Science reforms could further erode climate expertise
24 Jan 2025
Story copyright © Carbon News 2025
Annual emissions fell to lowest in 15 years in Sept 2025
Today 11:45am
By Pattrick Smellie | New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions fell to their lowest annual total in the year to September 2025 since records began 2010, according to Statistics New Zealand data published this morning.
$7m boost for marae adaptation as climate impacts intensify
Today 11:45am
By Shannon Morris-Williams | A further $7 million has been committed to marae climate resilience projects under the second stage of the Māori Climate Platform, with funding targeted at flood protection, water infrastructure, renewable energy and, in one case, relocating a marae to higher ground.
Auckland Council raises flood mitigation limit to avoid costly buyouts
Today 11:45am
By Taelegalolo'u Mary Afemata, Local Democracy Reporter | As Auckland Council’s storm recovery programme moves into its final phase, councillors have agreed to lift the cap on flood mitigation spending per household in a bid to avoid more expensive property buyouts.
Media round-up
Today 11:45am
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: Climate change is a key focus for iwi leaders gathering at Waitangi this week, a second town is red-listed by AA Insurance for new home insurance policies, and the loss of life during recent weather events should cause us to reflect on our relationship with vulnerable landscapes in a changing climate.
'Damning' report challenges forestry’s role in Tairāwhiti as sector rejects conclusions
Wed 4 Feb 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New independent analysis commissioned by Mana Taiao Tairāwhiti challenges long-standing claims that industrial forestry underpins the Tairāwhiti economy.
Govt backs fusion research as part of long-term clean energy push
Wed 4 Feb 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Government is investing up to $35 million in fusion energy research through a loan to New Zealand start-up OpenStar Technologies, saying investment could strengthen New Zealand’s energy security.
Auckland Council opens $1m Climate and Emergency Readiness Fund
Wed 4 Feb 2026
Community groups across Tāmaki Makaurau are being invited to apply for a new $1 million Climate and Emergency Readiness Fund, designed to support locally led action on climate change, disaster preparedness and climate adaptation.
Heavy EV charger hub opens at Lower Hutt landfill
Wed 4 Feb 2026
By Justin Wong, Local Democracy Reporter |In a nationwide first, heavy electric vehicles can now recharge at Lower Hutt’s Silverstream Landfill.
Scientists warn that reforms entrench instability as climate risks grow
Tue 3 Feb 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Science reforms intended to strengthen New Zealand’s research system are instead compounding long-standing failures, according to the New Zealand Association of Scientists, which says instability, lost capability and weak accountability are leaving the country increasingly exposed to climate hazards.
The politics of risk in 2026
Tue 3 Feb 2026
The opening speeches of Parliament’s first sitting days offered little new policy detail, but they repeated the themes likely to define energy and environment politics in 2026 - and the framing each party wants to carry into an election year.
