Greenhouse gas emissions stories
Freight may return to the quake-hit South Island rail line within a month, easing road pressure and cutting transport costs for customers.
Higher carbon prices and a steadier emissions trading scheme could prompt more planting, replanting and avoided deforestation across New Zealand forests.
Councils across Australia and New Zealand could cut street-light bills by USD $120 million a year as new specs ease LED procurement.
Pacific islands face more floods and droughts as extreme El Niño events are expected to double, even if warming stays at 1.5C.
Businesses will get more certainty over carbon pricing as ministers move to reshape the emissions scheme ahead of New Zealand’s 2030 target.
Charging networks and low running costs are helping New Zealand’s electric car uptake, as registrations hit a monthly record and sales broadened.
A government-backed scheme will cut tyre stockpiles, lower fire and pollution risks, and divert millions of discarded tyres into cement works.
Limited housing growth in Auckland is being blamed on poor infrastructure funding, with the OECD urging new ways to pay for public works.
Motu warns uncertain carbon pricing is delaying investment and slowing emissions cuts, and says a redesign could avoid billions in future costs.
The funding will help keep freight and commuter services reliable, while supporting recovery works and safety upgrades across KiwiRail’s network.
New Zealand could face higher rail costs and more breakdowns after KiwiRail was warned diesel replacements may be pricier and less reliable than electrics.
Downstream landholders and river habitats face fresh risk as Green Party says proposed forestry rules are too weak to stop debris and sediment.
New Zealand could hit net zero only by changing land use, as the report says a clean power grid and more electric transport are not enough.
A new report may reassure buyers that sudden battery failure is rare and most EV packs should last well beyond their warranty.
Households could get relief from power bills as the Greens propose NZD $112 million in winter payments and a 2030 renewable target.
Embedding Māori cultural values has helped the Auckland rail project secure only the second top sustainability rating awarded in New Zealand.
Rising dairy, transport and industry emissions are testing New Zealand’s green credentials, with the OECD warning that water pollution is worsening.
