Sustainability news, views and insights | | | |
| |
| |
| |
Changes announced for NZ’s climate change law | The Government announced changes to the Climate Change Response Act which it says will cut complexity, duplication and compliance costs. The changes include updates to functions of the ETS settings and removal of some consultation and advice requirements of the Climate Change Commission. A new Carbon Removals Assessment Framework has also been released. Find full details here. | | | |
| |
SBC launches new nature toolkit |
We’re excited to have officially launched our latest resource for businesses, the Business Case for Nature Toolkit. Developed in partnership with MfE, the toolkit provides a practical, step-by-step guide to help businesses across Aotearoa NZ invest in nature with confidence and clarity. Thanks to Beca, our lead technical delivery partner, who also hosted dual launch events in Christchurch and Auckland.
| | | |
| |
AgriZeroNZ backs new cow wearable tech | AgriZeroNZ has invested $1.2 million in Canterbury ag-tech startup Āmua to develop cow-wearable tech which aims to redistribute nitrogen from urine across paddocks. The innovation could slash nitrous oxide emissions by up to 95% and nitrate leaching by 93%, while boosting pasture growth and halving fertiliser costs, delivering both environmental and economic benefits for farmers. More details here. | | | |
| |
Z Energy and NGOs settle greenwashing legal claim |
Z Energy has settled a case brought by Consumer NZ, The Environmental Law Initiative and Lawyers for Climate Action NZ Inc in 2023. The settlement involved no admission of liability, and no payment was made to either side. Z does not consider that its advertising was misleading. The plaintiffs’ have a contrary opinion. The parties have agreed to disagree.
| | | |
| |
The Road to COP30 – Q&A With Belinda Mathers | Ahead of COP30 taking place in Brazil later this month, SBC talks to Belinda Mathers, Chief Science and Integrity Officer at Toitū Envirocare who will be on the ground in Belém to find out why she is going, what she’s hoping to achieve, and what a successful outcome will look like for her. Register to attend our COP debrief webinar. | | | |
| |
Green light for Genesis’ Tekapo power scheme |
Genesis Energy’s Tekapo power scheme, the first renewable energy project under the Fast-track Approvals Act, has been given the go-ahead. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says, “The Tekapo power scheme generates enough clean electricity to power more than 228,000 Canterbury households, and it plays a vital role in keeping our grid reliable.” Read full details here.
| | | |
| |
Are you based in Christchurch and keen to learn more about the flagship Sustainability Leadership Programme? Join SBC and Catapult for an in-person evening of connection and inspiration on Monday 10 November. Find more details or register here. Or join us for our online February taster session to find out more about what this engaging programme has to offer. | | | |
| |
Survey: Demand for nature-based carbon and biodiversity credits |
Deloitte and The Nature Conservancy in Aotearoa NZ are conducting research to better understand the demand for nature-based carbon and biodiversity credits both locally and globally. These can help finance conservation and restoration that enhances carbon storage or reduces emissions, restores habitats, and helps to buffer extreme weather impacts - supporting both environmental and cultural values. Interested parties can complete the survey here.
| | | |
| |
Demand Policies That Deliver | | | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
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. | |
| |
| |
| |
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). | |
| |
| |
| |
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. | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
NEW: Data-driven action: Tetra Pak’s latest LCA and its impact on packaging Online | 11 November 2025 | 3:00pm
Tetra Pak have refreshed their comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and use the new data to show their cartons’ carbon footprint compared to other major packaging types in Australia and New Zealand. Join Giancarlos Larocca, Marketing Director at Tetra Pak Oceania, and Jeff Vickers, ,Technical Director at thinkstep-anz, to discover how Tetra Pak is using its latest LCA to drive innovation, future-proof its customers' business and strengthen their strategy in Oceania. | |
| |
| |
| |
NEW: Hitting the mark on climate disclosure: lessons from New Zealand, insights and practical support for Australian companies Online | 13 November 2025 | 2:00pm (NZT)
As Australia enters a new era of mandatory climate disclosure, many organisations are asking the same questions — where do we start, what do we prioritise and what do users of our disclosures really want? Join Talent Nation and Oxygen Consulting for an interactive webinar bringing together leading voices in sustainability, finance, and governance to unpack lessons from practice and provide actionable insights for climate reporting entities. Speakers include Sarah Holden (Oxygen Consulting), Tim Rodsted (BlueScope Steel), Kate Dundas (UN Global Compact Network Australia), Jack Bisset (Australian Accounting Standards Board). | |
| |
| |
| |
ISEP – Aotearoa Christmas Network Event Auckland | 13 November 2025 | 4:30pm
Join ISEP New Zealand in partnership with Hays - Recruiting Agency for their Aotearoa's 2025 Christmas Function. Join us for our final social networking event of the year, open to all Sustainability and Environmental professionals. After a year full of challenges and change, this is a perfect opportunity to unwind, connect with like-minded peers, and recharge for the year ahead. Enjoy a relaxed and engaging atmosphere with drinks and nibbles provided while catching up on the latest developments in sustainability – you might discover something new! | |
| |
| |
| |
NEW: 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. | |
| |
| |
| |
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. | |
| |
| |
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. | | | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
