20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1082 views
New Zealand and Iceland signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in geothermal energy development through joint research, industry workshops, and academic exchanges, focusing on superhot and supercritical geothermal systems. This partnership builds on decades of shared expertise and recent collaborations, aiming to advance renewable energy innovation and support New Zealand's goals to double renewable generation by 2050 and boost geothermal production by 2040. The agreement was formalized at COP 30 and includes financial commitments, such as New Zealand allocating up to $60 million for geothermal exploration in the Taupō Volcanic Zone.
19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1157 views
New 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.
03 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1319 views
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have approved the first renewable energy project under the Fast-track Approvals Act, with Genesis Energy's Tekapo power scheme receiving quick consent after facing delays under the standard process. The Tekapo project generates clean electricity for over 228,000 households in Canterbury and showcases the Act's ability to expedite vital infrastructure projects. The Ministers are working on legislative changes to further streamline the fast-track process and encourage more applications to boost job creation, regional prosperity, and economic growth in New Zealand.
22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1215 views
The Government of New Zealand has shown strong support for the bioenergy sector by releasing the Wood Energy Strategy and Action Plan, as well as a Government Statement on Biogas. These initiatives aim to diversify the country's energy mix, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and cut down on emissions by promoting wood energy and biogas as sustainable alternatives. The plans include clear objectives, co-funding opportunities, and regulatory support to accelerate the growth of the bioenergy industry, create new jobs, enhance energy security, and contribute to achieving climate goals.
16 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1202 views
The Government is amending legislation to support New Zealand's offshore wind potential, aiming to boost economic growth and energy production. The Offshore Renewable Energy Bill is being revised to address concerns from offshore wind developers about coexisting with seabed mining activities. The amendments will create designated marine spaces for offshore wind projects, providing investment certainty while pausing new permits for seabed mining under the Crown Minerals Act.
16 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1380 views
Minister Todd McClay met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment to enhance investment ties between the two countries, leveraging Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform agenda. The meeting follows the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement and aims to boost trade and investment cooperation, focusing on key growth sectors like renewable energy and tourism. Both ministers agreed to establish a Cooperation Framework Agreement to facilitate investment opportunities and strengthen collaboration between the two countries.
14 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1614 views
The Government's second RMA Amendment Bill has passed into law, aiming to drive economic growth and job creation by removing roadblocks and cutting red tape in various sectors, such as infrastructure, housing, farming, and emergency management. The Bill introduces changes to streamline consent processes for renewable energy, boost housing supply, and reduce red tape for the primary sector. It is part of a broader three-phase RMA reform program, with the full replacement for the RMA expected to be in effect by 2027.
16 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1929 views
The Government, led by RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, is implementing reforms to simplify New Zealand's planning system and speed up project approvals. These changes include amendments to the RMA, fast-track approval processes, and upcoming legislation to replace the RMA with two new Acts focusing on land-use planning and the natural environment. To ease the transition, councils will be relieved of mandatory plan reviews and changes, with exemptions for certain critical areas like natural hazard management and Treaty settlement agreements. Additionally, councils can seek exemptions to continue work aligned with government priorities such as housing and urban development.