News Direct: Media releases
NZGIF invests $15m in Lodestone Energy for five solar farms
27 Jul 2023
Media release - NZGIF will supply up to $15m in working capital to Lodestone Energy, to further support the construction of five solar farms in New Zealand.
Financial Markets Authority publishes scenario analysis for climate related disclosures regime
20 Jul 2023
Media release - The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko – has released its scenario analysis information sheet to help climate reporting entities (CREs) meet their obligations under the Climate-Related Disclosures (CRD) regime.
Surge in renewable energy deployment puts global power system on track for net-zero
19 Jul 2023
Media release - New analysis reveals surging solar, wind and battery capacity out to 2030 is now in line with the IEA’s ambitious net-zero scenarios.
Extreme weather highlights need for greater climate action
18 Jul 2023
Media release - Scorching temperatures and devastating floods, underscore the urgent need for more climate action, said the UN World Meteorological Organization.
Deep-sea mining and migratory tuna veer on climate change-driven collision course
13 Jul 2023
Media release - Burness - As rising ocean temperatures break records, new research shows deep-sea mining and migratory tuna are on a climate change-driven collision course.
Reducing household food waste – good for the pocket and the environment
6 Jul 2023
Media release - WasteMINZ and Love Food Hate Waste are aiming to reduce household food waste, and related emissions, by 10% thanks to funding from the Government.
Could El Niño cause Earth’s warmest year ever?
30 Jun 2023
Media release - NIWA - Over the past three years, you may have heard about the rare ‘triple-dip’ La Niña that had its hands on the steering wheel of Mother Nature’s car.
China and New Zealand strengthen forestry cooperation
29 Jun 2023
Media release - A bilateral meeting between New Zealand and China will pave the way for further cooperation in forestry, climate change and trade, Forestry Minister Peeni Henare said.
WWF welcomes High Seas Treaty
21 Jun 2023
Media release - WWF-New Zealand has welcomed the formal adoption of the High Seas Treaty.
Maori Climate Platform calls for focused action on agricultural emissions
20 Jun 2023
Media release | The Maori Climate Platform has issued an urgent and resolute call to the Government of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our message is crystal clear: it's high time to cease further delay and confront the issue at the core of our country's high greenhouse gas emissions - our agricultural sector.
Coalition of 30 environmental groups launches 10-point climate action plan
15 Jun 2023
Media release | A coalition of over 30 organisations from across Aotearoa has come together to launch a 10 point plan called “Climate Shift”, which calls for urgent climate action from parties across the political spectrum in the lead-up to the election.
Funding round now open for greenhouse gas inventory research
12 Jun 2023
Media release | The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking research proposals to help improve New Zealand’s reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry, and other land uses.
New report: regional plans could transform freshwater quality
9 Jun 2023
Media release | A report laying out weaknesses in planning that have seen the deterioration of our high-country lakes should be compulsory reading for all regional councils as they develop their new regional plans according to academics.
Call for moratorium on new mines on conservation land after Labour fails to fulfil its promise
8 Jun 2023
Media release | The Government has failed to support a Bill which would have ended new mines on conservation land. Forest & Bird says that is a broken promise which will threaten native species and allow further extraction of coal in the middle of a climate emergency.
Climate Change and Business Conference
8 Jun 2023
Early bird registration closing 30 June | With less than one month until early bird registrations close, don’t miss the opportunity to secure your place at this year’s Climate Change & Business Conference - Delivering Net Zero.
Epson completes transition to 100% renewable energy use
6 Jun 2023
Media release | Furthering its commitment to the environment and sustainability, 100% of Epson’s electricity used at all of its Australian and New Zealand offices and company sites has now been certified under the Australian GreenPower and the New Zealand Energy Certificate System (NZECS).
Govt to support council with buyout of cyclone and flood affected properties
2 Jun 2023
Media release | The Government will enter into a funding arrangement with councils in cyclone and flood affected regions to support them to offer a voluntary buyout for owners of Category 3 designated residential properties. It will also co-fund work needed to protect Category 2 designated properties.
Join us for the June EECA Market Update Webinar
1 Jun 2023
The EECA Market Update series aims to increase understanding and uptake of our expertise, products, offerings, and support.
When were the Dry Valleys of Antarctica last wet?
30 May 2023
It’s a question that’s long puzzled Antarctic researchers, but Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington adjunct lecturer Dr Marjolaine Verret may now have the answer.
New maps reveal coastal flooding risk
26 May 2023
Media release | New maps from NIWA and the Deep South National Science Challenge show areas across Aotearoa New Zealand that could be inundated by extreme coastal flooding.
Tangata Whenua Call For Broad Support For Friday’s Aotearoa Climate Strike
24 May 2023
Media release | “As a country we have barely budged, with emissions still rising and climate change impacts now hitting communities regularly,” says co-founder of Climate Justice Taranaki.
Canterbury receives nearly $2M funding for soil conservation
18 May 2023
Media release | Environment Canterbury’s Soil Conservation and Revegetation Programme (SCAR) receives $1,902,359 in funding, which will support farmers with erosion-prone land across North Canterbury.
NZ Institute of Forestry disappointed in Inquiry into Tairāwhiti land use report
17 May 2023
Media release | The New Zealand Institute of Forestry expresses deep disappointment in the Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use causing woody debris (including forestry slash) and sediment-related damage in Tairāwhiti and Wairoa.
Phase 3 of Tui Project oil field decommissioning begins
16 May 2023
Media release | A specialist Heavy Well Intervention vessel will arrive in New Plymouth this week, marking the start of Phase 3 of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Tui Project, set up in 2020 to decommission the Tui Oil Field.
Energy companies powering change on climate targets
11 May 2023
Media release | A group of New Zealand energy companies have made a joint commitment to help reduce emissions and build a more sustainable future for all Kiwis.
Business leaders outline election priorities to drive climate action
26 Apr 2023
Media release - Sustainable Business Council | The Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) have laid out their joint climate policy priorities for political parties to consider as they gear up for October’s General Election.
Aucklanders carbon impact 15% higher than other New Zealanders
18 Apr 2023
Media release | Auckland is striving to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, but a recently published report commissioned by Auckland Council shines new light on the city’s consumption-based emissions.
MFAT launches consultation on international climate negotiations
14 Apr 2023
Media release - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has launched a public consultation on Aotearoa New Zealand’s approach to international climate change negotiations.
New turbines for the windiest continent
12 Apr 2023
Media release - Ross Island, Antarctica is set to receive three new state-of-the-art wind turbines that will power the future Scott Base with more than 90% renewable energy.
Sailing cargo ships can benefit from new aerodynamic tech
6 Apr 2023
Media release - A research team at Chalmers University of Technology is the first to demonstrate a unique method that reduces the aerodynamic resistance of ships by 7.5%. This opens the way for large cargo ships borne across the oceans by wind alone, as wind-powered ships are more affected by aerodynamic drag than fossil-fueled ones.
Further ice loss for NZ’s glaciers
3 Apr 2023
Media release | NIWA’s annual end-of-summer snowline survey has revealed continued loss of snow and ice for New Zealand’s famous glaciers.
NZ stands with Vanuatu on climate at UN
31 Mar 2023
Media release - New Zealand is welcoming a decision by the United Nations General Assembly to ask the International Court of Justice to consider countries’ international legal obligations on climate change.
Govt unveils Auckland harbour crossing options
30 Mar 2023
Media release - Transport Minister Michael Wood has unveiled five scenarios for one of the most significant city-shaping projects for Tāmaki Makaurau in coming decades, the additional Waitematā Harbour crossing.
Greens call for Government to close oil and gas loophole
29 Mar 2023
Media release - The Green Party is disappointed in news that NZ Petroleum and Minerals has just granted an offshore oil and gas exploration permit to Greymouth Petroleum.
NZGIF deal to bring zero emission buses to NZ
28 Mar 2023
Media release | New Zealand Green Investment Finance has signed a major financing deal with Kinetic - Australasia’s largest bus transport operator - to help decarbonise public transport in New Zealand.
Dramatic changes in New Zealand river flows, research finds
24 Mar 2023
Media release | River flows in New Zealand have changed dramatically over the past 50 to 90 years as the climate has varied, a new study has found.
Future proofing EV charging
23 Mar 2023
Media release | Transport Minister Michael Wood has today launched the first national EV (electric vehicle) charging strategy, Charging Our Future, which includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand.
Govt progressing NZ Battery Project
17 Mar 2023
Media release - The Government will progress to the next stage of the NZ Battery Project, looking at the viability of pumped hydro as well as an alternative, multi-technology approach.
Climate action must remain priority in transport investment: Greens
7 Mar 2023
Media release - As large parts of Aotearoa recover from two of the worst climate disasters we have ever experienced, it would be a huge mistake for the Government to deprioritise climate action from future transport investments, the Green Party says.
EECA Chief Executive resigns
2 Mar 2023
Media release - After more than six years as Chief Executive of EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), Andrew Caseley is stepping down from his role at the Crown Entity.
Post-cyclone inquiry should include limits to growth
28 Feb 2023
Media release - Wise Response Society says the Government’s infrastructure planning inquiry, post-cyclone Gabrielle, must heed limits to growth and planetary-boundary overshoot.
NIWA scientists disturbed by lack of sea ice on Antarctic journey
24 Feb 2023
Media release - Scientists from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) have returned from a six-week voyage to Antarctica.
Startups tackling waste win big at Orion Energy Accelerator pitch event
24 Feb 2023
Media release - Two startups with novel ways of converting waste into energy have won big at the second Orion Energy Accelerator pitch night.
New business toolbox for a more sustainable supply chain
21 Feb 2023
Media release - A free online toolbox that makes it easy for businesses to assess the sustainability of their organisation and their supply chain launches today.
Green Investment Finance launches Climate Clause Bank
20 Feb 2023
Media release - New Zealand Green Investment Finance has launched the New Zealand Climate Clause Bank, a free resource that can help businesses make small climate-friendly changes that, across the economy, can have a big impact on emissions reductions.
European Parliament calls to double cycling in Europe by 2030
20 Feb 2023
Media release - The European Parliament has passed a historic resolution calling for the European Commission to develop a European cycling strategy with the aim of doubling the number of kilometres cycled in Europe by 2030. This historic political declaration by the Parliament is a key boost to cycling in Europe!
Forest owners want genetic technology approved
17 Feb 2023
Media release - The Forest Owners Organisation says New Zealand needs to concentrate on the safety of genetic technology on a case-by-case basis rather than persisting with blanket bans.
Asia-Pacific business leaders call for action on climate and economic inclusion
16 Feb 2023
Media release - Members of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) met in Auckland, New Zealand this week to develop a work plan that calls on policymakers to leverage trade and economic policies to address the region’s sustainability and economic inclusion challenges.
Climate action should not be left to our children: Vanuatu PM
13 Feb 2023
An historic vote at the United Nations General Assembly in New York calling for decisive action on global warming is expected to take place next month.
Climate cuts rife in Auckland budget proposal: Forest & Bird
10 Feb 2023
News release - The mayoral proposal for Auckland’s 2023/2024 annual budget is not fit-for-purpose in a climate emergency and biodiversity crisis, says Forest & Bird.
ACT local govt candidates aim to block climate action
Wed 18 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The ACT party's candidates will oppose attempts to manage emissions at the local government level if elected, the party has confirmed.
Mercury on future and reforms
Thu 19 Jun 2025
Mercury said in presentation to investors that it has the potential to develop 5 terawatt hours of geothermal electricity generation post 2030.
Flurry of govt announcements at Fieldays
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.
How flying can be a climate solution
Mon 16 Jun 2025
By Paul Callister and Robert McLachlan - Planetary Ecology | How can aviation contribute to tackling climate change when no practicable technology-based solutions are on the horizon?
Forestry the missing piece in Fieldays climate change discussions
Thu 19 Jun 2025
By Elizabeth Heeg | OPINION: Fieldays was packed with climate change announcements from the government last week, but none about the sector with arguably the most important role: Forestry.
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.
