Media round-up
1 May 2026
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: The environmental cost of cruise ships isn't worth the economic benefit, according to an expert; a Kiwi joins an all-female voyage to tackle plastics in the Pacific; and Greenpeace's Russel Norman said what about oil?
Environmental cost of cruise ships not worth the economic benefit, expert says
By Felix Walton, RNZ
A sustainable tourism expert says environmental damage from cruise ships far outweigh any economic benefits for local businesses.
Russel Norman: ‘Oil is incredible, amazing and fabulous.’ Yes, he actually said that
By Lloyd Burr, Stuff
Stuff’s pub welcomed Russel Norman this week to discuss whether Muldoon’s ‘Think Big’ was the right thing to do given the current oil crisis.
Climate change minister Simon Watts had one job
By Marc Daalder, Newsroom
Simon Watts said the Government would champion a stable and credible carbon market. It has never been in greater turmoil.
Kiwi joins all-female voyage to tackle plastics problem in the Pacific
Nine to Noon and Jessica Hopkins
An international crew of 10 women, including one New Zealander, have set off on a sailing expedition to trace plastic in the ocean in the South Pacific.
Govt offers to take Māori to minerals party – but doesn’t have its own invite
By Fox Meyer, Newsroom
Shane Jones wants to move fast on a minerals deal – too fast, say some – but New Zealand hasn’t got an official invite to the party.
Proposed gold mine will ruin Otago's reputation for world's best pinot noir - vineyard owner
By Katie Todd, RNZ
An Otago vineyard-owner says a proposed gold mine in the Dunstan Hills could ruin the region's reputation for some of the best pinot noir in the world, inflicting "terminal damage" on his business.
Ministers knew one thing on methane target rollback, the public another
By Marc Daalder, Newsroom
An unredacted Cabinet paper included in a court filing shows ministers knew their decisions could lead to higher costs for households.
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KiwiSaver investments in fossil fuel production up 30% to $5b
Fri 31 Jul 2026
By Liz Kivi | New Zealanders' retirement savings are increasingly split between rapidly growing investment in clean energy leaders and rising exposure to fossil fuel expansion, with funds still chasing investments in areas "of concern" that Kiwis say they want to avoid.
Legislation to block climate lawsuits gets select committee green light
Fri 31 Jul 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Justice Select Committee has reported back on the Government’s controversial legislation to halt climate lawsuits, with the majority of the committee recommending passing it without amendment.
Batteries and flexible electricity use could save NZ $20b by 2050
Fri 31 Jul 2026
By Oli Lewis | Rapid expansion of batteries and flexible electricity use could save energy users between $5.4 billion and $20.8b through to 2050, new modelling suggests.
Govt launches loan scheme to help businesses transition from gas
Fri 31 Jul 2026
Businesses looking to reduce their reliance on natural gas can now apply for government-backed loans under a new scheme designed to help fund energy transition projects, with the Crown guaranteeing up to 80% of eligible loans and unlocking an estimated $1.2 billion in lending.
Commission's report fails to recognise biophysical limits
Fri 31 Jul 2026
By Mike Joy | OPINION: The Climate Change Commission’s latest report does a great job of revealing how badly we have failed to reduce our emissions.
Media round-up
Fri 31 Jul 2026
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: New Zealand cows are set to emit far more climate pollution than the government projected; Labour vows to keep billions in conservation costs off councils if elected; and protections for hoiho around Otago Peninsula are to be made permanent.
Govt’s first post-ban offshore exploration permit draws backlash
Thu 30 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Government has approved the first offshore petroleum exploration permit since repealing the 2018 ban. But lawyers say the decision raises 'serious' legal questions, as seemingly at odds with guidance from the country's highest court.
NZ Steel closes in on first heat from electric arc furnace
Thu 30 Jul 2026
By Oli Lewis | The first truckloads of scrap steel are being delivered to New Zealand Steel as the company works through the final stages of a significant emissions reduction project.
Rail revival key to reducing transport emissions: new strategy
Thu 30 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Future is Rail has launched an election manifesto setting out a national strategy for the incoming Government to rebuild New Zealand's passenger and freight rail network, with proposals ranging from overnight train services to nationwide electrification.
Upton: Environmental information is critical national infrastructure
Thu 30 Jul 2026
By Oli Lewis | New Zealand has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure environmental management decisions are based on shared, high-quality data.
