Topics tagged with 'NZ ETS'
Agriculture bogs down bipartisan ETS deal
14 Aug 2009
Talks between National and Labour over a bipartisan agreement on an emissions trading scheme are thought to be breaking down over agriculture.
Cap-and-ban could kill carbon market, warns broker
14 Aug 2009
An artificial cap on carbon prices and a ban on international sales of New Zealand credits will effectively kill the development of the carbon market, says trader Nigel Brunel.
Business warns extra assistance to emitters could equal another round of tax cuts
14 Aug 2009
Adjusting assistance to large emitters in New Zealand to Australia's proposed levels could cost the equivalent of another round of tax cuts.
Wind energy key to cutting electricity emissions
14 Aug 2009
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector will be vital in reaching the government’s 2020 reduction target, but policy certainty is needed urgently, says the New Zealand Wind Energy Association.
Australia’s ag-carbon could be bigger than coal
14 Aug 2009
Australia could develop a trade in agricultural carbon offsets to the United States worth more than the nation's current global coal exports - but not if agriculture is covered by an emissions trading scheme, says an international carbon trading expert.
Tree-planting key to meeting target, says expert
10 Aug 2009
New Zealand can achieve a significant proportion of its 2020 emission reduction target by planting trees – and generate $375m a year in carbon credits, says a forestry expert.
ANALYSIS: Now it comes down to the ETS deal for agriculture
10 Aug 2009
The Government has pretty cunningly positioned itself in its first emissions reduction target offering.
BUSINESS LEADERS: Target will have to rise later
10 Aug 2009
The Government’s opening offer to reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions by 10 per cent to 20 per cent by 2020 will need to be improved during coming international negotiations, says the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Companies must take care with carbon-neutral claims
7 Aug 2009
Companies wanting to market themselves as carbon-neutral are being warned not to rely on the emissions trading scheme for their green credentials.
ETS unsettled as NZ packs for Bonn talks
7 Aug 2009
The future of New Zealand’s emissions trading scheme remains up in the air as the Government heads to the Bonn climate change talks.
You’re not alone – UN climate chief comforts Australia
7 Aug 2009
Australia is not at risk of going it alone on climate change by committing to emissions reduction targets before a global summit later this year, UN climate change chief Yvo de Boer says.
Most New Zealanders want 20-plus emissions reduction target
7 Aug 2009
Almost half of New Zealanders want the Government to set a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent or more by 2020.
Carbon potential huge, says multi-million dollar seller
31 Jul 2009
The man behind a multi-million dollar sale of New Zealand forestry credits to Europe says that carbon is potentially a major export and could make up to 80 per cent of forestry company revenue.
Fletcher urgently wants ETS answers
31 Jul 2009
Fletcher Building wants the Government to urgently determine the carbon credit allocation for large businesses so that it can plan for any potential costs arising from an emissions trading scheme.
Forum: Cool heads still needed on global warming
31 Jul 2009
We're less wealthy than Australia is, so should be setting a lower emissions reduction target, says Business Rountable executive director Roger Kerr.
Costs of emissions cuts most likely overstated - report
31 Jul 2009
A carbon price of $100 to $200 per tonne is being assumed to generate estimates that New Zealand households will face a $3000-a-year bill for cutting emissions by 15 per cent, says the Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Business backs 20% emissions cut target
31 Jul 2009
The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development has advised the Government to set a unilateral target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent by 2020.
No new tree planting under this Parliament, say Kyoto forest owners
31 Jul 2009
Climate Change Minister Nick Smith is "badly misreading commercial and economic realities" if he thinks the Government's planned changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme will lead to the private sector resuming tree planting, the Kyoto Forestry Association says.
ETS in place by December, says Smith
31 Jul 2009
The Government aims to have an amended emissions trading scheme in place by December.
Minister’s political games on climate are off target, say Greens
31 Jul 2009
The Green Party has accused the Government of playing politics with the most significant threat ever to our economy and our environment while ignoring the obvious practical solutions.
Labour urges boldness on carbon pollution reduction target
31 Jul 2009
It is better to be bold than to be timid when setting New Zealand's 2020 carbon pollution reduction target, says Labour's Climate Change Issues spokesperson Charles Chauvel.
Our ag emissions in the spotlight, says minister
24 Jul 2009
Europe and Britain are watching New Zealand’s efforts to mitigate agricultural emissions, says Agriculture Minister David Carter.
Forum: Excluding agriculture from ETS neither principled nor smart
24 Jul 2009
New Zealand asking to exempt agriculture from the scheme to replace the Kyoto Treaty, is as credible as Saudi Arabia asking for the exemption of oil.
Government misreading public mood for free ride for agriculture?
24 Jul 2009
There appears to be little public tolerance for a freer ride for agriculture under New Zealand's ETS, despite a Ministerial claim to the contrary.
Unique online consulation confirms multi-party deal desire
24 Jul 2009
The Government's unique online consultation on New Zealand's emissions target took 70 minutes and six seconds.
NZ House told to green up its act
24 Jul 2009
The EU’s impatience at New Zealand dragging its feet on implementing the ETS scheme has taken concrete form - NZ must pay to double-glaze its energy-inefficient High Commission building in London.
Groser: Something will come from Copenhagen
17 Jul 2009
The Copenhagen climate change negotiations are unlikely to come up with a ratifiable agreement but will produce some sort of agreement, says Associate Climate Change Minister Tim Groser.
ETS review body eyes Government line
17 Jul 2009
The emissions trading scheme review committee is keeping quiet about when it will release its findings - but is aligning with the Government behind the scenes.
Maori Party might support Nats' ETS changes
14 Jul 2009
The Maori Party will today ask iwi leaders whether it should support the National Government’s changes to the emissions trading scheme – potentially giving it the majority it needs in Parliament.
Maori want more reasearch on emissions impact
14 Jul 2009
Iwi leaders meeting the Government in Ngaruawahia this morning are expected to call for more research and analysis on the likely impact on Maori of the Government’s 2020 emissions reduction target.
Reluctant farmers ready to set reduction target
14 Jul 2009
Federated Farmers will set its policy on New Zealand’s 2020 emissions reduction target later this week - but the federation is still holding out for the emissions trading scheme to be scrapped.
We're no climate deniers, says farm leader
10 Jul 2009
Farmers are not climate change deniers, says Federated Farmers’ president and new climate change spokesman Don Nicolson.
ANALYSIS: And in the red corner ...
10 Jul 2009
New Zealand is in the middle of a powerful, if somewhat veiled, vice when it comes to the emissions trading scheme.
Accountants the winners as carbon economy grows
10 Jul 2009
As a carbon-trading economy gathers steam in the United States, the accounting industry is expected to profit handsomely.
Avocado growers look for carbon answers
7 Jul 2009
The avocado industry is to use $20,000 awarded by the Sustainable Farming Fund this month to help to prove the carbon sequestration potential of its trees.
ETS review body sets meeting date
7 Jul 2009
The emissions trading scheme review committee will next be meeting on July 15.
Split targets on agenda of Nats-Labour ETS talks
3 Jul 2009
Splitting New Zealand’s domestic emissions reduction target is on the table in talks between Labour and National for an emissions trading scheme deal.
Government won't talk about stationary energy
3 Jul 2009
The Government will not say when stationary energy and industrial processes will enter the emissions trading scheme.
NZ carbon credits could be in short supply
3 Jul 2009
New Zealand could face a shortfall of locally generated carbon credits when the emissions trading scheme becomes fully operational.
Rules change, but forest owners still obligated
3 Jul 2009
Forest owners are still under obligation to surrender emissions units to meet deforestation liabilities – despite Parliament delaying reporting dates.
Goverment needs to wake up, say foresters
3 Jul 2009
The new forestry deadlines established by the Government this week amount to “fiddling while Rome burns,” say foresters.
ETS committee sifts through last reports
3 Jul 2009
The emissions trading scheme review committee met yesterday and will meet regularly through the month as it works towards presenting its findings and recommendations to Parliament.
Greens push split-emissions cuts targets
30 Jun 2009
The prospect is emerging of New Zealand setting separate reduction targets for carbon and methane.
Energy sector wants firm emissions targets now
30 Jun 2009
The renewables sector is waiting to see whether the Government intends to present firm policy or a proposed strategy when it begins a series of public meetings in nine cities around the country next Monday to discuss New Zealand’s 2020 emissions target.
Why Top Energy is sitting pretty
30 Jun 2009
Top Energy is one of the few electricity generators untroubled by uncertainty around New Zealand’s emissions trading scheme.
Aussie Liberals go soft on climate bill stance
30 Jun 2009
Australia's beleaguered carbon-emissions trading scheme has won a lift by the opposition Liberal Party withdrawing its threat to block enabling legislation passing through parliament.
UK wants billions in climate fund for poor countries
30 Jun 2009
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has tried to break the deadlock over climate change by proposing the creation of a £60 billion international fund to help poorer countries adapt to the situation.
Industry counts cost of government's ETS delay
26 Jun 2009
Government moves to postpone the entry of the heavy industrial emitters into the emissions trading scheme will cost forest owners money and delay the establishment of a carbon market in New Zealand.
Labour: Government had enough time
26 Jun 2009
The Labour Party is rejecting Government claims that there was never enough time to bring the stationary energy and industrial processes sector into the emissions trading scheme.
Parties stay quiet on ETS cooperation deal
26 Jun 2009
The Government and the Labour Party are refusing to comment on progress for an emissions trading scheme deal.
Media round-up
Fri 24 Apr 2026
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: What is the real cost of storm-hit infrastructure? Urgency is needed over climate adaptation funding; and a community conservation group has won a legal victory against multinational mining company OceanaGold.
Extreme heat threatens global food systems, UN agencies warn
Thu 23 Apr 2026
Extreme heat is pushing global agrifood systems to the brink, threatening the livelihoods and health of more than a billion people, according to a new report by the U.N.'s food and weather agencies.
$30m airline fund risks ‘burning public money’ without lasting benefit – expert
20 Mar 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | A $30 million government package to support regional air routes risks delivering poor value for money while increasing emissions, according to transport strategist Tim Adriaansen.
Europe has 'maybe six weeks of jet fuel left', energy boss warns
20 Apr 2026
Stocks would reach a tipping point in June if Europe was unable to replace at least half of its imports from the Middle East, the organisation said in a report this week.
Biodiversity plan heavy on talk, light on action, expert warns
Fri 24 Apr 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | A newly released government biodiversity implementation plan has been criticised for lacking practical action, with one expert saying it focuses too heavily on discussion and data gathering rather than delivering results on the ground.
Burning wood for power worse for climate than gas equivalent, report finds
21 Apr 2026
Research casts doubt on plans by the UK government to offer subsidies for carbon capture attached to the power source.
Commission advises no change to ETS settings but warns Govt of looming risks
Fri 24 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Climate Change Commission is warning the Government of a possible shortfall of Emissions Trading Scheme units by the late 2020s and says the scheme will struggle to provide an investment signal by the mid-2030s.
Here’s what to expect from the first conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels
Fri 24 Apr 2026
Delegates from more than 50 countries are gathering in Santa Marta, Colombia, from April 24 to 29 at the first-ever Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels.
Carbon ‘stockpile’ up 9 million in March quarter
10 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | The ‘stockpile’ of pollution permits (NZUs) in private accounts has increased by just over 9 million to almost 145 million since the end of 2025, according to the latest figures from the Environmental Protection Authority.
Victorian Hydrogen announces Southland urea fertiliser project using coal
Wed 22 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | Australian-based Victorian Hydrogen has announced it is developing a new 1.5 million-tonne-a-year urea fertiliser operation in Southland, which it will apply for under fast-track legislation.
Supply-side pressures and political uncertainty ahead for carbon market
7 Apr 2026
By Kristen Green | ANALYSIS: With failed auctions, a surge of new forestry registrations, and an election a few months away, the NZ ETS in 2026 will be subject to a mix of supply-side pressures and political uncertainty.
Latest emissions inventory: ‘Something has gone very wrong’
16 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 decreased by just 0.1% compared to 2023, in what an expert says is a “terrible result”, compared to faster progress in previous years.
What Magyar’s defeat of Orbán in Hungary means for climate and energy
21 Apr 2026
Hungary has played a disproportionate role in EU climate and energy policy in recent years, by repeatedly vetoing climate action and by delaying the phaseout of Russian fossil-fuel imports.
Carbon price rises as lack of forestry credits hint at tightening supply
21 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | Prices on the secondary carbon market have rallied to their highest point in 2026, recovering to levels last seen in November last year, just before the Government announced it was unlinking the Emissions Trading Scheme from international climate goals.
Announcements expected soon on $200M gas fund
Fri 24 Apr 2026
By Pattrick Smellie | Fossil fuel companies appear likely to take up a $200 million government fund to encourage additional oil and gas exploration, dashing lobbyist Business New Zealand’s hopes that it might be repurposed to underwrite industrial electrification.
Environmental groups call for ETS reform
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.
Northland community climate resilience fund faces massive demand
Fri 24 Apr 2026
By Susan Botting, Local Democracy Reporter | A three‑year‑old ratepayer-funded Northland Regional Council community climate resilience fund is experiencing strong demand, with to date around five times more money sought than is available.
Transport dominates NZ’s rising consumer emissions
10 Dec 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Transport pollution was the biggest contributor to an increase in New Zealand’s consumption-based emissions in 2023, with emissions from household travel up 12%, and consumption-based emissions totalling 58.3 million tonnes – up 1.6% from the previous year.
NZ cleantech could match forests in emissions cuts – but funding gap looms
Wed 22 Apr 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | A handful of New Zealand cleantech startups could cut global emissions by 19.2 million tonnes a year by 2030, but a lack of capital is threatening to slow their scale-up, a new report shows.
Going concern status flags depth of Methanex NZ's gas crisis
21 Apr 2026
Methanex's New Zealand operation is relying on financial support from its Canadian parent to remain a going concern after a second consecutive year of asset impairments left the business with negative equity.
RMA to speed up fossil fuel consents
18 Aug 2025
By Liz Kivi | An energy lobby group has welcomed a last-minute amendment to the RMA that puts fossil fuels on the same footing as renewables, however a sustainable energy expert says the move “beggars belief.”
Green Party calls for national electrification plan
20 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Green Party is calling for a national plan to electrify homes, transport and industry using renewable energy, to reduce fossil fuel dependence in response to the Middle East crisis.
Self-interest should drive investment in overseas climate action, says former climate commissioner
13 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | Wealthy countries – including New Zealand – aren’t doing nearly enough to fund climate mitigation in the developing world, with new research saying we need to "change the conversation" to spark action in this vital area.
Fonterra admits ‘100% grass-fed’ claim breached law in greenwashing row
2 Apr 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Fonterra has admitted its “100% New Zealand grass-fed” claims on Anchor butter were misleading and breached the law, settling a case brought by Greenpeace Aotearoa over packaging used between December 2023 and April 2025.
Mercury signs major hydro upgrade programme with ANDRITZ
Thu 23 Apr 2026
Media release | Mercury has signed a contract with international technology group ANDRITZ as part of a $590 million upgrade of three of the nine hydro stations on the Waikato River.
NZ prepares to join ‘gold rush’ for white hydrogen
25 Mar 2026
By Pattrick Smellie | New Zealand may be close to commercialising the capture and use of naturally occurring ‘white’ hydrogen, with investment plans for developments in the Wairarapa region picking up pace in response to spiralling oil prices.
Storms hitting New Zealand every eight days
Thu 23 Apr 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Storms are now striking New Zealand nearly every week, with new data showing a sharp rise in frequency and intensity as the country reels from repeated flooding and extreme weather events.
Climate law change spanner in the works for Waitangi Tribunal Inquiry
19 Dec 2025
By Liz Kivi | The Government’s controversial changes to New Zealand’s legal framework for climate policy have thrown a spanner in the works for a long-running Waitangi Tribunal Inquiry into climate change.
Environmental groups sue Trump administration over approval of new ultra deep-water drilling project
Thu 23 Apr 2026
Environmental groups sued the Trump administration on Monday over its approval last month of oil company BP’s ultra deep-water drilling project in the Gulf of Mexico.
Tehran will never cede control of Strait of Hormuz, senior Iranian politician tells BBC
21 Apr 2026
"Never." That's when a senior Iranian lawmaker says they'll be ready to give up their control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Climate risks could reshape business finances, new guidance warns
15 Apr 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New guidance warns climate change is set to fundamentally reshape financial outcomes for businesses, including difficult-to-model climate “tipping points” – irreversible changes such as ice sheet collapse or ocean circulation shifts – which threaten severe and sudden financial impacts.
Climate pollution static but NZ still on track for first emissions budget, says MfE
17 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand is still on track to meet its first emissions budget, according to the Ministry for the Environment, despite the pace of emissions reductions slowing to a standstill.
NZ's latest climate target 'weak' – Climate Action Tracker
24 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New Zealand's new international climate target to 2035 is weak, and could even allow for higher emissions than the 2030 target, according to a global scientific project that tracks government climate action.
Pacific Islands call for fossil fuel phase-out, NZ hangs back
Thu 23 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | Pacific Islands nations have launched a landmark declaration for a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific, calling for a Fossil Fuel Treaty and urgent phase-out of fossil fuels, however New Zealand isn’t rushing to join the call.
Kiwis overly optimistic about state of environment
27 Feb 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New research suggests many New Zealanders believe the environment is in better shape than it really is, with public perceptions often out of step with scientific evidence.
‘They pushed so many lies about recycling’: the fight to stop big oil pumping billions more into plastics
24 Feb 2026
Plastic production has doubled over the last 20 years – and will likely double again. For author Beth Gardiner, metal water bottles and canvas tote bags are not the solution. So what is?
Thousands protest in Germany urging faster shift to renewable energy, amid Iran war
20 Apr 2026
Thousands of people demonstrated across Germany on April 18, urging a faster shift to renewable energy and accusing conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition of putting the brakes on the transition.
China has a new competitor? Kazakhstan reveals huge rare Earth deposit that could power the next tech boom
25 Feb 2026
China’s grip on rare earths might finally see some competition, and the world is already taking notice.
Environment ministry straining under pressure of reforms and potential disestablishment
15 Apr 2026
The ministry responsible for New Zealand’s most significant resource management reform in a generation is doing so under institutional strain, compressed timeframes, and an uncertain future – including its own potential disestablishment.
Timaru’s buses go fully electric
Thu 23 Apr 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Timaru’s bus service is set to go fully electric with the rollout of 10 new vehicles, marking a major step in cutting emissions and advancing Canterbury’s low-carbon public transport network.
UC researcher shortlisted for $1m global planet prize
Thu 23 Apr 2026
Media release | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury PhD candidate and research associate Daniel Hernández-Carrasco is one of 25 scientists worldwide recognised in the 2026 Frontiers Planet Prize for research helping humanity stay within Earth’s environmental limits.
Media round-up
17 Apr 2026
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: The fuel crisis is a chance for government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, what would it take to tap into New Zealand's oceans energy, and which political parties would subsidise your rooftop solar panels?
Carbon trading schemes cut more emissions than carbon taxes, according to global study
20 Mar 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Carbon trading schemes are more effective than carbon taxes at reducing emissions, cutting fossil fuel use, and accelerating the shift to renewable energy, a global study has found.
AI surge gives carbon capture a new push
15 Apr 2026
Technology that captures carbon emissions from power plants may finally get a breakthrough as deep-pocketed tech companies try to meet climate goals while powering the AI race.
Pacific climate response in question as NZ finance remains unclear
19 Dec 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | With New Zealand's $1.3 billion international climate finance commitment set to end with no clarity on what follows, the Auditor-General says oversight of that funding remains patchy and long-term outcomes are unclear.
Electric car sales soar 51% in mainland Europe as Iran war drives up fuel prices
Wed 22 Apr 2026
Buyers’ interest in electric cars has risen across Europe since the start of the war in Iran in late February, as the rising cost of petrol highlights the cheaper power available from a plug.
India walked away from its bid to host COP33 – here's why
16 Apr 2026
India has quietly abandoned its bid to host the UN's top-tier climate conference COP33, marking a shift from PM Narendra Modi's pledge in 2023. Experts and analysts explore what's behind the decision.
Infrastructure plan calls for ‘predictable approach’ to electrifying economy
18 Feb 2026
Aotearoa’s first National Infrastructure Plan, introduced to Parliament yesterday, calls for "a predictable approach to electrifying the economy" as one of ten priorities for the next decade.
Extreme weather in Wellington ‘a different beast’
21 Apr 2026
By Liz Kivi | Climate scientist Luke Harrington says the small-scale but intense floods which have slammed the capital in recent days are the kind that intensify most rapidly in a warming climate – and are the hardest to predict.
Scientists forecast wildfire risk for species survival under climate change
Fri 24 Apr 2026
A new study warns climate change could increase the global area susceptible to wildfires in the future, putting many more species at risk than today.
Record 165 GW of wind power capacity added in 2025, led by China, report says
Wed 22 Apr 2026
The global wind industry installed a record 165 gigawatts of new capacity last year, up 40% from 2024 and mostly driven by China, a report by the Global Wind Energy Council said, adding this still lagged the pace needed to hit a key climate goal.
