Topics tagged with 'Transport'
Brownlee decision disappoints biofuel makers
12 Dec 2008
The Government’s decision to repeal the obligation placed on oil companies to sell a certain proportion of biofuel has polarised opinion in the biofuel sector.
Ministry wants to know plans for electric cars
12 Dec 2008
The Ministry of Transport wants to know whether the new government supports plans to make New Zealand one of the first countries in the world to shift to electric cars.
Oil price fall poses problem for exploration
9 Dec 2008
The fall this week of Brent Crude to $37 a barrel is a further disincentive to oil exploration at a time when at least one New Zealand producer has been caught without forward price cover.
Westport coal export scheme could save port
5 Dec 2008
L&M Coal’s export scheme mooted for an area just northeast of Westport shows signs of revitalising the town's port, which has been hit by the rail freight alternative to ship through Lyttelton.
District council factors in 10% cost of ETS
2 Dec 2008
Stratford District Council will factor in a 10 per cent increase in operating costs from 2011 to cover the increased transport and reporting costs under the current ETS, and “perhaps” a 5 per cent increase in its farm operating budget from 2013.
Entries open for energy awards
2 Dec 2008
Entries for this year's the EECA Awards 2009 are now open.
Trolley lines could power cars, says Wellington mayor
28 Nov 2008
Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast wants to bury the city's trolley bus overhead powerlines in order to create a dual conduit – one for the buses, the other for the recharging of electric cars.
UK moves send a strong signal to NZ exporters to cut carbon
28 Nov 2008
The UK Government's move to reform air passenger duty from two to four distance bands, increasing the cost of flying to New Zealand, is just the start of actions New Zealanders will see from throughout the world in a bid to lower emissions.
DECEMBER 8-9: Bioenergy Australia conference
21 Nov 2008
The prospect of bioenergy becoming a major renewable energy source for transport fuels, heat and power will be up for discussion at Bioenergy Australia 2008, the bioenergy conference to be held in Melbourne next month.
FORUM: Run cars on green electricity
21 Nov 2008
By Jonathan G. Dorn, of the Earth Policy Institute, California. With the dramatic increase in oil prices earlier this year translating into higher prices at the gas pump in the United States, concerns over U.S. dependence on foreign oil are once again part of the national discussion on energy security.
Govt must unravel carbon standards rules, says consultant
14 Nov 2008
A global environmental and engineering consultancy is calling on the new government to help New Zealand companies to cope with the implications of Britain’s new carbon standards.
Australian car makers to get $6 billion green boost
14 Nov 2008
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced a $6.2 billion plan to make the automotive industry more economically and environmentally sustainable by 2020.
New coastal ship to slash carbon emissions
14 Nov 2008
Pacifica Shipping's new 130-metre long coastal vessel now in service is capable of slashing carbon emissions in the country's transport sector by 60,000 tonnes a year on long-haul freight, the company says.
Ministerial-model BMW to foot it with hybrids
14 Nov 2008
The BMW 730Ld - the luxury limousine used by the Government for chauffeur-driven VIP Transport Services - will compete alongside hybrid hatchbacks and micro-diesels in this year's AA EnergyWise Rally.
Time for another look at carbon tax, say farmers
11 Nov 2008
Federated Farmers wants the carbon tax revisited.
People-pods developer woos NZ investors
11 Nov 2008
A company that has patented a lightweight above-the-streets system that could revolutionise public transport says it’s willing to set up in New Zealand – if investors here come to the party.
Hitch-a-ride pioneer adopts TradeMe approach
11 Nov 2008
A small New Zealand internet-based transport-sharing service might be only a month old, but already it has its eyes on the European market.
Fisheries TAG in the wings as others wind down
7 Nov 2008
A fisheries ETS technical advisory group is due to be set up next year, but most other advisory groups are winding up.
Taranaki engineer in move to produce low-cost fuel
4 Nov 2008
New Plymouth's Fitzroy Engineering - the nation’s original oil service heavy engineer - has combined with LanzaTech to implement a process to derive low-cost fuel from carbon monoxide.
No cap and no fixed price on carbon, investors say
4 Nov 2008
An international gathering of finance and carbon market experts has called on the Australian Government to avoid a price cap or fixed price for emissions permits.
TrustPower opens Australian wind farm
4 Nov 2008
New Zealand-based TrustPower officially openied of Stage 1 of its first Australian wind farm, located at Snowtown 170km north of Adelaide, at the weekend.
Aquaflow signs 'significant' US clean-tech deal
31 Oct 2008
New Zealand biofuel pioneer Aquaflow has signed a deal with one of the world's biggest suppliers of oil processing technology.
Exporters fear impact of European emissions decisions
31 Oct 2008
New Zealand exporters say increased costs from recent emissions legislation decisions in Europe will be passed on to customers, but Air New Zealand isn’t talking about the potential impact on the cost of air freight and air travel.
Households up for $1 a day under ETS, says Australian Treasury
31 Oct 2008
Emissions trading will cost Australian households a dollar a day when it starts in 2010, according to economic modeling released yesterday by the federal Treasury.
Cement giant attacks EU carbon trading plans
31 Oct 2008
European cement giant Heidelberg says the European Commission's planned extension of its emissions trading scheme in 2013 could threaten cement production in the EU.
$1-a-litre southern diesel might be closer than we think
28 Oct 2008
Turning Otago Southland's lignite coal reserves into transport fuel might not be the pipe-dream that many people think - despite the Government playing-down the prospect.
E-car entrepreneur eyes charging stations network for NZ
28 Oct 2008
An American company planning to blanket Australia with electric-car charging stations also has its eyes on a network for New Zealand.
Miliband bows to pressure on UK aviation and shipping emissions
28 Oct 2008
The UK government is to announce today that it will include rapidly growing aviation and shipping emissions in Britain's commitment to curb its carbon footprint by 80 per cent by 2050.
Angry airlines condemn EU emissions decision
28 Oct 2008
European Union governments have given formal approval to a potentially costly system of capping greenhouse gases from any airline flying into or out of the trade bloc.
EXCLUSIVE: Government might back first bioethanol plant
24 Oct 2008
The Government is involved in talks which could see a 10-million-litre biorefinery, converting plant material to enthanol, built in New Zealand within three years.
It’s full speed ahead for America’s new energy economy
17 Oct 2008
As fossil fuel prices rise, as oil insecurity deepens, and as concerns about climate change cast a shadow over the future of coal, a new energy economy is emerging in the United States, says sustainability expert Lester Brown.
Buffett millions back first Chinese green car
14 Oct 2008
American billionaire investor Warren Buffett has bought a $232 million stake in China's BYD Co which plans to unveil its first green cars by the end of the year.
Europe stand likely to boost carbon capture technology
10 Oct 2008
Carbon-capture technology research could receive a boost from the European Parliament environment committee decision to back legislation compelling power companies to pay for their emissions from 2013.
UK facing climate decisions crunch time, says report
10 Oct 2008
The UK government and leading businesses must assert their credibility as global leaders in tackling climate change by making the right decisions in the coming months to steer the country towards a low-carbon future, says a new report.
Our shipping treated badly, say West Coast businesses
7 Oct 2008
West Coast business interests say that the carbon emissions trading regime is being deliberately slanted to favour rail over coastal shipping, effectively by-passing Westport and Greymouth as coal exporting ports.
London might get Olympics buses from Ashburton
7 Oct 2008
Ashburton’s Designline appears to have won a bid to supply eco-buses for London’s Olympic Games in 2012.
World Bank makes huge jump in funding of renewable energy projects
7 Oct 2008
The World Bank’s funding for renewable and efficient energy projects in developing countries rose 87 per cent during the past year to nearly $2.7 billion, reflecting the growing interest and demand for environmentally friendly sources of power.
Time for green thinking on the economy, say Greens
7 Oct 2008
It is time for Government to set its sights on a green economy to ensure there will be jobs for New Zealanders, that food will be affordable, and it won’t be out of people’s reach to get around, the Green Party says.
Car makers unhappy with EU changing emissions targets
3 Oct 2008
Worried that carbon dioxide emissions from road transport are rising, the European Union wants to set goals for each car maker to sell more low-carbon models — or face fines if they don't.
Kiwi company claims world first for charcoal
30 Sep 2008
A world-first invention has been unveiled in Blenheim today with multi-billion dollar earning potential and the ability to impact on carbon capture on a global scale.
Bosses know little of carbon risk, survey shows
30 Sep 2008
Most of the people running New Zealand companies have no idea of their enterprises’ carbon risk.
Tourism businesses sign up for energy-efficiency programme
30 Sep 2008
A pilot energy-efficiency programme for tourism businesses is well under way, with nine businesses from around the country undergoing detailed assessments of their energy use.
Hyundai to sell electric cars in New Zealand
30 Sep 2008
Hyundai has announced that it will be the first automotive manufacturer to offer new electric cars for sale in New Zealand - and off the back of local manufacturing.
Turning milk bottles into useful products
30 Sep 2008
Clever thinking by University of Auckland Faculty of Engineering students is set to change the way milk bottles are recycled on Waiheke Island.
Hydrogen economy tumbles down the NZ wish-list
26 Sep 2008
A government-sponsored research project into a hydrogen economy for New Zealand shows signs of having been sandbagged by political parties' moves to suppress debate on coal.
America unwise to pin its hopes on the Chevy Volt
26 Sep 2008
America’s bid for a share of the burgeoning car-of-the-future market has come with the birth of the Chevy Volt electric vehicle. Will it save the world? Not likely, says Fortune magazine senior editor Alex Taylor:
Local ethanol production could ensure NZ farming sustainability
26 Sep 2008
New Zealand farming communities could be growing alcohol based fuels without impacting on the global food supply whilst at the same time benefitting the local environment, says American sustainable farming expert David Blume.
Key must explain Williamson’s rail comments
26 Sep 2008
Maurice Williamson’s warning that a John Key-led government would not invest any new money in Auckland’s rail system shows National cannot be trusted to keep KiwiRail in Kiwi hands, Finance Minister Michael Cullen said.
Bank offers customers fixed-price diesel deal
23 Sep 2008
Westpac is leveraging off its drive into industrial equipment leasing by expanding the package, and is now offering its customers a longer-term fixed price on their diesel supply.
Programme helps firms to get to know their carbon footprint
23 Sep 2008
A new programme to help large emitters to measure their carbon footprint has been launched by Landcare.
Planetary Facts dashboard aims to make environmental costs visible
Today 12:30pm
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Consumers can now compare the environmental impacts of everyday products with a new online dashboard designed to do for sustainability what nutrition labels have long done for food.
Hurunui to notify climate solution plan change
Thu 9 Jul 2026
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter | A North Canterbury council is looking to progress "a uniquely Hurunui solution’’ to sea level rise.
$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.
Media round-up
Thu 9 Jul 2026
In our round-up of climate coverage in local media: The Government re-wrote fast-track law after mining companies pushed for change; costs from inland flooding are expected to rise by up to 53% by 2075; and is there such a thing as a sustainable tourist?
University launches worldwide search for nature-focused researchers
Today 12:30pm
Media release | As governments and businesses around the world grapple with climate change and biodiversity loss, Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland is launching an international search for ten PhD researchers to help shape a more nature positive economy.
Inaction on shipping decarbonisation could cost NZ up to $94b by 2050, report says
30 Jun 2026
By Oli Lewis | Failing to support and enable the decarbonisation of the shipping industry could result in losses of $17.5 billion to $94.4b to the New Zealand economy by 2050, according to a report from the Aotearoa Circle.
Emissions Trading Scheme ‘stockpile’ shrinking
Thu 9 Jul 2026
By Liz Kivi | The “stockpile” of NZUs in private accounts continues to shrink, with the latest Environmental Protection Authority figures showing the number has dropped by 9.5 million since this time last year.
The world's largest meat company abandons its climate and deforestation goals
Today 12:30pm
After encountering the “immense” challenge of actually executing its net-zero goal by 2040, JBS said it will instead lower its “emissions intensity.”
Climate law introduced requiring adaptation plans and reducing Commission's role
Today 12:30pm
By Oli Lewis | The Government has introduced legislation to amend the Climate Change Response Act (CCRA), which includes stripping the Climate Change Commission of one of its core roles, adds a new requirement for councils to produce adaptation plans for higher-risk areas, and updates ETS settings.
Coal is back in Australian Super’s portfolio. What happened to that net zero pledge?
Mon 13 Jul 2026
In 2020 Australia’s biggest super fund dumped its Whitehaven shares. Fast forward to 2026 and it is now the coalminer’s single biggest investor.
Politicians need to lead on climate: Carr
30 Jun 2026
As the election campaign heats up, former Climate Change Commission chair Rod Carr has a list of actions he's hoping to see from our aspiring leaders, which includes confronting climate denial as well as refusing funds or policy advice from vested interests.
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.
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.
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.
Clock ticks on Gas Security Fund as Tariki developer reports ongoing losses
Today 12:30pm
By Oli Lewis | A Canadian company advancing a major gas storage project in New Zealand continues to report ongoing losses.
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.
Climate change is here and we’re all paying for it
Today 12:30pm
By Raewyn Peart | COMMENT: Another week, another storm. Just days ago, Kaikōura saw two months of rain fall within 48 hours, the most recent in a long line of adverse weather events.
Tarakihi on verge of extinction: Stock collapse exposes major fisheries management failings
3 Jul 2026
Media release: Environmental Defence Society | Fisheries NZ is consulting on new sustainability measures for the country’s two tarakihi stocks.
Seymour ‘imploring’ council to go easy on foresters is abuse of authority: EDS
7 Jul 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Environmental Defence Society says that Regulation Minister David Seymour’s attempt to influence Gisborne District Council to ‘go easy’ on forestry companies in enforcing environmental laws is a clear abuse of ministerial authority.
The rise and fall of the fracking phenomenon
Today 12:30pm
The fracking boom remade the U.S. economy and global energy markets. It also left behind a complicated legacy of winners, losers and lasting political fights.
'Electric election': Labour promises $160m SolarSaver scheme funded by gas investment cuts
8 Jul 2026
By Oli Lewis | Labour is promising to reprioritise $160 million from the Gas Security Fund to pay for its new SolarSaver policy, designed to accelerate the roll-out of household solar.
$3m Govt boost for Tauranga geothermal energy
Tue 14 Jul 2026
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.
How will the World Bank’s abandoned finance goal affect climate action?
7 Jul 2026
The World Bank has abandoned a target for 45% of the funding it gives developing countries to be “climate finance”, following months of pressure from the Trump administration in the US.
Conservation bill risks climate goals, lawyers say
1 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Lawyers for Climate Action NZ says the Government's plan to change the law to encourage economic development on conservation land could undermine New Zealand's climate goals by weakening the land's ability to store carbon, as well as allowing new sources of emissions such as mining.
Govt climate claims don't match reality, lawyers say
17 Jun 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Lawyers for Climate Action has accused the Government of presenting an overly positive picture of New Zealand's climate progress at the United Nations climate summit in Bonn, arguing key claims on emissions reductions and support for the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal are not reflected in domestic policy.
Lake Onslow pumped hydro consortium secures funding for consent push
26 Jun 2026
By Oli Lewis | The consortium behind Lake Onslow pumped hydro has secured funding to finalise its resource consent application, aiming to lodge it under the fast-track process before 2027.
Ballance secures gas for 2026 as it progresses energy transition plan
16 Jun 2026
By Oli Lewis | One of the largest industrial gas users in New Zealand is working on an energy transition plan to futureproof domestic fertiliser manufacturing, while continuing to secure ongoing gas supply contracts.
Former West Coast Regional Council chair slams new flood report
Mon 13 Jul 2026
By Vihan Dalal, Local Democracy Reporter | A West Coast regional councillor has criticised a new report by Earth Sciences New Zealand as "a fraud" after it suggested the West Coast faces up to $24 million worth of flood damages to infrastructure by 2075.
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.
Ugandan farmers launch UK court case against East African oil pipeline
Thu 9 Jul 2026
Four Ugandan farmers filed a case with London’s High Court aiming to stop the East African Crude Oil Pipeline from starting to operate by asking the court to apply Uganda’s laws against the project’s UK-registered company.
Commissioner ‘unconvinced’ LNG is the best dry-year solution
26 Jun 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has told the Energy Minister he is “unconvinced” the government’s proposed LNG import terminal is the best ‘dry year’ solution for the country, and criticised the Government’s “extremely limited” options analysis.
Govt backs hydrogen with national industry summit
Thu 9 Jul 2026
By Oli Lewis | The Government is convening a major hydrogen conference to promote awareness and uptake of the alternative fuel.
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.
UN chief says fossil fuel industry must cut methane for warming “relief”
25 Jun 2026
UN chief António Guterres called for stronger action to cut emissions of planet-heating methane, taking aim at the fossil fuel industry’s practices and profits, and pointing to coal, oil and gas as the root of today’s climate and energy crises.
What’s next for Sams Creek after failed mining bid?
Today 12:30pm
Max Frethey, Local Democracy Reporter | A controversial gold mining application at Sams Creek has been declined, leaving question marks hanging over the future of the land.
Climate remains top priority for Pacific leaders
Tue 14 Jul 2026
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.
Carbon capture and the need for ‘net zero oil’
16 Jun 2026
By Pattrick Smellie | The answer to making carbon capture and storage work is to make fossil fuel producers responsible for making it happen rather than consumers, says Oxford University climate change policy expert, Professor Myles Allen.
Carbon markets and biochar: a golden opportunity for NZ?
1 Jul 2026
By John O’Brien | COMMENT: New Zealand’s abundant and increasing forestry waste could become a multi-billion dollar opportunity for biochar carbon sequestration – as long as the right policies, programmes, and incentives are in place.
A real ‘intergenerational equity’ budget would address Australia’s unceasing environmental decline
15 May 2026
Labor has unveiled a budget designed to tackle intergenerational equity in Australia through bold tax reform.
UN plastics pact talks restart amid fears production curbs will be left out
2 Jul 2026
Diplomats reconvene a year after negotiations collapsed, but campaigners fear the agenda risks burying tricky discussions on key elements.
Northern Thai residents march for action on polluted rivers. ‘This is an emergency’
9 Jun 2026
More than 600 residents of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces embarked May 31 on a roughly 68-kilometer, six-day ‘peace walk’ to demand the Thai government take action on the river pollution crisis that has seen Thai rivers polluted with heavy metals.
Swarbrick slams $50m critical minerals funding as 'Trump's war machine' subsidy
7 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Green Party has criticised the Government's investment into two West Coast critical minerals projects, claiming the funding could ultimately support the United States defence industry rather than New Zealand's clean energy transition, while Shane Jones dismissed opponents as "flat earth idiots".
Shining a light on Trans-Tasman solar reforms
Tue 14 Jul 2026
OPINION: The real test of solar reforms is how fast retailers can turn new rules into working tariffs, writes Mark Humphreys.
NZ lagging in energy storage investment – report
Tue 14 Jul 2026
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.
Fast-track panel backs proposed Haldon Solar Farm
6 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | 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.
Experts sound alarm over escalating climate impacts
8 Jul 2026
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Scientists are warning climate impacts are accelerating across our region after a World Meteorological Organization report found last year was the South-West Pacific's second-warmest on record, with impacts including rising seas, marine heatwaves and extreme weather.
Low-cost loans for solar panels could save households hundreds on bills – thinktanks
Thu 9 Jul 2026
Millions of UK households could save hundreds of pounds a year on their energy bills if the government were to approve low-cost loans for solar panel installation, research has found.
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.
Microsoft emissions surge 27% as AI buildout crimps climate goals
Mon 13 Jul 2026
Microsoft's greenhouse gas emissions jumped 27 percent in its latest fiscal year, the tech giant disclosed Thursday, adding to a wave of worsening environmental reports from an industry racing to build AI infrastructure.
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.
‘Those blocking climate science are not our friends': Pacific leaders warn at Bonn talks
23 Jun 2026
Pacific nations and civil society groups have united at UN climate talks, pushing back against efforts to weaken agreed language on global temperature limits as negotiations continue behind closed doors.
Next Govt must restart action on plastic pollution
1 Jul 2026
Media release - Zero Waste Aotearoa | Plastic Free July begins with an urgent call to put plastic pollution back on the political agenda. Plastic Free July is a worldwide campaign to reduce plastic waste and eliminate single use plastics.
Greens announce water policy, including nitrogen fertiliser phase-out
7 Jul 2026
By Liz Kivi | The Green Party announced its water policy yesterday, promising to phase out synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, as well as destructive fishing methods, if the party is elected in November.
Tourist spots across Europe hit by wildfires as Greece warns of toxic smoke
8 Jul 2026
Wildfires are raging across holiday spots across Europe, with hundreds of firefighters battling blazes in Portugal, Greece, and Spain. International reinforcements have been sent to Portugal, where a massive fire has been burning for over three days.
Faster consenting, harder trade-offs
7 Jul 2026
Faster consenting is starting to produce results, but this week's decisions show speed has not removed the harder trade-offs around electricity security, conservation, ecology and climate liability.
