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Sustainability news, views and insights
   
   

Government announcement on VNCM

The Government has announced a new framework to support the growth of trusted voluntary nature and carbon markets (VNCM), aiming to boost private investment to support environmental outcomes. The Minister says introducing clear international recognition of trusted schemes, the approach is designed to give investors and landowners the confidence to help unlock funding for initiatives.
   

SBC and CLC’s response to VNCM

SBC members and CLC signatories played an important role in helping provide key input into the submission process to develop the VNCM. You can read the joint SBC/CLC submission here. The response draws on insights from a range of businesses and sectors with a focus on helping develop policy settings for a credible, and enduring national framework.
   
   

Government announces changes to climate change tort law

The Government has announced it will amend the Climate Change Response Act preventing courts from finding businesses liable in tort for climate change harm linked to emissions. The Justice Minister says the change responds to concerns litigation is creating uncertainty, and that climate action should be managed through existing national policy frameworks.

Climate Leaders Coalition releases Seventh Snapshot Report

Congratulations to CLC on the release of its Seventh Annual Snapshot Report, which shows aggregate scope 1 and 2 emissions of all current signatories have decreased by 3% over the past year. CLC Convenor Malcolm Johns says, “And as we enter this next phase, our work will require even greater ambition, deeper collaboration and a continued focus on turning commitments into measurable outcomes.” 
   

Meridian joins global ranks of sustainable companies

Meridian Energy has been recognised as one of the world’s most sustainable companies, highlighting its sustainability leadership. The business has been included in the S&P Global Dow Jones Best-in-Class World index, ranking in the top 10% of utilities worldwide and is the only company from Aotearoa NZ to achieve this. Congratulations!

   
   

Pāmu and True Nature explore large-scale native afforestation

Pāmu and True Nature have signed an MOU to restore 600 hectares of land into native forest over the next 3 to 5 years. The partnership will focus on land-use optimisation and identify vulnerable land from across Pāmu’s farm network best suited. The work will generate high integrity nature-based carbon credits, which meet the international criteria.
   

First-ever Toyota Hilux BEV to arrive in NZ

Toyota has confirmed that the first battery electric Hilux is arriving in Aotearoa NZ, marking a milestone for a lower-emissions transport future. The Hilux is a core working vehicle across farms, infrastructure and regional businesses, and the introduction of a zero-tailpipe emissions option is a practical step forward. Read more here. 
   

Transpower: accelerated investment in electricity supply must continue

Analysis from Transpower reveals that while Aotearoa NZ’s electricity system is in the best position ahead of winter, the sector is still responding to mitigate recent electricity supply challenges. The draft annual Security of Supply Assessment (SOSA) warns of declining gas supplies, aging thermal plants and potential dry conditions.
   
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Other hui

Deloitte Presents: The Art of the Possible - Leveraging AI for energy resilient value chains

Auckland (online) | 19 May 2026 | 7:00 - 9:30am

Deloitte is hosting a dynamic breakfast event as part of Techweek. The event will explore innovative technology and supply chain solutions to address the on-going energy crisis and exacerbated complex social challenges. Ecopreneur Marci Zaroff will share insights into how technology, textiles and transparency can be integrated to build stronger and more ethical value chains. The event will also include a panel discussion examining energy resilience and the importance of embedding human rights and product provenance at the core of supply chain strategy. The session will conclude with Jitesh Shetty demonstrating how AI powered solutions can help organisations respond to these challenges.

   

Webinar: 2026 National climate change risk assessment

Online | 20 May 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00pm

Is Aotearoa NZ ready for the impacts of climate change? Join the Commission for this upcoming webinar to hear about the 2026 National climate change risk assessment, released earlier this month. Every six years, the Commission is required to produce a report that provides a national picture of how Aotearoa NZ may be affected by climate change-related risks. General Manager Evidence and Advice Karen Lavin and Project Director Holly Walker will provide a high-level overview of the most significant risks to Aotearoa NZ and cover where focused and coordinated action would make the biggest difference.

   

The fuel shock: What your business can do right now to reduce cost and increase resilience

Online | 20 May 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00pm

For many businesses, this isn't a future risk - it's already hitting margins, cash flow, and day-to-day operations. This webinar offers a practical session on how to respond quickly and confidently. The session will set the scene on what's happening right now and how different organisations are responding - then shift focus to what you can actually do in the next 30-90 days, with time at the end for your questions. Amongst the line up of speakers include SBC's Director of Programmes, Jay Crangle.

   

Proxima Advanced Sustainability Reporting Series

Auckland | 21 May, 4, 18 June 2026 | 8:30 - 4:30pm

Sustainability reporting standards, processes, disclosures and the level of rigour required to prepare sustainability statements have changed significantly in the past two years. These global changes have started to impact New Zealand companies. Double materiality (driven by the European Union’s CSRD regulation), and the harmonization of updated GRI impact reporting standards with the new ISSB (IFRS) financial sustainability reporting standards, means there has been a fundamental shift in how sustainability reporting is now undertaken. Proxima are delivering an Advanced Sustainability Reporting Series for finance, investment and sustainability professionals to bring New Zealand companies up to speed with these important changes.

   

See all SBC events here. For other low emissions events, see the Climate Leaders Coalition events calendar.

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. 


14 May 2026
   

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