Climate Change

Examples of our work in this area include:

• Assisting clients with Government engagement and legislative reform, including submissions on the Zero Carbon Bill, relevant regulations and the Productivity Commission's low emissions economy report. Our commentary on the Zero Carbon Bill, and other related issues, can be found here.
• Advising on compliance obligations under NZ ETS, including obligations to report emissions and surrender units, liabilities arising in respect of deforestation and treatment of emissions liability more generally.
• Advising on agreements between NZ ETS market participants to align arrangements with the statutory framework, ensure smooth and effective unit transfer obligations, and allocate liability for regulatory changes.   
• Assisting clients in relation to Commerce Commission scrutiny in the climate change area – specifically in relation to carbon reduction or neutrality claims and 'greenwashing' advertising representations.
• Advising clients on the possibility of launching a green bond offer in New Zealand, as well as the viability of other green funds.
• Acting on a dispute involving allegations in relation to NZ ETS pricing under a supply contract.
• Advising on the new role of climate change in the Resource Management Act, including the interface with the Climate Change Response Act.