Media round-up
3 Jul 2026
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: Getting the most impact from the Government's investment in school solar; NZ needs an objective assessment of LNG imports and renewable storage options; and while greener suburbs are healthier on all kinds of metrics, achieving them isn’t straightforward.
NZ cities can’t see the forest or the trees
By Rebekah White
Research shows that greener suburbs are healthier on all kinds of metrics – but achieving them isn’t as straightforward as digging holes and planting seedlings.
NZ wants to end climate lawsuits. How does that sit with its international commitments?
By Justin Sobion, The Conversation
A climate change lawsuit making its way through the courts continues to prove one of New Zealand’s most historic legal cases.
Getting the most impact from School Solar
By William Bisley and Peter Bisley
The government is taking a significant step in distributed generation with an investment of $30 million in solar for up to 500 schools. This will help solar on community facilities gain momentum, but the potential is much larger.
New Zealand renewable energy boom: Is it fast enough? | Ryan Bridge TODAY
NZ Herald
Malcolm Johns, Genesis Energy CEO explains why New Zealand needs to join forces with Australia.
NZ deserves a coherent energy storage strategy
By Dr Arjan Abeynaike, Newsroom
Following the cancellation of the Lake Onslow project, NZ needs an objective assessment of LNG imports and renewable storage options to avoid power cuts.
Late-night meeting could shift Govt’s law change on conservation’s purpose
By Fox Meyer, Newsroom
Following an evening meeting with environmental groups, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka is weighing changes to department’s proposed economic development focus
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Climate remains top priority for Pacific leaders
Today 12:00pm
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Major regional events in Vanuatu and Fiji this month have underscored the Pacific's continued focus on climate action, with locally led innovation and sustainable farming highlighted as critical tools for tackling the region's environmental challenges.
$3m Govt boost for Tauranga geothermal energy
Today 12:00pm
By Liz Kivi | Resources Minister Shane Jones has announced a $3 million grant for the Gas to Geoheat Tauranga Geothermal System Project as part of the Government's plan to double geothermal energy by 2040.
Batteries and full lakes flatten winter power peaks
Today 12:00pm
Large batteries and more strategic use of hydro generation are starting to flatten winter electricity price peaks, reducing reliance on expensive thermal generation.
NZ lagging in energy storage investment – report
Today 12:00pm
Investment in energy storage is maturing globally, with the need for resilient and flexible power driving demand for storage, but New Zealand has some catching up to do, according to a new report.
Shining a light on Trans-Tasman solar reforms
Today 12:00pm
OPINION: The real test of solar reforms is how fast retailers can turn new rules into working tariffs, writes Mark Humphreys.
Mana whenua voices to inform flood resilience in South Wairarapa
Today 12:00pm
By Emily Ireland, Local Democracy Reporter | As South Wairarapa reels from a string of devastating floods, mana whenua representatives are coming together to discuss their role in how the region rebuilds.
EMA pushes for steady hand on energy and regulation
Mon 13 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Employers and Manufacturers Association wants the next government to commit to a long-term energy plan and allow faster investment in renewable generation, at the same time as slowing the pace of policy change and providing businesses with greater certainty.
Experts call on Govt to withdraw ‘repugnant’ legislation to block climate lawsuits
Mon 13 Jul 2026
By Liz Kivi | Lawyers and climate policy experts are calling on the Government to withdraw legislation intended to block climate lawsuits, with an adaptation expert arguing that the legislation could worsen the insurance protection gap.
Who should pay for adaptation? Local Govt NZ calls for clarity
Mon 13 Jul 2026
By Liz Kivi | Local Government New Zealand wants more clarity from central government on the vexed issue of ‘who pays’ for climate adaptation, with the organisation hitting back at comments from the Climate Change Minister that local councils are spending too much on climate resilience.
Southland preparing for El Niño weather
Mon 13 Jul 2026
Matthew Rosenberg, Local Democracy Reporter | A Southland council is readying itself for the potential fallout of an El Niño event which could bring wet weather to the south.
