Minister warns councils against 'extreme' climate forecasting
Today 11:45am
By Liz Kivi
Minister Simon Watts has written to councils warning them off using extreme climate forecasting scenarios that can “drive unnecessary costs” for ratepayers.
However experts say that, rather than overspending on climate adaptation, councils are still “substantially underinvesting” in preparing for climate risks.
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Story copyright © Carbon News 2026
Contact: Protected geothermal fields must be opened to meet 2040 goal
Today 11:45am
By Oli Lewis | A goal to double geothermal energy generation by 2040 using existing technologies is unachievable unless some protected fields are reclassified for development, Contact Energy says.
Fast-track panel backs proposed Haldon Solar Farm
Today 11:45am
The proposed Haldon Solar Farm in the Mackenzie Basin has moved to the final stages of the Fast-track Approvals Act process after the Fast-track Panel proposed granting approval for the project.
Labour promises to repeal bill to block climate lawsuits
Fri 3 Jul 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Government bill aiming to block climate lawsuits passed its first reading under urgency after a heated debate in Parliament last night, with the Labour Party promising it will repeal the bill if elected in November.
Taranaki offshore wind developer eyes mid-2030s commissioning after law change
Fri 3 Jul 2026
By Oli Lewis | The first offshore wind farm in New Zealand could be commissioned by the mid-2030s, with its developer saying a new permitting framework has bolstered investor confidence.
Confidence in tackling climate risks remains low
Fri 3 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams |New Zealanders have little faith in the country's ability to tackle climate risks, with a new poll finding fewer than one in three are confident the country can reduce the impacts of climate change, while many are calling for stronger Government leadership on climate hazards.
EECA seeks answers on NZ's future fuel mix
Fri 3 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority is looking for specialists to assess the role future low-emissions fuels could play in New Zealand’s energy system.
Australia is at least ten years ahead of us on solar. It’s time we caught up.
Fri 3 Jul 2026
By Ed Harvey | OPINION: Starting this week, millions of households across New South Wales, South Australia and Southeast Queensland will have access to three hours of free electricity every single day.
West Coast Conservation Board chair concerned over loosening commercial concessions
Fri 3 Jul 2026
By Vihan Dalal, Local Democracy Reporter | The West Coast Conservation Board chairman Mike Legge has raised concerns with a move by the Government to amend the Conservation Act to loosen how commercial concessions are granted on conservation land.
Media round-up
Fri 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.
