The Climate Change Response Amendment Bill has been introduced to strengthen New Zealand’s climate change framework by streamlining the Climate Change Response Act 2002, improving the operation of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS), and introducing a new climate adaptation planning framework.
Read the bill here.
Climate Adaptation Plans for priority areas
Under the Bill, local authorities will be required to prepare adaptation plans for priority areas, with these plans intended to align with regional spatial plans under the Government’s wider resource management reforms. This joined-up approach is a positive step, helping to better integrate climate adaptation with long-term land use and infrastructure planning.
The Bill also signals the Government’s continued focus on strengthening climate resilience, although further detail is still expected on how adaptation measures will be funded. Greater clarity on funding responsibilities will help support effective long-term planning and provide certainty for councils, infrastructure providers, and the property sector.
What happens next?
The Bill was introduced to Parliament on 15 July 2026. It is expected that the Bill will be referred to Select Committee before progressing through the remaining stages of the legislative process.
Property Council is in the early stages of reviewing the Bill and will keep members updated as our assessment progresses.
Get in touch with Sandy if you’d like to keep up with this workstream.
Climate Change Response Amendment Bill
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