Articles tagged with Emissions
New Zealand Forestry Benefits from Lower ETS Costs and Smarter Regulations
1 month ago | 325 viewsNew Zealand’s Government is implementing sensible regulatory reforms to support the forestry sector in meeting environmental obligations while reducing compliance costs, including lowering Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) charges by 66% since taking office. Updates to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry and a simplified, voluntary legal harvest assurance system aim to cut red tape, ensure fair and efficient processes, and better target environmental risks. These changes, effective from July 2026, are designed to enhance the sector's economic contribution, competitiveness, and alignment of costs with services used.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand forestry sector Emissions Trading Scheme National Environmental Standards legal harvest assurance forestry regulation environmental obligations NZ GovernmentAgriZeroNZ Launches $51M Early Adoption Accelerator to Boost NZ Farm Tech
1 month ago | 364 viewsThe Government and industry have jointly launched the AgriZeroNZ Early Adoption Accelerator, contributing up to $51 million each to support the rollout of innovative farm technologies that enhance New Zealand farmers' competitiveness and emissions efficiency. This co-funded program focuses on practical, scalable solutions, building on prior investments in emissions-reducing research, with tools like EcoPond already available and more technologies expected soon. AgriZeroNZ invites companies and industry groups to participate in projects over the next three years, aiming to provide farmers with diverse technology choices tailored to their operations.
Tags: AgriZeroNZ Nicola Willis Todd McClay Early Adoption Accelerator New Zealand farmers farm technologies emissions reduction EcoPond agriculture innovation Crown fundingWaihi Recycling Station Upgrade to Cut Landfill Waste and Boost Recycling by 2028
1 month ago | 324 viewsThe Waihi Recycling Transfer Station will be upgraded with nearly $1.08 million in funding to reduce landfill waste and boost recycling capacity, including a new construction and demolition waste sorting area. Once completed in 2028, the upgrade will divert about 3,400 tonnes of materials annually from landfill, increase recyclables and glass processing by 20-40%, and enable green waste mulching for local reuse. This project exemplifies government efforts to reduce emissions, improve waste management, and support climate goals in the Hauraki and Western Bay of Plenty regions.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Simon Watts Waihi Recycling Transfer Station Hauraki District Council Waste Minimisation Fund landfill reduction recycling capacity climate change green waste emissions reduction planNew Zealand Schools to Save Millions with $30M Solar Panel Initiative
1 month ago | 421 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $30 million to install solar panels, batteries, and energy management systems on up to 500 schools, aiming to reduce energy costs, carbon emissions, and enhance energy security. Early estimates suggest solar panels will pay for themselves within five to seven years, saving schools up to $8,000 annually and generating revenue by selling excess energy back to the grid. The program, starting this year and completing by 2028, will prioritize schools facing the highest energy cost increases and support communities during emergencies while educating students about renewable energy.
Tags: Simeon Brown Erica Stanford New Zealand solar panels schools Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority Ministry of Education energy security renewable energy carbon emissionsGovernment Clarifies Climate Change Laws to Boost Business Certainty and Investment
2 months ago | 397 viewsThe Government plans to amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage, aiming to provide legal certainty and protect business confidence. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasizes that climate change responses should be managed nationally through existing frameworks like the Emissions Trading Scheme, rather than through court litigation. This amendment will not affect government responsibilities or businesses’ obligations under the ETS but will ensure a consistent regulatory approach.
Tags: climate change greenhouse gas emissions Climate Change Response Act 2002 Emissions Trading Scheme legal clarity business certainty Paul Goldsmith High Court litigation government regulation environmental lawNew Zealand and Ireland Strengthen Partnership on Agricultural Climate Research
4 months ago | 645 viewsNew Zealand and Ireland have signed a joint ministerial statement to advance agricultural climate research, building on a successful $34.5 million Joint Research Initiative launched in 2022. Both countries aim to develop tools that help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions without lowering production, focusing on pasture-based farming. Additionally, they launched the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan for the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases to enhance scientific research, collaboration, and resource mobilization worldwide.
Tags: Todd McClay Noel Grealish New Zealand Ireland Agricultural Climate Research Joint Research Initiative Greenhouse Gas Emissions Ministry for Primary Industries Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Global Research AllianceForestry ETS Costs Slashed to $10.25/Ha, Boosting NZ Forest Owners
5 months ago | 1007 viewsForestry Minister Todd McClay announced a reduction in the Emissions Trading Scheme annual charge for forest owners from $14.90 to $10.25 per hectare, marking a 66% decrease since the National-led Government took office. The changes, resulting from a second operational cost review, also include updated service fees and new targeted fees to better reflect actual administration costs while maintaining service quality. Consultation on these proposals, which aim to support the forestry sector’s role in emissions targets, opens now with updated settings expected to take effect by mid-2026.
Tags: Todd McClay Forestry Minister Emissions Trading Scheme ETS Registry forest owners Labour Government cost reduction New Zealand forestry sectorNew Zealand Sets Practical Biogenic Methane Target to Cut Emissions by 2050
7 months ago | 957 viewsThe New Zealand Government has passed the Climate Change Response Amendment Bill, setting a new biogenic methane reduction target of 14-24% below 2017 levels by 2050, while maintaining the net zero target for long-lived gases. The legislation supports farmers by emphasizing practical, technology-driven emissions reductions without compromising productivity or trade competitiveness, backed by over $400 million in investments for methane-cutting tools. Additionally, the Bill mandates a 2040 target review, protects food production in emissions budgeting, and clarifies the Emissions Trading Scheme’s role, aiming to provide certainty and move from debate to action in the agriculture sector.
Tags: Todd McClay Simon Watts biogenic methane Climate Change Response Amendment Bill New Zealand agriculture emissions methane targets Climate Change Commission Net Zero target emissions budgetNew Zealand Cuts Clean Vehicle Standard Charges to Lower Car Costs in 2026
7 months ago | 1115 viewsThe Government has passed legislation to temporarily reduce charges under the Clean Vehicle Standard by nearly 80% starting January 2026, aiming to prevent an estimated $264 million in extra costs being passed to consumers. The Standard, which sets progressively tighter CO₂ emission targets for vehicle imports, currently causes most importers to incur charges, risking higher vehicle prices. The changes include protecting credits until 2028 and launching a full review by June 2026 to ensure the Standard remains effective and sustainable for New Zealand.
Tags: Chris Bishop Clean Vehicle Standard New Zealand Transport Minister vehicle emissions legislation CO2 emissions fuel efficiency import charges emission targetsNew Zealand’s Commitment to Climate Action and COP30 Leadership in the Pacific
8 months ago | 755 viewsNew Zealand reaffirms its commitment to the Paris Agreement by submitting an ambitious second Nationally Determined Contribution, prioritizing transparency, climate support, and adaptation, while urging all Parties to act urgently. The country highlights its progress in renewable energy, agricultural innovation, and pioneering climate adaptation legislation, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive, collaborative response that incorporates diverse voices, including young Māori leaders. New Zealand supports hosting COP31 in the Pacific to advance global climate solutions and calls for collective partnership to maintain momentum toward a low-emissions, climate-resilient future.
Tags: New Zealand Paris Agreement COP31 Pacific climate change Nationally Determined Contribution Emissions Trading Scheme renewable energy Māori leaders Blue Pacific ContinentNew Legislation Protects Farmland from Forest Conversions, Boosting Agriculture Sector
8 months ago | 799 viewsLegislation has been enacted to restrict farm-to-forest conversions on productive farmland, fulfilling a campaign promise by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay. The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme - Forestry Conversion) Amendment Act, effective from October 31, 2025, aims to protect food production, rural communities, and forestry investments. Exotic forests are limited from entering the Emissions Trading Scheme on New Zealand's most productive soils, with exemptions for Māori-owned land and erosion-prone areas, while transitional exemptions are available for qualifying forestry investments made between 2021 and 2024.
Tags: Legislation farmland Agriculture Forestry Minister Todd McClay Climate Change Response Emissions Trading Scheme New Zealand MPINew Zealand Climate Change Minister Unveils Carbon Removals Framework and Legislative Enhancements
8 months ago | 760 viewsClimate Change Minister Simon Watts introduced a new Assessment Framework for Carbon Removals in New Zealand, aiming to recognize and reward non-forestry carbon removals and support landholders and businesses. The framework aligns with the Government's commitment to climate action that stimulates the economy and promotes emissions reductions, fulfilling an election promise to explore biodiversity credits for initiatives like creating wetlands. Changes to the Climate Change Response Act will streamline processes, improve the NZ ETS, expand opportunities for carbon removal recognition, and reduce compliance costs for stakeholders, with an amendment bill planned for next year.
Tags: Climate Change Minister Simon Watts Assessment Framework Carbon Removals New Zealand Emissions Reduction Plan Biodiversity credits Forestry Climate Change Response Act NZ ETSGovernment Invests $8 Million in Lower Methane Dairy Genetics Research: Boosting Environmental Sustainability in Agriculture
9 months ago | 808 viewsThe Government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research, with Agriculture Minister Todd McClay highlighting the opening of a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in Waikato. Livestock Improvement Corporation's new 'Methane Barn' will facilitate large-scale monitoring of methane produced by dairy cows, allowing farmers to select lower-emitting genetics without compromising productivity. The Government and industry aim to develop up to 11 methane-cutting tools by 2030, emphasizing the commitment to reducing emissions without jeopardizing farm operations or jobs.
Tags: Government Agriculture Minister Todd McClay methane research livestock improvement genetics methane emissions mitigation tools climate obligations methane barnGovernment Invests $8M in Lower Methane Dairy Genetics Research at State-of-the-Art Facility
9 months ago | 726 viewsThe Government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research at a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in the Waikato, according to Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. Livestock Improvement Corporation's 'Methane Barn' will allow for monitoring and measuring methane from dairy cows to help farmers select lower-emitting genetics without affecting productivity. The Government and industry aim to develop methane-cutting tools with investments totaling over $400 million, ensuring farmers can reduce on-farm emissions without compromising production or jobs.
Tags: Government Agriculture Minister Todd McClay methane research livestock improvement genetics methane emissions mitigation tools climate obligations investmentsAgriZeroNZ Welcomes New Leaders to Drive On-Farm Emissions Reduction Efforts
9 months ago | 822 viewsExperienced agribusiness leaders Simon Limmer and Murray Dyer have been appointed to the AgriZeroNZ board by Agriculture Minister Todd McClay for three-year terms. They will join the existing board chaired by Rob Hewett to drive the adoption of new tools for reducing on-farm emissions. AgriZeroNZ, a public-private joint venture, has already invested in 14 ventures and research projects, with plans to make up to 11 mitigation tools available by 2030 to help Kiwi farmers reduce emissions while maintaining productivity and meeting climate obligations.
Tags: AgriZeroNZ Todd McClay Simon Limmer Murray Dyer Rob Hewett Silver Fern Farms Indevin Group Prime Markets agriculture emissions