Media round-up
23 May 2025
In our weekly round-up of climate coverage in local media: What is behind delays to a taxpayer-funded methane satellite? Is carbon capture a fossil fuel industry scam? and David Hall argues that efficient forms of energy are not "lesser evils."
Taxpayer-funded climate satellite MethaneSAT finally reveals what's behind delays
By Eloise Gibson, RNZ
The group behind a taxpayer-funded methane satellite has finally revealed what is behind delays to a crucial milestone.
E-bikes for everyone: 3 NZ trials show people will make the switch – with the right support
By Caroline Shaw, Karen Witten and Simon Kingham, The Conversation
Anyone who uses city roads will know e-bikes have become increasingly popular in Aotearoa New Zealand. But we also know rising e-bike sales have been predominantly driven by financially well-off households.
No, it is not ‘evil’ to justify reducing energy consumption
By David Hall, Newsroom
The end goals of the global energy system are not so terrible that even more efficient forms of energy may be considered ‘lesser evils’
Greens must reject 'tokenism' to connect with marginalised communities – Chloe Swarbrick
By Richard Larsen, RNZ
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says her party must confront the uncomfortable reality that it continues to struggle with support from lower-income New Zealanders, despite advocating policies aimed squarely at economic and social justice.
Whanganui politician crosses boundaries to stop seabed mine
By Craig Ashworth, Stuff
A Whanganui councillor has brought her campaign against seabed mining to local politicians in New Plymouth, saying their silence isn’t good enough.
By Rex Weyler, Greenpeace
Carbon capture has always been a fossil fuel industry scam, designed to distract and delay critical measures to cut emissions by phasing out coal, oil, and gas.
They said it couldn’t be done: Gene editing breakthrough preempts new law
By Fox Meyer, Newsroom
Scion reveal it’s field-testing the world’s first GMO pines, despite Government claims that our restrictive gene tech laws are suppressing such profitable research
The time is now: Working together to build a hydrogen future for Aotearoa
By Sir Stephen Tindall, The Post
OPINION: This month’s H2 2 ZERO Summit in Wellington couldn’t come at a more important moment.
Herbicide review bad for business, Harraways says
By Andrew Bevin, Newsroom
New Zealand’s only oat mill has submitted against a proposed hundredfold increase to the maximum limit of glyphosate in grains.
Budget 2025 – what on earth happened to New Zealand aid?
By Terence Wood, NZADD
What’s going to happen to New Zealand government aid? There’s good news and bad news.
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Marginal drop in last year's regional emissions
Today 10:46am
Regional greenhouse gas emissions were down slightly last year, with a fall in gas supply leading to a big drop in Taranaki, but more coal burnt leading to higher emissions in Waikato, according to new figures from Stats NZ
Profound shifts in our changing energy system – new data
Today 10:46am
New Zealand’s energy system is undergoing a profound shift as falling gas production and a dry hydro year reshaped the electricity market in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Energy in New Zealand 2025.
Canterbury council's unique approach to rising sea level threat
Today 10:46am
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter | A Canterbury council's bold plan to allow for the possible future relocation of Amberley Beach residents is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Hotter, longer, more frequent: NZ’s escalating heat risk
Tue 26 Aug 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Heat extremes in New Zealand will intensify faster than previously thought, according to a new study.
NZ to host major conference on oceans and climate change
Tue 26 Aug 2025
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand is set to host the world’s premier gathering of marine climate change scientists next year.
Why climate strategy is now central to business success
Tue 26 Aug 2025
SPONSORED CONTENT: Ahead of next month’s Climate Change and Business Conference, New Zealand businesses are being urged to treat climate strategy not as a regulatory burden, but as a core driver of economic competitiveness.
Banking competition report steers clear of ‘woke’ farm lending
Mon 25 Aug 2025
By Pattrick Smellie | A report into banking competition has largely rejected arguments from some farming lobbyists that climate change considerations should play no part in bank lending decisions.
ETS a ‘broken paradigm’ undercutting biodiversity efforts
Mon 25 Aug 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Pure Advantage is calling on the government to reform the Emissions Trading Scheme, with a new policy briefing saying that New Zealand’s offset-heavy approach is a “broken paradigm” undermining biodiversity and shifting risk to communities.
Food waste plant proposed for Blenheim landfill
Mon 25 Aug 2025
By Kira Carrington, Local Democracy Reporter | Forget turning metal into gold, the Marlborough Research Centre thinks it can make millions turning the region’s food waste into fertiliser and animal feed.
Meridian Energy considers green bond offer
Mon 25 Aug 2025
Meridian Energy is considering making an offer of up to $250 million of 6.5 year unsecured, unsubordinated, fixed rate green bonds to institutional and New Zealand retail investors.
