New Zealand: All stories
Plastic waste to double by 2050 – study
18 Nov 2024
New modelling published in Science suggests plastic waste will double by 2050 if we stick to business as usual, reaching an estimated 121 million metric tonnes.
Will govt consult the public over climate target?
15 Nov 2024
The government seems to be planning to limit public consultation around its next international climate target, which must be set by early February.
XRB delays obligations on Scope 3
15 Nov 2024
The External Reporting Board has decided to delay the obligation to report and assure scope 3 emissions - indirect emissions from an organisation's supply chain - but has retained its requirement for climate-reporting entities to publish transition plans.
Why (and how) I’m taking the two tonne challenge
15 Nov 2024
OPINION: By Emily Mabin Sutton | To meet our “fair share” of international climate targets, every person on Earth needs to emit less than 2.5 tonnes of carbon each year by 2030. But what does this look like in reality in New Zealand?
'Modernisation' must have improving conservation at its core
15 Nov 2024
Advocacy groups are calling on the government to ensure that its focus is on improving conservation and protecting biodiversity as consultation on proposals to modernise New Zealand's conservation management system opens.
Media round-up
15 Nov 2024
In our weekly round-up of climate coverage in local media: A spotlight on COP29; United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres says the world is in the final countdown to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius; and NZ is warned against 'blood offsets'.
Govt ring-fences $60 million to investigate new geothermal energy
14 Nov 2024
The government is putting aside $60 million to investigate new geothermal energy generation technology, which has the potential to boost renewable energy output and slash emissions.
Federated Farmers slam banks for "unfair" emissions reduction targets
14 Nov 2024
By Shannon Williams | Banks setting emissions targets for their farming customers shouldn't be a big ask, according to an expert, as Federated Farmers cries foul over banks setting tougher emissions reduction targets for farmers in New Zealand than for their Australian farming customers.
Zero chance NZ pulls out of climate agreement: Upton
13 Nov 2024
If Donald Trump pulls the United States out of the Paris Agreement, it’s not likely other countries such as New Zealand will follow, according to Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton.
NZ experts on UN climate conference
12 Nov 2024
With the United Nations’ major climate summit kicking off in oil-rich Azerbaijan, New Zealand’s climate policy experts are divided over the value of the meeting.
Major Pacific climate study launches at COP29
12 Nov 2024
Climate adaptation strategies, including relocating households and villages, are already being employed across the Pacific region, according to a new study.
Legislation to bring back oil and gas exploration advances
12 Nov 2024
The controversial bill to restart oil and gas exploration completed its second reading in Parliament last week after being reported back from select committee.
Govt accused of kicking can down the road on ag emissions
12 Nov 2024
The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme Agricultural Obligations) Amendment Bill completed its second reading in Parliament with Opposition parties saying it was a step backwards.
Insurance crisis looming, new report warns
11 Nov 2024
Thousands of residential properties in New Zealand are at risk of ‘insurance retreat’ as climate-related extreme weather events escalate in frequency and intensity, warns a new report
ECan, Lincoln University enter new MoU
11 Nov 2024
Potential joint research projects through the partnership include climate change adaptation and mitigation, farm economics under changing climate, legislation and market forces, and impacts and mitigations of agriculture on the environment.
The first wave of climate statements - challenges for insurers
11 Nov 2024
New Zealand's climate-reporting entities need to make more thorough disclosures in their climate statements, according to a new report from MinterEllisonRuddWatts.
As Australia puts more focus on climate change, New Zealand is accused of pulling back
11 Nov 2024
The role reversal of sorts between the two neighbors comes as countries gather in Azerbaijan this week for the United Nations climate conference.
Govt could make significant domestic reductions towards second NDC - but needs to hurry up
8 Nov 2024
The government could find much of the needed emissions reductions for its next Paris Agreement pledge at home – but needs to get on with it, says new analysis from the Climate Change Commission.
NZ can do better on climate policy, says auditor general
8 Nov 2024
New Zealand’s legislative framework is a strength of its response to climate change, however it is not doing so well in other areas, according to a new report.
Constraints on forestry set to slash unit supply
8 Nov 2024
COMMENT: Carbon unit supply from forestry looks set to be limited by multiple factors - and by 2040 NZUs from new forestry are likely to fulfill only a fraction of demand, writes Ollie Batelier-Belton.
Media round-up
8 Nov 2024
In our weekly round-up of climate coverage in local media: Tensions flare over ETS forestry on the Chatham Islands; MPI questions the Climate Commissions native forestry targets; and extreme weather is costing vulnerable island nations billions.
Climate law falls short for future generations – expert
7 Nov 2024
International climate law falls short in addressing the needs and interests of those who will inherit the planet, according to a public international law expert.
Strategy, regular reporting key to councils’ climate response – Auditor-General
6 Nov 2024
Councils will need clear climate strategies, strong community engagement, and robust reporting to meet the challenges posed by a changing climate, according to a new report from the Auditor-General.
UN’s biodiversity conference equal parts inspiring and infuriating
6 Nov 2024
COMMENT: New Zealand’s Indigenous Peoples were underrepresented at the global biodiversity summit, writes Manu Caddie.
Electricity sector risks from climate change: analysis
6 Nov 2024
A review of the electricity sector's mandatory climate disclosures by Forsyth Barr has not changed the analysts’ investment views of the companies.
Biodiversity summit makes some breakthroughs but fails to progress finance
5 Nov 2024
COMMENT: The UN’s biodiversity summit ended in a race against the clock at the weekend, writes David Hall, who was at the conference representing Aotearoa start-up the Toha Network.
Solar’s rising shine in NZ
5 Nov 2024
Household solar and battery storage is expanding rapidly, according to Transpower.
Companies face 'significant' litigation risk over inaccurate emissions reporting
4 Nov 2024
Companies in the industrial sector are risking court action if they don't accurately report indirect emissions from their value chain, with the sector becoming an increasing target for litigation, according to new analysis.
Channel looks to energy centre - pushes out peak petrol prediction
4 Nov 2024
Channel Infrastructure has outlined ambitious plans for an energy precinct on its Marsden Point land using its infrastructure and assets to entice in other energy project developers.
Are Air New Zealand's biofuel hopes just pie in the sky?
1 Nov 2024
By Liz Kivi | Air New Zealand and LanzaJet say a study shows promising results for turning wood waste into jet fuel. However, experts say that making jet fuel from wood at an industrial scale is challenging and extremely unlikely to result in near-term emissions reductions.
Media round-up
1 Nov 2024
In our weekly round-up of climate coverage in local media: Prime minister Christopher Luxon defends the coalition government's record on climate change; Fonterra reports higher emissions from NZ than Australian dairy; and is the government inching towards buying international climate mitigation?
Govt should expect scrutiny over international climate targets
31 Oct 2024
The government should expect international scrutiny over progress towards its climate pledge, according to its own advisors.
Carbon credits essential part of decarbonisation toolkit: new report
31 Oct 2024
Carbon credits remain at the heart of global efforts to limit dangerous climate change, with prices predicted to rise towards US$125 by 2035, according to new analysis.
Auckland Council opens consultation on environmental protection plan
31 Oct 2024
Aucklanders have been asked for their feedback on Auckland Council’s Let’s protect our environment consultation.
Canterbury locks in more emissions with new diesel ferry
30 Oct 2024
While Wellington and Auckland are cutting carbon with moves to electrify their ferries, Environment Canterbury has locked in at least eight more years of emissions with a brand-new diesel vessel for its only passenger ferry service.
Kiwi youth present climate action statement to politicians ahead of COP29
30 Oct 2024
Youth ambassadors from child rights organisation Save the Children have presented a statement of key climate action asks to politicians ahead of the UN international climate meeting COP29.
Sustainability reporting guide launched for SMEs
30 Oct 2024
The Centre for Sustainable Finance: Toitū Tahua has launched a new sustainability guide to support New Zealand’s small and medium sized businesses with sustainability reporting.
Air New Zealand puts $1 million into biodiversity impact investment pilot
29 Oct 2024
Air New Zealand is the first corporate funder in a pilot project to support nature-positive action, which it hopes will lead to a future biodiversity market in Aotearoa.
Govt to invest $20 million for Pacific disaster and climate resilience
29 Oct 2024
New Zealand will contribute $20 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility.
Upcoming auction pivotal for carbon market
29 Oct 2024
With the final carbon auction of the year less than six weeks away, experts are watching keenly to see if any carbon units are likely to enter the market at auction.
RMA reform structure ‘teasers’ revealed
29 Oct 2024
A Cabinet paper on replacing the Resource Management Act offers a “glimmer of hope” for environmentalists, says Environmental Defence Society chief executive Gary Taylor.
Significant emissions from Waikato wetlands fire
25 Oct 2024
By Shannon Williams | Up to 180,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases may have been released into the atmosphere following a fire at Whangamarino wetlands in the Waikato.
Offshore wind energy company pulls out of NZ
25 Oct 2024
Spanish offshore wind energy company Bluefloat has announced it is pulling out of its New Zealand projects, citing the potential clash with seabed mining off Taranaki.
Media round-up
25 Oct 2024
In our weekly round-up of climate coverage in local media: The government's long-awaited farm-to-forest conversion policy is sent back to the drawing board; how New Zealand is outsourcing the risks of AI; and Winston Peters says climate will be a top priority at this year’s CHOGM.
Environmental management failing to hold the line - Upton
24 Oct 2024
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton is not confident New Zealand’s efforts are making a difference to environmental quality.
NZ gets top ranking on sustainable trade index
24 Oct 2024
By Nick Swallow | COMMENT: New Zealand has again ranked number one on the 2024 Hinrich Sustainable Trade Index.
Seaweed can reduce emissions from cattle by 95% - new study
24 Oct 2024
A new study has found that using whole Asparagopsis seaweed as a cattle feed additive is significantly more effective at reducing methane emissions than using the plant’s primary active compound on its own.
Government consulting on ETS charges for forestry
23 Oct 2024
The government is proposing setting an annual per hectare charge for forestry in the ETS at $14.90 - about half the price set by the previous government, but still a significant increase on what foresters formerly paid.
Total emissions up 1.1 percent in June quarter
23 Oct 2024
Increase in the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation was the main driver behind a rise in total GHG emissions for the June quarter, according to Stats NZ.
Auckland remains off track to meet climate target
22 Oct 2024
Auckland Council remains off track to reach its own climate targets, according to a new progress report, which shows emissions are rising rather tracking down to zero by 2050.
Green Party calls for national electrification plan
Mon 20 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Green Party is calling for a national plan to electrify homes, transport and industry using renewable energy, to reduce fossil fuel dependence in response to the Middle East crisis.
Going concern status flags depth of Methanex NZ's gas crisis
Today 12:30pm
Methanex's New Zealand operation is relying on financial support from its Canadian parent to remain a going concern after a second consecutive year of asset impairments left the business with negative equity.
Fonterra admits ‘100% grass-fed’ claim breached law in greenwashing row
2 Apr 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Fonterra has admitted its “100% New Zealand grass-fed” claims on Anchor butter were misleading and breached the law, settling a case brought by Greenpeace Aotearoa over packaging used between December 2023 and April 2025.
Climate pollution static but NZ still on track for first emissions budget, says MfE
Fri 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.
NZ’s latest push to roll out more EV chargers is a good thing – but can it go the distance?
14 Apr 2026
A $50 million plan to expand New Zealand’s public electric vehicle (EV) charging network marks another step toward a lower-emissions transport system.
Wilding conifers continue to plague Southland
Fri 17 Apr 2026
By Matthew Rosenberg, Local Democracy Reporter | Fast-spreading conifer trees are causing headaches in Southland as inconsistent funding continues to hinder control efforts.
Businesses look for ways to cut costs in response to oil shock
1 Apr 2026
New Zealand’s small and medium-sized businesses are looking for ways to ease the pressure as global tensions see rising fossil fuel prices and diminishing supply, with decision-makers mulling measures including work-from-home polices and transport or logistics changes.
