor Mallard has announced.
Now we're 'enhancing' nitrogen take-up to lower farm emissions
20 Mar 2008
Rural supply company Donaghys has launched an innovative breakthrough biotechnology product, which in trials has resulted in nearly equivalent pasture growth with half the level of urea application.
What the media didn't tell you about Air New Zealand's Shanghai Cabin Crew
20 Mar 2008
Due to a number of erroneous and factually incorrect media items in recent days, Air New Zealand would like to again clarify the employment terms and conditions of its Shanghai based Cabin Crew.
Canterbury tourism operators challenged to join Earth Hour
20 Mar 2008
Earth Hour represents a golden opportunity for Canterbury’s tourism operators to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability, says Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Christine Prince.
Government Cold On Solar Heating
20 Mar 2008
The low uptake of solar-powered heating systems needs some serious attention from the Government if they want to increase the number of homes using them, says New Zealand First energy spokesperson Peter Brown.
Forest & Bird to Meridian: release Mokihinui report
20 Mar 2008
Meridian Energy should come clean and make public an independent report that is believed to have advised the power company not to go ahead with a hydro scheme on the Mokihinui River, Forest & Bird says in a statement yesterday.
Major recycling collection changes announced
19 Mar 2008
Major changes to Manukau’s recycling collection will make a big contribution to New Zealand’s efforts to reduce waste, Mayor Len Brown says.
Anderton says survey shows deforestation reducing
19 Mar 2008
The latest survey of deforestation intentions shows that forest owners intend to dramatically reduce deforestation as a result of the proposed emissions trading scheme, Forestry Minister Jim Anderton said yesterday.
Smith: Chainsaw massacre continues unabated
19 Mar 2008
Figures released on deforestation are nothing short of an environmental disaster, says National's Climate Change spokesman, Dr Nick Smith.
New Zealand Energy Quarterly launched
19 Mar 2008
The first edition of the New Zealand Energy Quarterly was released by the Ministry of Economic Development yesterday.
Forestry offsetting gains "overwhelming" support
18 Mar 2008
The Flexible Land Use Alliance (FLUA) says it now has "overwhelming" support for a foresty offset scheme in both Parliament and the finance and expenditure select committee now that the National Party has got in behind it.
Eco day attracts 6000
18 Mar 2008
Waitakere's key environmental event of 2008, EcoDay, attracted a record number of visitors to Olympic Park, New Lynn, at the weekend.
Independent scientists essential for innovation fund integrity
18 Mar 2008
The Green Party says that there must be independent scientists involved in the allocation of the $700 million pastoral and food innovation fund announced today by the Government.
The Phoenix Foundation sound their support for Earth Hour
18 Mar 2008
They'll be opening for Split Enz during Earth Hour on Saturday 29 March, but everyone's favourite Wellington-based psychedelic-influenced indie rock band The Phoenix Foundation say they will still be celebrating Earth Hour - in spirit.
Emissions trading bill backed – but with major safeguard reviews from 2012
17 Mar 2008
The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development says it will back the Government’s move to introduce an emissions trading system.
New national policy statement covering electricity transmission system
16 Mar 2008
A new National Policy Statement on Electricity Transmission will require decision makers to consider the national significance of a reliable and secure electricity supply - as well as adverse environmental effects - when they assess proposals for New Zealand's national grid, Environment Minister Trevor Mallard said today (March 11)
Solid Energy plans major expansions of renewable fuel production
12 Mar 2008
Solid Energy is planning major expansions of renewable energy manufacturing capacity, with new biomass and biodiesel production facilities to be built in Taupo and Christchurch.
Electricity Commission priorities updated
12 Mar 2008
The government is improving the way the Electricity Commission monitors the country’s energy reserves.
Solid Energy exploring indigenous energy options crucial for New Zealand
12 Mar 2008
Solid Energy’s projects under development will lead the company to more than double its total energy production within a decade, and play an even more critical role in underpinning the country’s energy security, an energy conference was told today.
Auckland City - long term sustainability plan
12 Mar 2008
Auckland City Council Media release. 14 March 2008 Auckland City Council's City Development Committee reinforced the council's leadership role in guiding the city towards a sustainable future at its meeting yesterday (March 13).
Switch energy solutions showroom opens
12 Mar 2008
14 March 2008. Switch, Solid Energy’s one-stop shop for heating with an emphasis on renewable energy, opens its first showroom this weekend on the corner of Blenheim Road and Watts Road in Christchurch.
Maori Party: Meridian threatens eels with dam-nation
12 Mar 2008
Press Release: Green Party.Date: Friday, 14 March 2008 Meridian's proposed hydro-dam on a wild and pristine West Coast river will hasten the extinction of our long-fin eel population Green Party Conservation Metiria Turei says.
Global Carbon Credits: Act to avoid carbon tax
12 Mar 2008
Press Release: Global Carbon Credits Ltd. Thursday, 13 March 2008 From The Office of Ross Garrick, Managing Director. In response to recent media attention on the topic of Carbon Credits and the New Zealand Emission Trading Scheme. We at Global Carbon Credits Ltd. (G.C.C) would like to make it known that we have already signed contracts with landowners in N.Z. to assess, manage and market the carbon offset potential of their land.
Legal experts sue Climate minister over ‘glaring holes’ in climate plan
Wed 11 Jun 2025
By Liz Kivi | Legal experts are taking the government to court over its Emissions Reduction Plan, alleging it fails to fulfil basic requirements of the law – with one of the arguments focussing on an over-reliance on tree-planting.
Electric firebricks: decarbonising high-temperature industrial heat
Fri 13 Jun 2025
By Ian Mason | A new technology could offer a more cost-effective solution than hydrogen to decarbonise one ‘hard-to-abate’ sector of New Zealand’s economy, as well as having ample potential for demand response as the electricity grid becomes more renewable.
Flurry of govt announcements at Fieldays
Thu 12 Jun 2025
The government has come up with a solar energy package for farms, a new grass-fed certification scheme for meat and dairy, and a supplier agreement for carpets in new state homes - all part of the annual flurry of politicians’ Fieldays announcements.
Tech alone won’t save us, warns climate expert
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
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.
Forestry consents and relaxed rules in erosion zones sow seeds of future disaster
Fri 13 Jun 2025
OPINION: The government’s move to restrict exotic forestry on our best food-growing soils will push even more forestry investment onto high erosion risk land on the East Coast, with the worst land becoming the only land left for the most intensive and destructive land use, writes Manu Caddie
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.
