Iwi leader and activist Mike Smith.

Government changes climate law to prevent lawsuits

The move aims to block civil claims linking companies’ emissions to climate-related damage.

Tue, May 12

3:03

Frost.

Fewer frosts for central South Island as climate shifts

Scientists predict there will be 40-50 fewer icy mornings in the Mackenzie Country and inland Otago if global warming continues.

Tue, May 12

Aerial view of Whirinaki after the flood receded. Bridget Wallace’s home is in the foreground at centre.

Far North settlement could be first place in NZ to entirely relocate

In Whirinaki, a settlement of a few hundred people straddling State Highway 12 in South Hokianga, planning for managed retreat is well underway.

Mon, May 11

Rail tracks covered in silt in the Esk Valley by flooding during Cyclone Gabrielle, 20 February 2023. RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham

The 10 biggest climate risks New Zealand faces revealed

Urgent, decisive action is needed on how communities will pay for the costs of adapting to climate change, a major new report says.

Thu, May 7

Lakes in the Waikato have been plagued by toxic algae for years.

Why toxic algae thrives in Waikato's lakes

Lakes in the Waikato have been plagued by toxic algae for years, with one lake having a health warning in place for five years straight.

Sat, May 2

Despite warmer temperatures in many places, El Niño is expected to be a bit milder and drier in New Zealand.

What the coming El Niño climate pattern means for NZ in a warming world

Past El Niño events have brought drought and disruption to New Zealand. What might the coming one spell?

Sat, May 2

April 2026
As the weather gets wilder, some marae have to consider relocating

As the weather gets wilder, some marae have to consider relocating

For many marae, recent severe weather events have brought forward the need for urgent adaptation and managed retreat plans.

Wed, Apr 29

Wind turbines.

Climate Change Commission warns NZ ETS could fail without reform

The commission has advised the Government this year to keep auction unit pricing and volumes the same to prevent price instability.

Mon, Apr 27

Taranaki was the location of the proposed LNG import terminal.

Government's LNG terminal plans didn't model global price spike

Documents released under the OIA show modelling for the proposed Taranaki LNG import terminal did not account for the impact of major global price shocks, prompting criticism as fuel markets remain volatile.

Wed, Apr 22

'A storm every eight days': Claims triple to country's biggest insurer

'A storm every eight days': Claims triple to country's biggest insurer

An increasing number of severe weather events were now happening in spring and summer, IAG says.

Tue, Apr 21

A car in the tide at Owhiro Bay that was washed at least 150 metres from where it was parked on Happy Valley Road, Wellington, New Zealand, April 20, 2026.

What made Wellington’s deluge so intense?

Over a 48-hour window, the capital saw rainfall totals that nearly tripled monthly averages, with some residents describing it as the worst flooding event since Wellington’s disastrous 1976 storm.

Tue, Apr 21

Waves pound the lush West Coast shoreline at Motukiekie beach (file image).

Why don't we harness the power of the ocean to cut our dependence on oil?

In scaling up the New Zealand's renewables sector, a large and untapped opportunity lies just offshore.

Mon, Apr 13

March 2026
Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey speaks to Q+A's Jack Tame.

Fuel price blowouts push NZ towards electrification – advocate

The cherry orchadist estimates 8.5 million machines – cars, trucks and industrial tools – could be electrified now, with today’s technology.

Sun, Mar 29

Sunrise (file image).

Earth’s climate in 'state of emergency', UN warns as warming accelerates

The past 11 years were the hottest on record, with scientists warning rising seas, melting ice and extreme weather pose growing risks, including for New Zealand and the Pacific.

Mon, Mar 23

Residents of Amberley Beach, around 35km north of Christchurch, were furious over the possible move.

Council proposes to move beach community amid sea level rise

The work underway at Amberley Beach, around 35km north of Christchurch, is quickly becoming a national test case.

Mon, Mar 23

Flooding in the Napier suburb of Awatoto after Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023.

A system under strain: Rising house insurance costs raise tough questions

Consumer NZ recently described the situation as “serious” and called for urgent government action, citing concerns about both affordability and the way the market is functioning.

Mon, Mar 9

Flooding at Tairua, Coromandel.

'Extremely active' summer brought record rain, deadly storms

Lower air pressure, La Niña and warm oceans fuelled a season of floods, landslides and temperature extremes – a preview of New Zealand’s climate future in a warming world.

Thu, Mar 5

February 2026
Harnessing a strong coastal wind resource, Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki-Ngāti Apa is backing a large-scale renewable energy partnership with Hiringa Energy aimed at producing green hydrogen and methanol for low-emissions transport.

'If the stars align, boom!': Rangitikeī iwi bets on green energy

Ngā Wairiki-Ngāti Apa is staking its claim in New Zealand’s clean energy future, backing a 280-megawatt green hydrogen and methanol project that could deliver climate gains, generational returns and long-term iwi ownership.

Thu, Feb 19

More severe-weather states of emergency have been declared already this year than in all of 2025, as deadly storms, record rainfall and repeated flooding batter parts of the North Island.

Severe weather States of Emergency in 2026 already match last year

Eight severe weather-related states of emergency have already been declared this year, matching the total for all of 2025.

Mon, Feb 16

January 2026
Flooding in Whitianga

NZ’s sodden January explained: what’s driven this month’s big wet?

For many people, it has felt like midsummer never really arrived. Is it simply bad luck, or is there something more going on?

Wed, Jan 28

The northland town of Ōakura has been hit hard by heavy rain and flooding.

Record ocean heat behind NZ's summer soaking

Understanding ocean heat – and how it shapes rainfall, storms and marine heatwaves – is central to explaining what we experience on land.

Thu, Jan 22

Pacific Island nation offering the world the opportunity to sponsor the care of each square kilometre of its Marine Protected Area.   

Niue earning millions from ocean sponsorship scheme

Pacific Island nation offers the world an opportunity to be a 'careholder' to each square kilometre of its Marine Protected Area.

Fri, Jan 9

Northland and the Bay of Plenty were more than 1.2C hotter than average this year.

2025 fourth-warmest year on record - here's where it was hottest

Four of New Zealand's five warmest years since records began have occurred since 2021.

Thu, Jan 8

December 2025
Ulva Island.

Southland's waters warming faster than most

Sea surface temperatures were increasing about 34% faster in New Zealand than the global average, according to an Environment Southland report.

December 6, 2025

October 2025
Amnesty International’s Secretary General says the Government is neglecting its global responsibilities.

Amnesty chief says NZ 'failing Tuvalu' amid climate crisis

Amnesty International’s Secretary General is warning the Government is neglecting its global responsibilities as rising seas threaten to swallow Pacific nations.

October 30, 2025