Media round-up
Today 12:30pm
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: A climate scientist says it's not too late for people to reduce emissions and slow the effects of climate change, forestry urges Government to remove legal accountability for slash, and which regions lead NZ in rooftop solar – and which ones lag behind?
When pushed, climate minister says ‘we’re staying in Paris’
By David Williams, Newsroom
On the day the election date is announced, the National Party says it’s committed to climate action, with caveats.
Insurer temporarily halts new policies in Westport due to flood risk
By Kate Newton, RNZ
A major insurance company has temporarily stopped offering new home insurance policies in Westport because of the town's flood risk.
A brief history of vegetation on Mauao and the need for a climate risk reduction election
By Manu Caddie, Substack
The tragic loss of life should cause us to reflect on our relationship with vulnerable landscapes in a changing climate.
Climate change making storms 'more intense'
By Bill Hackman, RNZ
A climate scientist says it's not too late for people to reduce emissions and slow the effects of climate change.
Which regions lead NZ in rooftop solar – and which ones lag behind
By Marc Daalder, Newsroom
Forestry group urges Government to remove legal accountability for slash
By Marty Sharpe, Stuff
Gisborne/Tairāwhiti is shoring up its reputation as ground zero in the battle between communities and forestry operators as to what is legally acceptable when it comes to slash.
900,000-tonne miscalculation makes carbon target even tougher
By Kate Newton, RNZ
A miscalculation has left New Zealand with less wiggle-room to meet all of its planned greenhouse gas savings.
Government pushes ‘unavoidable’ new mines as conservationists raise alarm
Amber Allott, The Press
Conservationists say they have been embroiled in a battle to stop plans to blast Denniston Plateau apart from being fast-tracked with little public input.
Extreme rainfall events a 'peek into the future', climate experts say
By Kate Newton, RNZ
La Niña conditions and background climate change trends combined to create the intense rainfall that devastated North Island communities, climate experts say.
Hīkoi calling for ‘urgent action’ on slash to mark 3rd anniversary of devastation
By Marty Sharpe, Stuff
A hīkoi through the streets of Gisborne will take place on Thursday to mark the third anniversary of the devastation that struck the region from ex-Tropical Cyclone Hale and Cyclone Gabrielle.
Do trees prevent landslides? What science says about roots, rainfall and stability
By Martin Brook, The Conversation
In the days since last week’s fatal landslides at Mount Maunganui, there has been widespread discussion about what may have caused the slopes above the campground to fail, including the possible role of recent tree removal on Mauao.
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Commentators slam Govt inaction in aftermath of climate change-fuelled storms
Today 12:30pm
By Liz Kivi | Climate action - or inaction - is shaping up to be an election issue, with multiple commentators drawing a line between the Coalition Government’s backsliding on climate targets and the deadly extreme weather events of the past week.
Foresters warn emissions plan changes push risk into next decade
Today 12:30pm
The New Zealand Institute of Forestry says the Government’s amendment to the Second Emissions Reduction Plan provides welcome policy clarity in the short term, but leaves significant delivery risks unresolved beyond 2030, particularly as agriculture pricing is shelved and greater reliance is placed on forestry removals.
Greenpeace slams ‘bogus’ climate plan
Today 12:30pm
The Government’s re-jigged emissions plan has a giant “cow-shaped hole” in it, exposing a climate strategy that doesn’t stand up to scrutiny, according to Greenpeace.
Ōtara homeowner lays bare cost of flood-proofing as council confirms no private funding
Today 12:30pm
Taelegalolo'u Mary Afemata | A lifelong Ōtara resident is using her family home as a real-world example of what flood resilience looks like in practice.
Out of Paris, but will the US formally quit the UN climate regime?
Today 12:30pm
The Trump administration has decided to withdraw the US from the broader UN climate convention, raising questions about the legality of the move and what it means in practice.
Govt updates emissions plan to blow past legislated target
Thu 29 Jan 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Government has updated its emissions reduction plan, with agricultural emissions now set to blow past the legislated 2030 target.
Govt rules out support for Gisborne storm transition plan
Thu 29 Jan 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Government has ruled out providing financial support for Gisborne District Council’s long-term storm and land-use transition plan, despite mounting evidence that poor land use is intensifying the impacts of extreme weather across Tairāwhiti and other regions.
New Auckland alliance to accelerate nature regeneration
Thu 29 Jan 2026
Auckland Council alongside the Sustainable Business Network have launched the Tāmaki Taiao Alliance, a new collaboration designed to accelerate nature regeneration at scale across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Court rejects challenge to Minister and Commission over climate targets
Wed 28 Jan 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Supreme Court has rejected Lawyers for Climate Action’s bid to challenge the Climate Change Commission and former Climate Minister James Shaw over climate targets, ending a long-running case which had been working its way through the courts since 2021.
