News Direct: Media releases
Agriculture’s strength is its scientific basis
24 Jun 2008
The strength of agriculture in New Zealand was its underpinning by science, Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton says.
Thermal generation ban defies logic
24 Jun 2008
Legislating to ban thermal electricity generation, particularly gas-fired, defies logic, the Petroleum Exploration and Production Association said.
First prosecution in New Zealand under the Ozone Layer Protection Act 1996
24 Jun 2008
Two refrigeration engineers were recently convicted and fined at the Auckland District Court for a reckless discharge of an ozone-depleting substance.
Kiwi employers among least environmentally conscious
24 Jun 2008
In another blow for New Zealand's clean, green image, an international survey has revealed its employers are among the least environmentally conscious in the developed world.
Bright sparks dream up light bulb ban
24 Jun 2008
"The Government's big stick plan to ban conventional light bulbs is something that only the bright sparks in Labour would dream up at this time," says National Party Energy spokesman Gerry Brownlee, in a statement.
Nothing to fear from energy efficient lighting: Greens
24 Jun 2008
The National Party has gone on record for a second time today opposing sustainability and lower energy prices for households.
Unions: Time for business to be constructive on ETS
20 Jun 2008
The unions say the emissions trading debate now needs to focus on the impact of those on low incomes.
Waste bill gives economic incentives
20 Jun 2008
New waste legislation will offer economic incentives and rewards to businesses and councils who do their bit for waste reduction, Environment Minister Trevor Mallard told Parliament during the second reading of the Waste Minimisation Bill on Wednesday.
Banning ‘old’ light bulbs could leave homeowners in the dark
20 Jun 2008
A Kiwi lighting engineer says the Government’s move to ban old style incandescent light bulbs in favour of new energy efficient lighting could leave Kiwi homes owners in the dark.
Diesel power for Scenic
20 Jun 2008
Renault’s compact MPV (multi purpose vehicle), the Scenic, has been rationalised with the introduction of a 1.9 litre diesel variant with a four speed automatic transmission.
The Langham secures Australasia’s first fleet of hybrid limousines
20 Jun 2008
Environmentally conscious Sir Paul McCartney has one and now The Langham has three.
Call to Suspend Motorway Projects
20 Jun 2008
Should oil prices reach $US150 a barrel, the Auckland based transport lobby group is recommending that all uncommitted motorway projects be placed on hold, and funds diverted to increasing the capacity of transport modes that aren't reliant on cheap oil.
Emissions Trading Scheme Proves to be Trojan Horse
20 Jun 2008
"With the raft of exceptions to the proposed scheme," Cross says, "Only the productive and the wealth creators of New Zealand will be hamstrung by this unnecessary cost."
Flexible land use alliance welcomes positive movement on forestry offset scheme
20 Jun 2008
The Flexible Land Use Alliance has welcomed moves by the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee to include provisions for a Forestry Offset Scheme in the Climate Change (Emissions Trading and Renewable Preference) Bill and is urging Parliament as a whole to ensure it comes into force on 1 September 2008 along with the rest of the Bill.
Heavy emitters: ETS bill changes not sufficient
18 Jun 2008
The Climate Change (Emissions Trading and Renewable Preference) Bill has not been changed sufficiently to allay concerns that industry will struggle to stay profitable in New Zealand, according to the Greenhouse Policy Coalition, which represents large industry across a range of sectors.
Government throwing switch on traditional light bulb
17 Jun 2008
The traditional incandescent light bulb is on its way out, as part of a strategy for more energy efficient lighting announced today by Energy Minister David Parker and Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation Jeanette Fitzsimons.
Greenpeace: What about agriculture's greenhouse gas emissions?
17 Jun 2008
Parliament's Finance and Expenditure Committee has – like the Government – failed to address agriculture's burgeoning greenhouse gas emissions, says Greenpeace in a press release.
Greens: Catch the train now or miss the bus
17 Jun 2008
The Government should underwrite the funding stream for the electrification of the Auckland rail system so new electric trains can be ordered now, the Green Party says in a press release.
Todd Energy receives carbon credits for generating electricity for national grid
17 Jun 2008
In a new cogeneration project at Todd Energy's McKee plant near Tikorangi in North Taranaki, what would otherwise be waste gas is being used to generate enough electricity and hot water to power 2000 houses a year.
Government 'showing no leadership over wind farms'
17 Jun 2008
The Government, moving at snail's pace to develop a national wind strategy based on solid research, is exposing New Zealand to power shortages and price hikes.
Hamilton kids with small footprint have big impact
17 Jun 2008
Children at a Hamilton primary school are aiming to halve their ecological footprint by building New Zealand's first eco-classroom.
Fewer trees unless govt changes policies
13 Jun 2008
Major flaws in New Zealand’s land-use policies will become more obvious as the world food crisis grows, says the NZ Forest Owners Association.
Cross-sector partnership forms on sustainable water management
13 Jun 2008
Environment Bay of Plenty has welcomed the announcement of a national primary sector partnership to actively anticipate and engage on water management issues.
Minister of Building and Construction takes chainsaw to red tape
13 Jun 2008
Connal Townsend, Chief Executive of Property Council New Zealand, is supportive of changes to the Building Act announced Shane Jones at Collier International’s ‘Where the research meets the road’ cocktail function.
ARC calls on Aucklanders to help save energy
13 Jun 2008
Auckland Regional Council chairman Michael Lee is calling on Aucklanders to do their bit for the national energy saving campaign.
"Outrage" at AWE burning 17 million cu ft of natural gas daily at Taranaki
13 Jun 2008
An Auckland Central canddiate says he is outraged that an Australian firm is burning off New Zealand's precious natural gas resources at a time of unprecedented petroleum costs and energy shortages
Manufacturers call for better approach to domestic electricity demand
13 Jun 2008
The domestic use of electricity to ensure that all users, domestic, commercial and industrial can respond to supply shortages needs a more strategic response..
Kiwis don't know their credits from their offsets
12 Jun 2008
Most New Zealanders are confused about carbon terminology.
SOE wields deforestation chainsaw
12 Jun 2008
The Green Party is calling on the Government to admit to being a major on-the-ground player in the worst deforestation in New Zealand's modern history.
Record deforestation shows government must tear up agriculture MOU
12 Jun 2008
A Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) report showing record levels of deforestation is yet another reason why the Government must tear up the agriculture emissions memorandum of understanding (MOU), and not subsidise the agriculture industry by over a billion dollars, says Greenpeace in a statement.
Expulsion of Shell from Ogoni, Nigeria hailed
11 Jun 2008
The expulsion of Shell Oil from Ogoni country in the Niger Delta by the Nigerian Government has been hailed in Wellington by the Environment and Conservation Organisations of NZ.
Better metering will cut household power use 20%
11 Jun 2008
With a power crisis looming – and household costs skyrocketing – Kiwis need better information to make energy savings without jeopardising their health, according to Gary Mitchell, Managing Director of Centameter.
Clark "personally responsible" for shocking deforestation data - Kyoto Forestry Association
11 Jun 2008
Bio diversity research shown to winegrowers
10 Jun 2008
A unique Bio-Protection Research Centre project based on biodiversity and sustainability has captured the interest of North Island winegrowers.
Austral Pacific delists from AMEX
9 Jun 2008
New Zealand-based exploration and production company, Austral Pacific Energy Ltd. has begun the process to de-list from the American Stock Exchange (AMEX).
United Future - Green sniping breaks out as Dunne continues his dance on ETS
9 Jun 2008
The Greens and United Future are sniping at each other as Peter Dunne continues his equivocal behaviour over the proposed emissions trading scheme.
The Langham Auckland awarded top business environmental award
6 Jun 2008
The Langham Auckland was last night awarded the title for ‘businesses making a difference’ at the Government’s Green Ribbon Awards held in Wellington.
Air New Zealand Makes Significant Carbon Emission Reductions
6 Jun 2008
Air New Zealand’s fuel savings initiative programme is on track to see the airline reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by more than 100,000 tonnes.
Holcim: Sustainability initiatives on track
6 Jun 2008
A Corporate Sustainability Report released this week by Holcim Ltd, highlights that it is on track to achieving a range of sustainability targets it has set across more than 70 countries in which the leading cement and aggregates company operates.
Heavy users worry over power prices
5 Jun 2008
the Major Electricity Users’ Group (MEUG) says electricity spot prices over May were the highest ever recorded.
Farmers get free advice on shifting to certified organic production
5 Jun 2008
From today - World Environment Day - farmers and growers interested in making the shift to organic production will be able to connect with Organics Aotearoa New Zealand's Organic Advisory Programme by calling 0800 FUTURE.
Sixteen NZ firms join Climate Neutral Network
5 Jun 2008
New Zealand businesses are set to strengthen the kiwi presence and leadership on the United Nations' Climate Neutral Network - with 16 joining so far and others poised to sign up, Environment Minister Trevor Mallard said at a Wellington meeting of the international network yesterday.
Minister: Green co-leader being "looney" on water issue
4 Jun 2008
Claims that an industry group on water issues will hold up official measures to clean up waterways are ridiculous, Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton says.
Greens to Fonterra: Can we stop $1.3 billion emissions subsidy now?
4 Jun 2008
The Green Party is congratulating Fonterra for its announcement of a higher payout but is asking why the ordinary person is paying for Fonterra’s pollution of our air and water.
Make the power conservation call now, Minister
4 Jun 2008
National Party Energy spokesman Gerry Brownlee says the only reason David Parker is holding off calling for electricity conservation is that he’s hoping he won’t have to deal with another energy crisis in election year.
EMA: Urgent power savings required to avert power cuts
30 May 2008
Blackouts in the North Island are very possible, the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) says, and probable in the South Island if huge power savings are not made immediately.
Small innovative Kiwi company recognised in Tokyo earth month event
30 May 2008
A small, innovative New Zealand company is being recognised for its contribution to the environment at a global conference in Japan as part of the Earth Month celebrations.
Greens want US-style ban on illegally logged timber imports
29 May 2008
The Green Party has welcomed a government pledge to try to do something about stopping importation of illegally logged tropical kwila timber, after a year-long campaign by the Greens against such imports.
31 projects get $950,000 in smart innovation cash
29 May 2008
Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Jeanette Fitzsimons, has announced that 31 projects with a combined value of $950,000 have been offered funding under the second round of a government fund to encourage smart innovations in solar water heating and heat pump water heating technologies.
Greens bill to ban mining on conservation land drawn from ballot
Tue 26 May 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | A Greens member’s bill seeking to ban new mining, prospecting and exploration on conservation land has been drawn from Parliament’s ballot, with the party saying the proposed law would close a loophole allowing mining on land set aside for environmental protection.
Marae solar project boosts sustainability and mana motuhake
Mon 25 May 2026
By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy Reporter | Five marae from Whanganui to Taumarunui are running on solar power and many more could join a major green energy initiative aimed at cutting electricity costs and strengthening community resilience.
Greens condemn planned coal mine next to protected wetland
4 May 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Green Party says a new plan for a coal mine and fertiliser plant next to an internationally significant wetland is “ecological vandalism and climate denial.”
Climate pollution static but NZ still on track for first emissions budget, says MfE
17 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand is still on track to meet its first emissions budget, according to the Ministry for the Environment, despite the pace of emissions reductions slowing to a standstill.
Rotorua extends diesel bus contract after NZTA declines extra funding
Mon 25 May 2026
By Mathew Nash, Local Democracy Reporter | Rotorua is stuck with its diesel-powered public buses after a funding snag played a part in setting back plans for zero-emission buses by years.
Govt ramps up war on wilding pines with $79m boost
Mon 25 May 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Government is ramping up efforts to contain the spread of wilding pines with a $79 million funding boost aimed at protecting farmland, biodiversity hotspots, tourism landscapes and water catchments across New Zealand.
Govt’s LNG plan puts trade deals at risk, lawyers warn
Tue 26 May 2026
By Liz Kivi | Lawyers for Climate Action are warning that the government’s plans for an LNG import terminal and to subsidise gas fields are in breach of New Zealand’s free trade agreements with the UK and the EU.
