Mining permits surge as Jones touts revival – gold prices loom large
Today 11:45am
Resources Minister Shane Jones is claiming early signs of success in his bid to boost the mining sector, citing new NZ Petroleum & Minerals data showing a rise in mineral permit applications and decisions in 2025. Though how much is driven by policy change and how much by very high prices for gold and other minerals is difficult to decipher.
Story copyright © Carbon News 2026
NZ’s EV uptake decelerates
Today 11:45am
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand’s EV uptake is lagging behind other countries, with a huge drop in EV sales since 2023 bucking international trends, at the same time the Government contemplates abolishing its standard for clean cars entirely.
Government invests $200m towards Genesis Energy's $400m capital raise
Today 11:45am
The Government has confirmed it will buy up to $200 million of new Genesis Energy shares as part of a capital raise announced by the company this morning.
Environmental groups call for ETS reform
Fri 20 Feb 2026
Several environmental organisations are calling on political parties to make climate and biodiversity central to the 2026 election campaign, with reforming the Emissions Trading Scheme seen as a key priority.
Greens slam move to disband Environment Ministry
Fri 20 Feb 2026
The Green Party has joined climate and health advocates in condemning the Government's decision to disestablish the Ministry for the Environment as part of a multi-ministry merger.
Seabed miners quit South Taranaki fast-track bid
Fri 20 Feb 2026
By Craig Ashworth, Local Democracy Reporter | Would-be seabed miners have abandoned their fast-track bid to mine in South Taranaki waters, saying they can’t change the minds of the panel that rejected their application.
Media round-up
Fri 20 Feb 2026
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: 'Every tonne matters': The climate scientist who wants to give you hope; Minister says managed retreat is an option; and climate change is here – is New Zealand ready?
Govt’s own modelling shows LNG leads to higher electricity prices than other solutions
Thu 19 Feb 2026
By Christina Hood | COMMENT: According to modelling conducted by Concept Consulting for MBIE, either developing the Tariki gas storage facility or managing electricity demand would deliver lower wholesale electricity prices than the Government’s preferred solution of an LNG import terminal.
New climate ambassador appointed amid mounting scrutiny of Govt policy
Thu 19 Feb 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Climate Change Minister has appointed senior diplomat Stuart Calman as New Zealand’s new Climate Change Ambassador, as the Government's climate agenda faces growing criticism from environmental groups, renewable energy advocates and policy experts.
Slash for cash turns storm debris into jobs and climate resilience
Thu 19 Feb 2026
A community-led initiative in Tairāwhiti is transforming storm-damaged forestry slash into jobs, soil regeneration and long-term climate resilience.
