Sustainability news, views and insights | | | |
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Marine report warns of rising climate risks | The Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ have released Our Marine Environment 2025, warning of rising climate threats to coastal communities. Warming seas, acidification, and extreme weather are damaging ecosystems and assets. The report urges collaborative action to build resilience, protect biodiversity, and adapt to climate change using robust evidence and long-term environmental reporting. Read the full report here. | | | |
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Methane Vaccine Investment Targets Climate Gains |
AgriZeroNZ has invested USD $3.5M in ArkeaBio to accelerate development of a methane-reducing livestock vaccine. “A vaccine has the potential to reduce agricultural emissions at scale,” says CEO Wayne McNee. Trials show promising results, with a New Zealand launch aimed for 2028. The vaccine could help farmers cut emissions while protecting access to global markets.
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Westpac Powers Up with Solar | Westpac has installed solar panels and battery systems in branches across Gisborne, Napier, Rotorua, and Papatoetoe to boost resilience and cut emissions. “These upgrades help future-proof our network and support communities during outages,” says Westpac’s Colin Trenwith. The move follows lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle and will enable branches to stay operational during power disruptions. Read more here. | | | |
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AA Insurance supports employees’ financial future |
AA Insurance has partnered with Money Sweetspot to enhance employee financial wellbeing by offering access to financial literacy resources and debt consolidation support. Following a successful customer trial, AA Insurance has extended the benefit to staff, covering application fees and matching points earned through learning modules. The initiative empowers employees to take control of their financial future. Learn more here.
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NZ Climate Leadership Falling Short | A new study from the University of Auckland warns that NZ’s climate leadership is failing to deliver transformative change, with current adaptation efforts focused on property and cost-cutting, rather than protecting vulnerable communities. Researchers say incremental approaches risk deepening inequities and long-term climate impacts, urging a shift toward leadership that prioritises equity, relationships, and collective action. | | | |
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Wetlands win proves power of partnerships |
Earth Science NZ has led a Bay of Plenty wetlands restoration project that’s won national recognition for improving water quality. Supported by iwi, councils, and government, the initiative shows how partnerships can deliver environmental gains. “Wetlands restore biodiversity, enhance cultural values, and contribute to climate change mitigation by storing carbon,” says Principal Scientist Dr Chris Tanner. More details here.
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Electricity Market Review | The Government has released the Frontier Economics report assessing New Zealand’s electricity market performance and announced a package of associated actions in response to the review. The package includes actions and announcements for energy companies, Transpower, electricity distribution businesses and regulators. Find the full report and other associated key documents here. | | | |
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Modern Slavery Masterclass Resources |
Wanting to take meaningful action on tackling modern slavery but not sure where to start? The highlights from our Modern Slavery Masterclass Series are now available on the SBC website, featuring three videos on governance, risk assessment, and remediation. Co-hosted with Deloitte and Walk Free, the page includes tools, resources, and an FAQ to help businesses take meaningful action.
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BraveTrace is Aotearoa NZ's independent verifier for renewable energy. Operating the NZ Energy Certificate System (NZECS), it enables traceable, reportable emissions reductions and supports renewable producers. New Zealand Energy Certificates (NZ-ECs) meet global standards, helping organisations confidently achieve sustainability goals. Benefits include verifiable renewable energy claims, zero Scope 2 emissions reporting, and systemic impact through credible tracking and incentivisation. | | | |
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In this week’s bumper edition of our reporting corner, we are pleased to share reports from ASB, Airways, KiwiRail, Ravensdown, The Warehouse Group and Toyota:
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Sustainability Leadership Programme 2026 - Taster Session Online | 5 February 2026 | 10:00am
The Sustainability Leadership Programme (SLP) is a course delivered by Catapult and SBC designed to empower sustainability leaders to drive transformational change by giving them the connections, tactics and confidence to make a measurable impact. Join us for this free online taster session where you will hear from past participants on how SLP has had a positive impact on not only their leadership within their current role and organisation, but also beyond. | |
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NEW: Tackling upfront embodied carbon with NABERS and NZGBC Online | 22 October 2025 | 3:00pm
Reducing a building’s emissions starts long before the foundation is laid. With strong progress already made in reducing operational energy, upfront embodied carbon - from materials, transport and construction - is now emerging as the largest share of a building’s footprint. Join us for a webinar with Katie Eyles, Embodied Carbon Lead at NABERS, Sam Archer, Director of Market Transformation at the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC), and Nicole Sullivan, Impact Director at thinkstep-anz. Together, they’ll discuss where the industry stands and how the NABERS tool can help drive progress. | |
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NEW: Strengthening climate governance in Asia–Pacific – International Climate Councils Network Online | 22 October 2025 | 7:00pm
What does climate governance look like in the Asia-Pacific region? How can independent climate advisory bodies accelerate effective climate action? How can we strengthen climate governance through effective, evidence-based policy advice? Join Climate Change Commission Chief Executive Jo Hendy and other speakers from around the region for a webinar exploring this topic. Speakers will share experience and insights, the latest work on climate governance in the region, and explore the unique regional and country-based considerations for effective climate governance. | |
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FNZCCI Climate & Sustainability Forum 2025 Auckland | 23 October 2025 | 8:00am - 11:00am
The Climate & Sustainability Forum is one of the French New Zealand Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s (FNZCCI) flagship annual events, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and sustainability professionals from New Zealand, France, and Europe. The Forum takes place on Thursday, 23 October 2025, preceding the high-profile EU-New Zealand Business Summit. Together, these events will highlight the vital role of sustainability in shaping the future of NZ-EU trade relations. This year’s theme - “The Decarbonisation of Trade and Transportation” - focuses on the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of climate action and global commerce. | |
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Blue and Green Technology Conference 2025 Auckland | 2-3 December 2025 | 8:00am - 7:00pm
This dynamic two-day event brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and decision-makers to accelerate clean technology solutions for a climate-resilient future. Whether you’re from government, academia, or industry, this conference offers a powerful platform for knowledge exchange, partnerships, and action. | |
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Please send Pānui stories (50 words plus square image) or event listings (100 words plus banner image) to sbccomms@businessnz.org.nz by Wednesday 12pm. | | | |
See guidelines around SBC's expectations of member communications and transparency here. | | | |
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