New Zealand: All stories
Labour promises to repeal bill to block climate lawsuits
Fri 3 Jul 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Government bill aiming to block climate lawsuits passed its first reading under urgency after a heated debate in Parliament last night, with the Labour Party promising it will repeal the bill if elected in November.
Taranaki offshore wind developer eyes mid-2030s commissioning after law change
Fri 3 Jul 2026
By Oli Lewis | The first offshore wind farm in New Zealand could be commissioned by the mid-2030s, with its developer saying a new permitting framework has bolstered investor confidence.
Confidence in tackling climate risks remains low
Fri 3 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams |New Zealanders have little faith in the country's ability to tackle climate risks, with a new poll finding fewer than one in three are confident the country can reduce the impacts of climate change, while many are calling for stronger Government leadership on climate hazards.
EECA seeks answers on NZ's future fuel mix
Fri 3 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority is looking for specialists to assess the role future low-emissions fuels could play in New Zealand’s energy system.
Australia is at least ten years ahead of us on solar. It’s time we caught up.
Fri 3 Jul 2026
By Ed Harvey | OPINION: Starting this week, millions of households across New South Wales, South Australia and Southeast Queensland will have access to three hours of free electricity every single day.
West Coast Conservation Board chair concerned over loosening commercial concessions
Fri 3 Jul 2026
By Vihan Dalal, Local Democracy Reporter | The West Coast Conservation Board chairman Mike Legge has raised concerns with a move by the Government to amend the Conservation Act to loosen how commercial concessions are granted on conservation land.
Media round-up
Fri 3 Jul 2026
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: Getting the most impact from the Government's investment in school solar; NZ needs an objective assessment of LNG imports and renewable storage options; and while greener suburbs are healthier on all kinds of metrics, achieving them isn’t straightforward.
Offshore renewable energy bill passes, opening path for developers
Thu 2 Jul 2026
By Oli Lewis | Feasibility permits for offshore wind developments could be issued within months after the Government passed a long-awaited law to establish a regulatory regime.
Ombudsman upholds complaint PM’s office ‘unreasonably withheld’ climate law briefing
Thu 2 Jul 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Ombudsman has upheld a complaint that the Prime Minister’s office unreasonably held information, as Parliament is set to read – under urgency – the climate bill at the centre of the scandal.
High Court upholds forestry directors' environmental liability
Thu 2 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The High Court has dismissed appeals by a forestry company, its directors, and a landowner, against enforcement orders over environmental damage in a Gisborne forest, reinforcing that company directors can be personally liable for environmental breaches.
Strong El Niño raises drought and wildfire concerns
Thu 2 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | A newly declared El Niño is expected to bring drier conditions to parts of New Zealand over the coming months, increasing the risk of drought, water shortages and wildfires, while experts warn communities should prepare for potentially significant impacts.
Conservation bill risks climate goals, lawyers say
Wed 1 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Lawyers for Climate Action NZ says the Government's plan to change the law to encourage economic development on conservation land could undermine New Zealand's climate goals by weakening the land's ability to store carbon, as well as allowing new sources of emissions such as mining.
A tale of two electricity systems as NZ and Australia roll out new cost-saving measures
Wed 1 Jul 2026
By Oli Lewis | New rules requiring electricity retailers to offer time-of-use pricing plans, where consumers can access lower-cost electricity at off-peak times, have come into effect.
Climate scientist wins 'emerging scientist' prize
Wed 1 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | University of Waikato scientist Luke Harrington has been awarded the Prime Minister's MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize for developing new ways to measure how climate change is increasing the likelihood and intensity of extreme weather.
Upton warns of 'expensive mess' if catchments carved up
Wed 1 Jul 2026
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has warned the Government risks creating an "expensive mess" if it abolishes regional councils without first deciding which environmental functions must still be managed at catchment or regional scale.
Electric bus fleet coming as Go Bus loses Hawke’s Bay city routes to Tranzit
Wed 1 Jul 2026
By Linda Hall, Local Democracy Reporter | Go Bus will be gone on the urban streets of Hawke’s Bay next year as a fleet of all-electric buses takes over the runs.
Inaction on shipping decarbonisation could cost NZ up to $94b by 2050, report says
Tue 30 Jun 2026
By Oli Lewis | Failing to support and enable the decarbonisation of the shipping industry could result in losses of $17.5 billion to $94.4b to the New Zealand economy by 2050, according to a report from the Aotearoa Circle.
Politicians need to lead on climate: Carr
Tue 30 Jun 2026
As the election campaign heats up, former Climate Change Commission chair Rod Carr has a list of actions he's hoping to see from our aspiring leaders, which includes confronting climate denial as well as refusing funds or policy advice from vested interests.
Kiwi named among world's climate science elite
Tue 30 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New Zealand climate scientist Kevin Trenberth has been recognised as one of the world's most influential climate researchers after earning top rankings for scientific citations on two international platforms.
Govt trims environmental reporting schedule
Tue 30 Jun 2026
The Government has introduced legislation to reduce the frequency of national environmental reporting, in a reform whose own regulatory impact statement only partially met quality assurance standards.
Smith files High Court case against Govt move to block climate lawsuits
Mon 29 Jun 2026
By Liz Kivi | Climate activist and iwi leader Mike Smith has filed High Court proceedings challenging Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith's decision to introduce legislation to outlaw climate tort litigation.
No prosperous future for NZ built on fossil fuels – Hipkins
Mon 29 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Labour leader Chris Hipkins says New Zealand has "no prosperous future" built on fossil fuels, arguing a shift to renewable energy is essential for the country's economic and environmental future.
Savings gap doubles: all-electric households stand to save $3000 a year, report finds
Mon 29 Jun 2026
By Oli Lewis | The economic incentive for households to electrify has become more compelling, although overcoming upfront installation costs remains a barrier.
Report reveals NZ falling short on biodiversity investment
Mon 29 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New Zealand's biodiversity spending has gone backwards, with a new report revealing a $108 million biodiversity investment gap, with spending falling at the same time as economic growth should have driven a significant increase in funding.
Lake Onslow pumped hydro consortium secures funding for consent push
26 Jun 2026
By Oli Lewis | The consortium behind Lake Onslow pumped hydro has secured funding to finalise its resource consent application, aiming to lodge it under the fast-track process before 2027.
Labour won't scrap RMA replacement laws: Hipkins
26 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins says New Zealand needs to move beyond the "repeal and replace" approach to resource management, confirming the party would amend rather than scrap the Government's RMA reforms, if elected.
Commissioner ‘unconvinced’ LNG is the best dry-year solution
26 Jun 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has told the Energy Minister he is “unconvinced” the government’s proposed LNG import terminal is the best ‘dry year’ solution for the country, and criticised the Government’s “extremely limited” options analysis.
'Not enough': Pressure mounts to scrap conservation bill despite Potaka retreat
26 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Conservation Minister Tama Potaka's walkback of a proposal to allow the sale of public conservation land has failed to quell opposition, with environmental groups and the Green Party saying the Conservation Amendment Bill should be scrapped entirely.
Media round-up
26 Jun 2026
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: the UK Government is questioning whether New Zealand's oil and gas investment breaches its free trade deal; the Infrastructure Commission warns the government to slow down its LNG plans; and Shane Jones has a grim visitor outside the Environmental Defence Society's conference.
National promises low-cost solar loans for households
25 Jun 2026
By Oli Lewis | The National Party is promising a Home Energy Fund to accelerate the roll-out of household solar, batteries, insulation and other energy resilience measures if it is re-elected this year.
Energy resilience conference axed due to Ara Ake closure
25 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | A national conference focused on energy affordability, resilience and hardship has been cancelled because of the Government's decision to end Crown funding for energy innovation centre Ara Ake.
Government needs to 'sort out' flood damage exclusion from natural hazard insurance
25 Jun 2026
By Oli Lewis | Natural hazard insurance should be extended to cover household damage caused by flooding, a geotechnical and natural hazard specialist says.
Green Party pledges to protect public conservation land
25 Jun 2026
The Green Party is promising to scrap the Government's current conservation reforms and start again with a process focused on protecting conservation land and wildlife for future generations, if elected.
$75k up for grabs for climate resilience and inclusion projects
25 Jun 2026
Community organisations and charities working to strengthen climate resilience and social inclusion can apply for a share of $75,000 through the QBE Foundation's 2026 Local Grants.
Forestry at heart of ETS problems – commissioner
24 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Forestry is a central driver of growing problems within New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton told the Environment Select Committee during Parliamentary Scrutiny Week.
'Stored solar': Bioenergy Association touts cost benefits of biomass boilers over gas
24 Jun 2026
By Oli Lewis | Businesses across New Zealand are warming to bioenergy, but advocates believe woody biomass could play a far greater role as a replacement for more expensive natural gas and electric heat options.
NZ Taxonomy project scoops London Climate Week award
24 Jun 2026
The New Zealand Taxonomy project has scooped an innovation award at the International Climate Bonds awards in London this week.
Scrutiny week reveals unresolved trade-offs
24 Jun 2026
Last week's select committee scrutiny hearings showed how far the Government's energy and environment agenda has moved from target-setting to implementation. They also showed how many unresolved trade-offs now sit beneath that shift.
Too much environmental reporting, claims councillor
24 Jun 2026
By Vihan Dalal, Local Democracy Reporter | Environmental reporting is often costly and unnecessary because New Zealand already has "a pretty good environment," claims one West Coast regional councillor.
Gas transition loan scheme nears launch as savings modelled
23 Jun 2026
By Oli Lewis | Commercial gas users could potentially save thousands of dollars a year by using Crown-backed loans to fund fuel-switching and energy efficiency projects, new modelling indicates.
Carbon auction failures show ETS working, Watts says
23 Jun 2026
Failed government carbon auctions show the emissions trading scheme is working as intended rather than broken, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.
Climate fund backs four groups amid sector squeeze
23 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | A climate philanthropy fund has selected four organisations for its latest funding round, with organisers saying diminishing government funding is leaving many climate groups struggling to maintain programmes and remain viable.
Waikato Council advances water security action plan
23 Jun 2026
Waikato Regional Council has endorsed a new action plan to strengthen the region’s water security.
EECA head steps down
22 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Chief executive Marcos Pelenur will step down after three years at the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, leaving the organisation looking for a new CEO as it becomes the sole remaining government agency offering support for businesses looking to transition away from fossil fuels.
UN intervention could become election focus
22 Jun 2026
By Liz Kivi | A United Nations recommendation that the Government should change course on a proposed climate law change could become an election issue if it eventuates, according to a legal expert.
Two thirds of New Zealand voters say no to selling conservation land
22 Jun 2026
New polling shows New Zealanders oppose allowing the sale of public conservation land, as the Government moves ahead with law changes that could make large areas of the conservation estate easier to sell.
Govt opens first ETS forestry permit ballot
22 Jun 2026
Applications have opened for the first ballot under new ETS forestry rules, with up to 7,500 hectares of exotic forestry on marginal land on offer for landowners to register in the Emissions Trading Scheme in the first of two annual rounds, totalling up to 15,000ha a year.
Ōpōtiki adopts plan to tackle climate change
22 Jun 2026
By Diane McCarthy, Local Democracy Reporter | Ōpōtiki District Council has officially adopted a new Climate Strategy and Action Plan, marking a major step forward to build resilience for the future.
Canadian firm seeks Crown co-investment for Genesis-supported gas storage project
19 Jun 2026
By Oli Lewis | A proposed gas storage project supported by Genesis Energy has sought Crown co-investment through the $200 million Gas Security Fund.
Govt removes health and life insurers from disclosure regime
19 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Health and life insurers are set to be removed from New Zealand's climate-related disclosure regime, with the Government arguing the sector is not directly exposed to climate risks, a claim disputed by a sustainability expert.
Labour promises to repeal bill to block climate lawsuits
Fri 3 Jul 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Government bill aiming to block climate lawsuits passed its first reading under urgency after a heated debate in Parliament last night, with the Labour Party promising it will repeal the bill if elected in November.
Taranaki offshore wind developer eyes mid-2030s commissioning after law change
Fri 3 Jul 2026
By Oli Lewis | The first offshore wind farm in New Zealand could be commissioned by the mid-2030s, with its developer saying a new permitting framework has bolstered investor confidence.
Fed Farmers' election wish-list includes stopping whole-farm conversions to carbon forestry
9 Jun 2026
Federated Farmers has launched a five-point plan for the next government, setting out what it says should be a major focus for political parties heading into the November election.
'Terrible result': Emissions barely budged in 2024
5 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions were virtually unchanged in 2024, falling by 0.03%, despite the economy shrinking by ten times that amount during the same period, according to new data.
Electric bus fleet coming as Go Bus loses Hawke’s Bay city routes to Tranzit
Wed 1 Jul 2026
By Linda Hall, Local Democracy Reporter | Go Bus will be gone on the urban streets of Hawke’s Bay next year as a fleet of all-electric buses takes over the runs.
High Court upholds forestry directors' environmental liability
Thu 2 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The High Court has dismissed appeals by a forestry company, its directors, and a landowner, against enforcement orders over environmental damage in a Gisborne forest, reinforcing that company directors can be personally liable for environmental breaches.
NZ Taxonomy project scoops London Climate Week award
24 Jun 2026
The New Zealand Taxonomy project has scooped an innovation award at the International Climate Bonds awards in London this week.
