The Government is pitching in to help vital work to protect nationally significant kauri forests in Auckland, Minister of Conservation Kiri Allan says. “Ensuring the survival of these iconic trees for future generations means doing everything we can to prevent the potential spread of kauri dieback disease,” Kiri Allan said. “But prior to the latest […]

The University of Waikato has launched the world’s first Bachelor of Climate Change degree as New Zealand works to meet its target of net zero emissions by 2050. The three-year degree, starting next year, combines scientific knowledge with understanding of economic, social and political systems and Māori and Pacific responses to climate change, delivering graduates […]

The number of plug-in electric cars registered has more than doubled in the year to the end of June. The Motor Industry Association said there were 1641 battery-powered electric vehicles registered, compared with only 611 at the same time last year. Chief executive David Crawford said the introduction of the Government’s clean car discount, which […]

Electric vehicle charging company ChargeNet has secured investment from a Swiss energy trading firm Mercuria, to expand its charging network across the country for a 20 per cent stake in the company. ChargeNet owns the country’s largest charging network, with 256 stations, and had a further 24 in its pipeline. Co-founder Steve West said “Right […]

Three UK companies, Hive Energy, Ethical Power and Solar South West, have established a joint venture company, HES Aotearoa Ltd, to develop solar projects in New Zealand. The JV aims to support the New Zealand government’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy generation in the country by 2030. According to a study by state-owned power […]

Ritchies Transport, which runs 1,600 vehicles and 42 depots that operate across the country, will be acquired by the global investment firm KKR. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but sources familiar with the circumstances say the deal values Ritchies at over $500 million. The government now requires all of its agencies and […]

Contact Energy announced that it would proceed with its new Tauhara power station, its second geothermal development at the Tauhara field near Taupo, New Zealand. The project is due to complete in 2023. The project will significantly boost the local economy, investing around $580 million and creating approximately 500 jobs during the construction phase. Japanese […]

The government should stop focusing on unproven hydrogen energy technology to tackle climate change, says an expert. Canterbury University professor of mechanical engineering Susan Krumdieck said the government was enthusiastic about the development of green hydrogen, but it was a waste of time and money. Green hydrogen is a potential future vehicle fuel that would […]

The windfarm operator and developer Tilt Renewables has more than doubled its profit for the six months to September, mostly through accounting provisions, as it juggles developments in a changing energy sector. The company reported an after-tax profit of $AU11.8 million up from $AU6.8m on the year earlier. Its revenue was down after selling a […]

Flood protection for Whakatāne’s town centre is about to get a much-needed upgrade to protect people and property against a one-in-100-year flood. Project Future Proof has been drawn up to upgrade stopbanks and floodwalls surrounding the central business district and address seepage issues. It was presented to Whakātane District councillors yesterday by staff from the […]