Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the highest generators of waste per person in the world. We use too much, waste too much and pollute too much – and this has negative impacts on the environment and contributes to climate change.
Around the world, we use more resources than the planet...More
The first emissions reduction plan will set the direction for climate action for the next 15 years. It will also set us on a pathway to meeting our 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and biogenic methane targets by implementing policies and strategies for specific sectors, including:
...More
The first emissions reduction plan will set the direction for climate action for the next 15 years. It will also set us on a pathway to meeting our 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and biogenic methane targets by implementing policies and strategies for specific sectors, including:
...More
Wetlands play an important role in maintaining the health of New Zealand’s waters. But New Zealand’s wetlands are at risk. Ninety per cent of wetlands have been lost since human settlement began and there is ongoing degradation and loss. The Government is committed to preserving the...More
The Government is proposing changes to the intensive winter grazing regulations. These are included within the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Freshwater) Regulations 2020 (NES-F).
Why we are consulting
We have received feedback that aspects of the intensive...More
Freshwater farm plans were introduced last year as part of the Government’s Essential Freshwater package. They are intended to provide a practical way for farmers to meet the freshwater standards and to reduce regulatory burden.
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The Government is proposing improvements to the market governance framework of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS).
The NZ ETS is an important tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Read our proposal on designing a governance framework for the...More
The Government is reviewing industrial allocation (also known as free allocation) in the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS).
Industrial allocation is the provision of free emissions units (NZUs) to industries considered emissions-intensive and trade-exposed (EITE). Its purpose...More
Decision
The Government has reached decisions regarding regulation updates to the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (SGG) Levy.
The decisions made are to:
update unit limit and auction price control settings for 2022-2026 (for details...More
Climate change is a global problem that is having significant impacts on the environment, people and economies across the world. To limit the most harmful impacts of climate change, all countries need to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
New Zealand is committed to...More
Decision
The Government has decided to phase out certain hard-to-recycle plastics and six single-use items.
Read about the plastic items being phased out
The decision follows widespread public support
The Government consulted the public on its plastic phase-out...More