Parliament’s Environment Select Committee released its report on 20 July on the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill. EDS Reform Director Dr Greg Severinsen says the committee’s recommendations will make the Bills even worse. “Councils will still have to give compensation to landowners when certain public interest protections are imposed,...
Auckland Council’s Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund (WMIF) is back, with $500,000 available to support projects that reduce waste and help build a circular economy in Tāmaki Makaurau. Applications open from 1 to 31 August, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000. Previous WMIF projects: Ae Ka Taea e Koe...
This is a call for the Government to put a one-year pause on the development of new AI data centres so that we can decide which AI data centres are in the public interest, where they should go, what rules they should follow, and who should pay for the resource and infrastructure they need to function. The recently consented Datagrid hyperscale...
Aucklanders can find out how to make their homes more energy efficient here. You will find practical ways to save energy, cut costs and make your home healthier and more comfortable: Lower your bills and energy use Upgrade from gas to electricity Generate clean energy at home You can also...
Auckland Council is taking applications for the 2026 Regional Historic Heritage Grant Programme. Individuals, iwi or Māori groups, community groups and trusts can apply for up to $50,000 for the preservation of heritage places. Applications are open from 20 July until 14 September. The funding priorities include: Conservation of regionally...
Expert briefings aim to reshape New Zealand’s election conversation about the future As New Zealand heads towards a pivotal general election, organisers of the 26 June Reality of Everything Symposium are urging New Zealanders to engage with the defining challenge of our time: the planetary polycrisis. Organisers of the sold-out...
Does responding to climate warming require both a fast reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) AND efforts to protect people and nature from the impacts (adaptation)? Should we do both? Can we do both? Would adaptation at the expense of emissions reduction create an unliveable world? David Spratt, the Research...
The Environmental Defence Society welcomes the government’s decision to abandon the controversial conservation land exchange and disposal provisions in the Conservation Amendment Bill, while warning that several significant issues remain unresolved. “The decision to withdraw the land exchange and disposal provisions and undertaking to amend the ‘economic clauses’ removes some...
Construction work on the Leys is anticipated to commence in October. The assessment of the Engineering Plan Approval application has been completed, with the approval decision letter was issued on 19 June, and building consent granted on 2 July. With construction tenders closing on 26 June, tender evaluation is underway,...
Local board plans are open for consultation until 23 July. Local board plans set out what each local board wants to achieve for its area over the next three years. You can give feedback on the draft plan for the area where you live, work or often visit. Five key...