Other government policies and measures

The Government’s principal policy response to climate change is the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS). In various sectors (such as energy, forestry and agriculture), the Government is also undertaking a range of other policies and measures that are contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This approach involves sector-specific agencies who are responsible for policies and measures within their sectors.  Many of these policies and measures have co-benefits; for example they may help to improve public health, reduce erosion or save money.

New Zealand’s major climate change mitigation policies are detailed in the Polices and Measures chapter of New Zealand’s 5th National Communication  to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Our major polices and measures are also illustrated in a table of policies and measures which is taken from the same document.

This page will point you to information about polices or measures which support emissions reductions, other than the NZ ETS.  For information about the NZ ETS visit the emissions trading section of this website.

Contents

Energy

The Ministry of Economic Development is responsible for developing energy policy in New Zealand. The Ministry is currently preparing an update to the Government’s high-level statement of energy policy, the New Zealand Energy Strategy.

The New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy is a statutory document produced under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2000. The strategy aims to improve energy efficiency and conservation, and increase the use of renewable energy across the economy. It is also being updated.

Energy supply and renewable energy

New Zealand has abundant and diverse renewable energy resources, and on average around two-thirds of the electricity generated in New Zealand is derived from renewable sources. Most of this comes from hydro-electric power. There is considerable potential to further develop renewable resources for electricity generation, replacement fuels for oil and gas and the production of direct heat.

The Government has a target for the energy sector that 90 per cent of New Zealand’s electricity will be generated from renewable sources by 2025.

To increase awareness of the issues and opportunities relating to energy supply and renewable energy, the Government is providing consumers and industries with information on the available technologies and advantages of biofuels, distributed generation and marine energy. It is also providing funds for the development of renewable technologies. 

Promoting energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority is responsible for encouraging more efficient use of energy. The agency runs programmes in various sectors to improve energy efficiency as well as promoting the use and development of renewable sources of energy. The Electricity Commission also runs programmes specifically to promote efficient use of electricity. More information about these programmes can be found by clicking on the links below:

Transport

The New Zealand Transport Strategy 2008 was developed to give a long-term perspective and direction to the transport sector. It sets out a series of aspirational targets for the year 2040. The New Zealand Transport Strategy is a non-statutory document.

A Government Policy Statement on land transport is produced every three years by the Ministry of Transport. This publication identifies short-term targets as well as the funding levels allocated to different areas of the transport system. Many of the specific actions that will deliver on land transport targets in the strategy will be set out in regional land transport strategies and regional land transport programmes, implemented by regional councils. The Government has made a commitment to develop a forward plan for transport that will complement the Government Policy Statement on land transport funding by providing further guidance on overall longer-term transport policy.

Incentives and research are underway in the areas of new fuels and technology, vehicle fuel economy labelling, improved efficiency of commercial fleets and encouraging forms of transport that are less carbon intensive. More information about these policies can be found by clicking on the links below.

Agriculture

At present there are limited methods for reducing nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural pastures, and no practical methods for mitigating methane for enteric fermentation in ruminants. New Zealand is a lead player internationally on researching effective mitigation technologies that will reduce ruminant greenhouse gas emissions. For more information, click on the links below:

Forestry

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is responsible for developing forestry-related policy. MAF administers three major schemes (other than the NZ ETS) that promote afforestation and provide incentives to maintain forests. MAF also administers a range of programmes aimed at increasing the use of wood as a construction material. More information about these measures can be found by clicking on the links below

Waste

The New Zealand Waste Strategy (launched in 2002) sets in place a framework for minimising and managing waste, and includes targets for reducing waste. The major piece of legislation that governs waste management in New Zealand is the Waste Minimisation Act 2008. The Ministry for the Environment is responsible for developing waste policy in New Zealand alongside local and regional councils.

Last updated: 6 April 2010