Sustainability news, views and insights | | | |
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The 30th United Nations climate conference is well underway in Belém, Brazil. UN Secretary-General António Guterres opened a Leaders’ Summit by saying this COP must ignite a decade of acceleration and delivery, calling on world leaders to move faster – and move together. Among attendees is Te Kahu Pokere, the first iwi-mandated Māori youth delegation to ever attend. | | | |
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As part of the action on the ground so far, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has launched their Global Circularity Protocol for Business. The first-of-its-kind framework is set to help businesses of all sizes scale circular solutions. WBCSD members also shared global insights highlighting collaboration efforts to scale investments in transport decarbonisation solutions. More here.
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ASB launches Every Hectare Matters | ASB has allocated $1billion to help 1,000 farms boost productivity and resilience. In a first for New Zealand, the programme will fund agri-consultants and lend up to $5million per farm, aiming to add $4.5 billion to NZ’s GDP over the next five years. Sheep, beef and Māori land are key beneficiaries, supporting sustainable growth and intergenerational prosperity. More here. | | | |
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OneNZ and DOC join forces on Nature |
One NZ and DOC are working together to boost conservation, using satellite-powered mobile services to connect rangers in remote areas. The partnership is working to pilot new tech, improve staff safety, and support biodiversity protection across one-third of NZ’s terrain. “We’re at an exciting intersection, where technology can make a tangible difference to NZ’s natural heritage,” says Jason Paris.
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Are you our new Senior Policy Advisor? | Are you keen to help shape the ideas, insights, and relationships that influence the sustainability agenda across Aotearoa New Zealand? We are on the hunt for a new Senior Policy Advisory to join our Wellington-based team! Find details of the job, or apply here. Got a question? We’d love to hear from you, so please get in touch! | | | |
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New research aims to protect Pacific healthcare from climate threats |
The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, backed by MFAT, has launched a report to strengthen resilience in clinics across Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea. SBC member Edge Impact led assessments using WHO’s climate-resilient framework, identifying risks and solutions for power, water, and infrastructure - ensuring safe, sustainable care for vulnerable communities. Read full details here.
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Toyota reveals new electric Hilux | Toyota has announced the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) Hilux as part of a new-generation redesign. “This evolution is more than a celebration of heritage; it’s a statement of Toyota’s vision for the future, with a multi-pathway approach that includes a BEV and a hydrogen fuel cell Hilux variant scheduled for 2028,” says Toyota New Zealand CEO. Full details here. | | | |
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From energy and economic power shifts to digital reporting and the rise of inclusive leadership, in her latest blog SBC’s Head of ESG Jay Crangle shares 10 insights reflecting on her recent visit to London where she connected with a range of sustainability focused global organisations. Read the insights here.
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Next week marks NZ Made week (Nov 17-23), celebrating locally-made products, innovation, and craftsmanship across Aotearoa with a focus on sustainability. By choosing NZ–made goods, we reduce transport emissions, support circular production, and strengthen local supply chains. It’s a reminder that buying local isn’t just good for business - it’s good for people and the planet. More here. | | | |
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In this week’s reporting corner we are pleased to present AgriZeroNZ’s latest report.
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From pledges to progress: Risks, duties and the disclosure of sustainability targets Online | 18 November 2025 | 12:00pm
As expectations intensify and challenges mount, many organisations are grappling with setting – or resetting – sustainability targets. For boards and executive teams, this raises questions of oversight, accountability, and strategic positioning. Join Daniel Street, Partner at DLA Piper, Judene Edgar, Chapter Zero New Zealand Lead and Nikki Wright, Director at Wright Communications, as they examine these issues and share real-world examples that illustrate what has worked, what has not, and why. Presented in collaboration with the Sustainable Business Council, DLA Piper and Chapter Zero New Zealand, the session is designed for board directors, general counsel, executives, and sustainability leads involved in target setting, climate governance and risk management. | |
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COP30 Debrief & Dialogue: Key Insights from Belém for NZ Business Online | 27 November 2025 | 11:00am
Join SBC and Centre for Sustainable Finance for a special post-COP30 webinar unpacking key insights, reflections, and implications from the global climate negotiations and side events in Belém, Brazil. This session will offer New Zealand businesses a vital opportunity to connect directly into the outcomes of the international conversations and hear from those who have been on the ground in Belém. Don’t miss your opportunity to share in all the climate action and sustainable finance insights, outcomes and updates from the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30). | |
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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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BCSDA’s Road to Belém webinar series Online | 14 & 21 November 2025 | 9:00am (NZT)
Join the Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia’s (BCSDA) for two concise, live business briefings held during COP30, featuring speakers connecting directly from Belém. Each session is a Mutirão-style Q&A, moderated by BCSDA’s Chief Executive Andrew Petersen, connecting the week's developments in Belém to the questions and implications for business audiences in Australia and across the WBCSD network — including the themes of finance, Article 6 & integrity, energy & nature outcomes, and corporate transition planning. | |
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NEW: Facing the Inevitable – Confronting Climate Adaptation Challenges in Aotearoa Online | 19 November 2025 | 12:00 – 1:30pm (NZT)
As climate impacts intensify across Aotearoa New Zealand, adaptation is no longer optional—but how we adapt, who pays, and what we prioritise are deeply contested questions. Off the back of their successful workshop at the Climate Change and Business Conference, The Tonkin and Taylor team of James Hughes, Katherine Cowper-Heays and Simon Harvey will be joined by Jonathan Boston to take a dive into detail on some of the most pressing issues raised. | |
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NEW: GHG Protocol Scope 2 consultation roundtable Online | 24 November 2026 | 2.00 – 3.00pm
As a national standard setter, the XRB is keen to ensure that international standards, such as those developed by the GHG Protocol are also locally relevant. Join this roundtable to share your thoughts on the GHG Protocol scope 2 proposals and help shape the XRB’s response. Greenhouse Gas Protocol is consulting on updating its Scope 2 guidance. The proposed Scope 2 changes impact all entities that are currently reporting GHG emissions. The proposed changes to Scope 2 guidance introduce substantially different criteria for accounting and reporting electricity-related emissions. These revisions are intended to enhance transparency and consistency and represent a marked shift from current New Zealand practices. The XRB is seeking input on how practical and achievable the new requirements are for New Zealand entities. Stakeholders are encouraged to share their views on the anticipated impact of the changes, including operational, compliance, and financial implications. Your feedback will inform the XRB’s submission to the GHG Protocol with the intention that the new Scope 2 Standard is practical and feasible from a New Zealand perspective. | |
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NEW: Become a certified Planetary Accounting Practitioner Online | 26 March 2027
Enrolments are now open for the Planetary Accounting Practitioner Course, a six-month program designed for sustainability professionals, board members, engineers, accountants, consultants, and other change-makers from all sectors to apply the science of the Planetary Boundaries in their work. Through this course, you’ll learn to navigate and apply the Planetary Boundaries framework, understand and use Planetary Accounting metrics, translate science into actionable business and policy strategies, join a global community of practitioners creating change within planetary limits. | |
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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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