Amending the Climate Change Response Act - Ministry for the Environment

What's at stake

Who feels it

Energy sector, infrastructure operators, local authorities, businesses with emissions-intensive operations, households dependent on energy pricing and availability.

Money in play

TBC

Timing

22 April 2026 (announcement date). Royal Assent date and implementation timeline TBC pending Cabinet consideration.

How it works

Climate Change Response Act 2002 (amendment)

Key context

Monitor Cabinet papers and Select Committee submissions for the scope of amendments (emissions targets, ETS settings, transition supports, or institutional arrangements)Track Royal Assent and commencement dates when publishedReview implications for your sector's compliance obligations under the National Emissions Trading Scheme or sectoral targetsWatch for any changes to climate reporting or transition planning requirementsCheck Ministry for the Environment consultation timeline and provide submissions if impacts your operations

Wider effects

Just Transition (if employment or sector support changes); Energy policy (if generation or grid requirements shift); Local Government Act implications (if councils' climate responsibilities realigned); Te Tiriti (if Māori climate partnership provisions amended); Competition (if ETS or renewable energy investment incentives restructured).