Changes to New Zealand’s climate change law include updates related to the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme and general changes to smooth the operation of the Climate Change Response Act.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has written a letter to Minister Shane Jones responding to the Minister's recent remarks about the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to express concern over comments that questioned the agency’s ability to implement fast-track legislation.

The Environmental Defence Society has condemned the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill in its submission to the Environment Select Committee, warning that it will further weaken environmental safeguards, erode public participation, and undermine constitutional checks and balances.

The Heritage NZ Board and Māori Heritage Council have considered submissions on the consultation draft of their Statements of General Policy.

Approval has been granted for the first renewable energy project under the Fast-track Approvals Act.

The Government has introduced the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill.

The Government is backing the biggest step in a generation to restore the Hauraki Gulf / te Pātaka kai a Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui-ā-Toi, with up to $26 million in new public and private investment. 

The Government has formally confirmed the Streamlined Planning Process that will be used for Auckland Council’s new housing plan, known as Plan Change 120.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson says mandatory climate reporting has imposed heavy costs on listed businesses.

New Zealand’s first Wood Energy Strategy, Wood Energy Action Plan and Government Statement on Biogas has been released.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) invite you to engage and provide feedback on their draft long-term insights briefing.

Ahead of upcoming decisions on research funding and prioritisation, the Parlimentary Commissioner for the Environment has written to Minister Reti to express concern about the current approach to prioritising environmental research in New Zealand.