Media round-up
Today 11:00am
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: The Government planned to gut New Zealand's world-leading climate disclosure law - even as it bragged about it on the world stage; a new Indigenous climate adaptation network launches; and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts admits that the new methane target might breach the global 1.5C goal.
New Zealand guts climate policy it bragged about on the world stage
By Kirsty Johnston, RNZ
The government has gutted New Zealand's once world-leading climate disclosure law, just months after officials showcased it to the United Nations as evidence of "significant progress" on climate action.
Climate minister admits new target may breach global 1.5C goal
By Marc Daalder, Newsroom
Lawyers for Climate Action has accused the Government of breaching international law by knowingly setting a target inconsistent with the global warming goal.
Indigenous climate adaptation network launched in Ōtautahi
By, Te Aniwaniwa Paterson, Te Ao Māori News
Māori and Pasifika leaders are leading climate adaptation, guided by ancestral knowledge and Indigenous principles to build resilience and shape global solutions.
Antarctica's September weather driving current hot windy conditions
By Alexa Cook, RNZ
Antarctica's warm weather in September is driving the gale force winds and hot temperatures being felt across New Zealand this week.
Property fetish ducks climate responsibility
By Sasha Maher, Newsroom
We can’t continue to treat climate adaptation as a fiscal liability – it needs to be a transformative plan
Wairarapa vet helps bring pioneering climate care programme to NZ
By Deena Coster, The Post
A Wairarapa vet has been at the forefront of bringing a pioneering programme to New Zealand to help her colleagues get to grips with climate change.
Reality bites: Roads of National Significance will bankrupt the nation
Greater Auckland
The government’s mega-roads programme is now looking to cost an astonishing $40-50 billion, based on new documents released yesterday by the NZTA.
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Bill to ban new coal mines fails at first reading
Today 11:00am
By Shannon Morris-Williams | A bid to outlaw new coal mines was defeated at its first hurdle in Parliament this week, after a heated debate pitting climate imperatives against energy security and affordability.
Emissions down slightly - Stats NZ
Today 11:00am
By Liz Kivi | Greenhouse gas emissions fell 1.5% in the June 2025 quarter, although the decline seems to reflect the economy continuing to contract rather than Aoteoroa inching towards decarbonisation goals.
Genesis doubles down on Huntly as renewables ramp up
Today 11:00am
Genesis Energy is doubling down on Huntly’s role as New Zealand’s energy backstop while accelerating one of the country’s largest pipelines of new renewable generation.
Govt launches strategy backing wood-based heat sector
Thu 23 Oct 2025
By Pattrick Smellie | Forestry biomass could replace as much as 40% of fossil fuel-generated process heat by 2050, but access to supply, regulatory settings and business cases for converting to wood-based heat sources are required, the Government says in a series of documents released yesterday.
Climate impacts hit NZ with increasing wild weather
Thu 23 Oct 2025
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand is facing a triple whammy of climate impacts today, with severe winds and rainfall predicted for much of the country while some areas are still dealing with wildfires ignited earlier in the week.
Penk relaxes consenting for rooftop solar
Thu 23 Oct 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Government has introduced new consent exemptions designed to streamline the installation of rooftop solar panels across New Zealand.
Super Fund smashes decarbonisation goals
Thu 23 Oct 2025
By Pattrick Smellie | The New Zealand Superannuation Fund continues to blow through its self-imposed targets for decarbonising its investment portfolio, increasing its exposure to fast-growing green technology opportunities in the process, according to its 2025 climate statement.
Gene tech reforms face political split
Thu 23 Oct 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams |The Government’s Gene Technology Bill continues to divide Parliament, after the Health Select Committee released its long-awaited report last week outlining key recommendations and lingering concerns.
Flood defences to be boosted in North Canterbury
Thu 23 Oct 2025
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter | North Canterbury towns Rangiora and Kaiapoi will be given greater protection from flooding thanks to a Government funding boost.
