Articles tagged with Change
Government Supports Waikato and Manawatū Farmers During Planning System Transition
6 days ago | 134 viewsThe Government is taking targeted action to provide certainty for farmers in Waikato and Manawatū-Whanganui by preventing restrictive elements of Plan Change 1 (PC1) and Plan Change 2 (PC2) from applying during the transition to a new planning system, reducing duplication and regulatory burden. While ongoing environmental improvements remain required, prescribed nitrogen discharge reductions under PC2 will no longer apply, and the new natural environment plan will specifically consider PC1 to respect prior work. These changes aim to avoid economic disruption and uncertainty for farmers, with amendments to be progressed through upcoming legislation later this month.
Tags: Chris Bishop Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard Waikato RMA Reform Plan Change 1 Plan Change 2 Horizons Regional Council New Zealand GovernmentNew Zealand Passes Law to Shield Businesses from Climate Change Litigation
1 week ago | 115 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Climate Change Response Act 2002 High Court greenhouse gas emissions Climate Change Response Act Emissions Trading Scheme Government Parliament litigation tort lawNew Zealand Passes Law to Protect Businesses from Climate Change Litigation
1 week ago | 127 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Climate Change Response Act 2002 greenhouse gas emissions High Court litigation tort law Emissions Trading Scheme Parliament Government business certaintyForestry Minister Appoints Facilitator to Support Tairāwhiti Forestry Sector Progress
1 week ago | 166 viewsForestry 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.
Tags: Todd McClay Doug Leeder Gisborne District Council Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group TFAG Forestry Minister Bay of Plenty Regional Council Local Government New Zealand forestry sector land use changeGovernment Extends ETS Unit Settings to 2031 for Market Stability and Emissions Targets
2 weeks ago | 210 viewsThe Government will maintain existing Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) unit settings to provide market stability and support New Zealand’s emissions reduction targets, extending key price controls until 2031. These decisions follow consultation and align with the Climate Change Commission’s advice to keep the country on track with its emissions budgets. Additionally, minor regulatory changes will be implemented starting 1 January 2027.
Tags: Emissions Trading Scheme ETS Climate Change Minister Simon Watts New Zealand Climate Change Commission emissions reductions auction floor price cost containment reserve regulatory changesNew Zealand Updates Climate Change Response Act to Strengthen Adaptation and NZ ETS
1 month ago | 343 viewsThe Government is amending the Climate Change Response Act to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure effective climate risk management, including legally requiring councils to develop 30-year adaptation plans for high-risk communities. The Bill also strengthens governance and transparency of the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS), addressing investment disincentives and allowing for new carbon removal methods while excluding agriculture. These changes aim to streamline New Zealand’s climate framework, support emissions reduction targets, and deliver practical, results-focused climate action.
Tags: Simon Watts Climate Change Response Act New Zealand NZ ETS Climate Change Minister National Adaptation Framework Climate risks Decarbonisation Market governance Climate targetsGovernment Invests $15.5M in Bay of Plenty Marina and Geothermal Projects
1 month ago | 340 viewsThe Government is investing $12.5 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to develop Ōpōtiki Marina, supporting aquaculture growth and creating up to 87 construction jobs. Additionally, a $3 million grant will fund the Gas to Geoheat – Tauranga Geothermal System Project, exploring geothermal energy potential to support future renewable energy initiatives and create 15-20 jobs. These investments aim to unlock the Bay of Plenty’s natural resource potential, boost regional economic growth, job creation, and energy security.
Tags: Shane Jones Bay of Plenty Ōpōtiki Marina Regional Infrastructure Fund aquaculture GeoExchange NZ Limited Tauranga Geothermal System geothermal energy Te Kaha Mount MaunganuiNZTA Unveils Phased Major Transport Projects Pipeline to Boost NZ Economy
1 month ago | 372 viewsTransport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed NZTA's Major Transport Projects Pipeline, outlining the phased delivery of key Roads of National Significance and major public transport projects to support economic growth and job creation. The pipeline details three phases: current construction and procurement of major roads and regional projects, preparation and route protection for upcoming projects, and slower progress on longer-term initiatives, ensuring a balanced investment across new corridors and existing infrastructure maintenance. Despite challenges like rising construction costs and reduced fuel excise duty, the government maintains an ambitious, responsible transport program aimed at building a safe, reliable, and resilient transport system nationwide.
Tags: Chris Bishop NZTA Roads of National Significance Northland Expressway Takitimu North Link Waikato Expressway Northwestern Busway Eastern Busway Melling Interchange SH29 Tauriko WestAndre van der Walt Appointed Tokelau Administrator to Strengthen NZ-Tokelau Ties
1 month ago | 439 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters announced Andre van der Walt as the next Administrator of Tokelau, starting June 2026, coinciding with the centenary of New Zealand’s administration of Tokelau. The Administrator supports Tokelau’s government in service delivery, manages New Zealand-Tokelau relations, and oversees development initiatives including climate resilience, governance, and key sectors like education and health. Van der Walt brings experience from his previous roles as New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Kiribati and Deputy High Commissioner to Niue.
Tags: Winston Peters Andre van der Walt Tokelau New Zealand Administrator Kiribati Niue climate change renewable energy governanceNew State Redress Bill Enhances Abuse in Care Support and Introduces Offender Payment Rules
2 months ago | 487 viewsThe Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill, recently passed its third reading, aims to improve the state redress system by recognizing abuse experiences, providing alternatives to litigation, and extending coverage to survivors of abuse in mental health facilities from 1993 to 2022. The Bill introduces a presumption against financial redress for survivors convicted of serious violent or sexual offences sentenced to five years or more, while still allowing access to other forms of redress and establishing an independent redress officer to review exemptions. Implementation will begin in stages, with the serious offender process starting on 1 August 2026 and full coverage including mental health abuse after 2022 set for 14 July 2027.
Tags: Erica Stanford Charlotte’s Change Redress System Abuse in Care State redress scheme Redress Officer Royal Commission Sentencing Act 2002 Serious offender process Government ResponseNew Rolleston Bridge over SH1 to Boost Traffic Flow and Safety by 2027
2 months ago | 422 viewsConstruction will soon begin on a new bridge over State Highway 1 in Rolleston to better connect residential and industrial areas, following the completion of initial improvements like a new roundabout and pedestrian subway. The bridge will feature multiple traffic lanes and a shared-use path, with design provisions for future expansion, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Additional upgrades include removing signalised intersections, extending motorway lanes, and enhancing rail crossing safety, with the entire project costing an estimated $180 to $200 million and concluding by the end of 2028.
Tags: Chris Bishop Fulton Hogan NZ Transport Agency SH1 Rolleston Hoskyns Rd Weedons interchange Walkers Road State Highway 1 New ZealandWaihi Recycling Station Upgrade to Cut Landfill Waste and Boost Recycling by 2028
2 months ago | 525 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 planCommerce Commission Proposes Cut to Company Card Fees Saving NZ Businesses $40M Annually
2 months ago | 535 viewsThe Commerce Commission has proposed reducing the fees businesses pay to accept company cards, potentially saving retailers around $40 million annually and contributing to a total expected saving of up to $290 million per year for businesses. Commerce Minister Cameron Brewer highlighted that current interchange fees in New Zealand are nearly double those in Australia and unfairly burden businesses, which often pass these costs onto consumers through higher prices. The draft decision is open for consultation, with a final ruling expected later this year, aiming to ensure fairer payment processing costs and benefits for both businesses and consumers.
Tags: Commerce Commission Cameron Brewer retailers interchange fees company cards businesses consumers New Zealand Government banksNew Zealand Launches Guidance to Boost Trust in Voluntary Nature and Carbon Markets
3 months ago | 645 viewsClimate Change Minister Simon Watts has introduced refreshed guidance and tools to help New Zealanders confidently participate in voluntary nature and carbon markets, ensuring projects deliver genuine environmental benefits. The guidance emphasizes high-quality carbon activities that are additional, durable, real, measurable, transparent, and respectful of rights, aiming to build trust and prevent greenwashing. Additionally, online resources support businesses in exploring scientifically robust carbon removal options, facilitating the growth of credible projects and attracting investment.
Tags: Simon Watts Climate Change New Zealand carbon markets biodiversity greenwashing voluntary markets carbon removal environmental claimsNew Petroleum Exploration Permit Application Sparks Confidence in New Zealand Energy Sector
3 months ago | 614 viewsThe fourth petroleum exploration permit application since the lifting of the exploration ban has entered New Zealand's open market competitive process, signaling renewed investor confidence in the sector. The application, submitted by a joint venture led by East Coast Energy Ventures Limited, aims to explore onshore and offshore areas in Waikato, with a staged work program starting with seismic data reprocessing. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasizes that responsible new exploration is vital for maintaining energy security as existing gas fields mature and production declines, despite ongoing investments in renewables.
Tags: Shane Jones East Coast Energy Ventures Limited Monumental Energy Corp NZ Limited 3TCF Limited New Zealand Energy Corp New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals NZP&M New Zealand Kāwhia Harbour TSX Venture Exchange