18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
580 views
The New Zealand Government has amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to provide legal certainty and protect business confidence. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that climate change issues are complex and best addressed through national legislation, not court litigation, which risks creating contradictory legal regimes. The amendment maintains existing obligations under the Emissions Trading Scheme while reinforcing the government's commitment to a stable legal framework that supports investment and economic growth.
18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
637 views
The New Zealand Government has amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to provide legal certainty and avoid conflicting court rulings. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that climate change issues are complex and better managed through national legislation rather than litigation. Despite the amendment, businesses remain obligated to comply with existing emissions regulations under the Emissions Trading Scheme.
18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
792 views
The New Zealand Government has launched a $1.5 million Poultry Biosecurity Grant to help small to medium-sized poultry operators prepare for the potential arrival of H5 bird flu by funding up to 50% of biosecurity improvements. This grant supports infrastructure upgrades, bird-proofing, cleaning facilities, and development of biosecurity plans, aiming to protect jobs, livelihoods, and the domestic food supply ahead of new regulations effective by the end of 2026. With two confirmed H5 detections but no poultry outbreaks, the government emphasizes strong biosecurity as a key defense and encourages applications by 30 September 2026.
18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
835 views
The New Zealand Government has launched a $1.5 million Poultry Biosecurity Grant to help small to medium-sized poultry operators prepare for the possible arrival of H5 bird flu by funding up to 50% of costs for biosecurity improvements. This grant supports infrastructure upgrades, bird-proofing, cleaning facilities, and development of required biosecurity plans ahead of new regulations effective by the end of 2026. With two confirmed H5 detections but no poultry outbreaks, the initiative aims to protect jobs, food supply, and the poultry sector from this ongoing biosecurity threat.
17 Aug 2026
2 months ago
598 views
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has appointed Doug Leeder as a Facilitator to advise the Government on addressing forestry challenges in Tairāwhiti, focusing on consenting complexities and land use changes. The government aims to reset the relationship between Gisborne District Council and stakeholders to support sustainable forestry management, jobs, and local businesses while ensuring compliance measures are workable and proportionate. Building on the progress of the Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group, the Facilitator will help accelerate clean-up efforts, improve collaboration, and guide decisions to benefit forestry, the environment, and the community.
17 Aug 2026
2 months ago
575 views
Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg announced $250,000 in emergency waste funding for five councils affected by severe weather in early 2026, supplementing $130,000 allocated to other councils impacted in October 2025. This funding supports councils in managing waste from flood damage, fallen trees, and repairing waste infrastructure, enabled by recent changes to the Waste Minimisation Act allowing the Waste Disposal Levy to cover emergency waste costs. The recipients include Gisborne, Manawatū, Ōtorohanga, Thames-Coromandel, and Whangarei councils for 2026 events, and Ruapehu, Clutha, and Gore councils for 2025 events.
17 Aug 2026
2 months ago
545 views
Minister Nicola Grigg announced $250,000 in emergency waste funding for five councils affected by severe weather in early 2026, supplementing $130,000 allocated in October 2025. The funding supports councils in managing waste from flood damage, fallen trees, and repairing waste infrastructure, enabled by changes to the Waste Minimisation Act allowing the Waste Disposal Levy to cover emergency waste costs. Councils receiving funds include Gisborne, Manawatū, Ōtorohanga, Thames-Coromandel, Whangarei, Ruapehu, Clutha, and Gore districts.
14 Aug 2026
2 months ago
627 views
The New Zealand Government has approved a revised National Plan of Action to enhance shark conservation and sustainable management, addressing threats such as fishing, pollution, and climate change while integrating tangata whenua perspectives. The plan emphasizes protecting vulnerable shark species, minimizing bycatch through best-practice handling, and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems where at least 113 shark species reside. Developed collaboratively by multiple agencies and stakeholders, this updated plan builds on previous efforts, including the 2014 shark finning ban, and sets clear goals and measurable objectives for 2026.
14 Aug 2026
2 months ago
560 views
The Government is abolishing the ‘offensive trades’ registration under the 1956 Health Act to reduce unnecessary compliance costs and save businesses time and money. This change, supported by Ministers David Seymour and Simeon Brown, recognizes that modern environmental and industry-specific regulations sufficiently manage these trades, making annual registrations obsolete. The reform is expected to save up to $2.26 million over 10 years and reflects ongoing efforts by the Ministry for Regulation to cut red tape and improve productivity.
14 Aug 2026
2 months ago
688 views
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has released an investigation report and launched a public consultation on specific provisions in the Hamilton City Operative District Plan that may unnecessarily increase development costs and complexity, particularly affecting social and affordable housing. The review focuses on rules related to electric vehicle charging, cycle parking, deep soil planting, urban tree canopy, and building design controls, aiming to ensure planning regulations support economic growth and housing supply. Consultation runs from 24 August to 7 September 2026, after which officials will analyze submissions and advise the Government on potential regulatory changes under the Resource Management Act.
14 Aug 2026
2 months ago
612 views
The New Zealand Government is enhancing infrastructure funding settings to ensure growth-related costs from Fast-track developments are recoverable by councils, addressing challenges like out-of-sequence projects and cross-boundary infrastructure impacts. Amendments to the Local Government Act 2002 will allow councils to update Development Contribution policies and recover costs more flexibly, serving as an interim measure until the new Development Levies system becomes operational in 2029. These changes aim to balance the acceleration of development through Fast-track approvals with fair infrastructure funding, supporting economic growth while maintaining effective service delivery.
13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
675 views
Farmers and rural businesses in New Zealand are gaining faster access to essential crop protection products due to significant improvements in the Environmental Protection Authority's (EPA) hazardous substances assessment processes, which have halved application wait times since July 2024. The EPA completed a record number of assessments in 2025/26 and reduced the backlog by over a third, reflecting the Government's commitment to efficient regulatory processing while maintaining strong environmental safeguards. Additionally, reforms to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act are underway to further streamline application procedures and support innovation, with the Primary Production Select Committee expected to report on the amendments in September.
13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
641 views
New Zealand has granted a 10-year petroleum mining permit to Matahio NZ Onshore Limited for the Puka field in Taranaki, expected to increase domestic natural gas supply and generate export revenue from oil production. The permit highlights growing momentum in the petroleum sector, with estimated recoverable reserves supporting energy security amid declining gas supplies. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasizes the importance of a diverse energy system combining responsible resource development, renewable energy, and emerging technologies to ensure affordable and reliable energy.
13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
661 views
New Zealand has granted Matahio NZ Onshore Limited a 10-year petroleum mining permit for the Puka field in Taranaki, expected to add natural gas to the domestic market and generate valuable oil export earnings. The permit highlights growing momentum in the petroleum sector amid declining gas reserves, with gas remaining critical for electricity generation and industrial use alongside renewable energy. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasizes that responsible resource development, combined with investment in renewables and emerging technologies, is essential for a resilient, affordable, and secure energy system.
13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
630 views
The New Zealand Government is providing over $34 million in additional annual funding from July 2026 to support community mental health and addiction organisations, recognizing their vital role. To ensure greater stability, most providers are being moved from one-year to three-year contracts, allowing them to invest confidently in their workforce and services. This approach aims to improve access to mental health support, strengthen frontline services, and enhance crisis response for vulnerable New Zealanders.