As New Zealand heads towards the polling booths, we take a closer look at the changes to climate regulation and legislation that have emerged in the run up to the general election.
In The Big Picture: Climate Change - key developments in New Zealand climate regulation and policy, we explore recent developments across four key areas and consider the issues that are likely to shape the country’s climate change response in the years ahead.
Key takeaways:
Climate adaptation plans confirmed as part of the National Adaptation Framework
The Climate Change Response Amendment Bill, introduced in July 2026, confirms mandatory adaptation plans for designated “priority locations”. These will progress alongside developments in adaptation planning signalled in the National Adaptation Framework released in October 2025 and moves towards a more structured approach to climate adaptation planning in New Zealand.
New market governance framework for the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS)
The Climate Change Response Amendment Bill also proposes a new governance framework for the NZ ETS aimed at improving transparency and oversight of trading in New Zealand Units. The proposed reforms would be supported by significant penalties for non-compliance.
Climate litigation continues to accelerate around the world, new trends emerge
Climate litigation is on the increase globally. Recent developments highlight increasing risks for both governments and corporates, with developments in greenwashing enforcement and strategic climate litigation.
Changes ahead for climate-related disclosures regime
Significant reforms to New Zealand's climate-related disclosures framework are progressing through the Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill. Meanwhile the External Reporting Board (XRB) is consulting on its draft climate reporting roadmap, leaving the future direction of climate related reporting in focus.
Read The Big Picture: Climate Change - key developments in New Zealand climate regulation and policy below
Disclaimer: This publication is necessarily brief and general in nature. You should seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters dealt with in this publication.
