ACT's Climate Policy
ACT accepts that climate change is occurring but argues New Zealand's contribution to global emissions is too small to justify costly domestic action. They propose scaling back climate regulations, exiting the ETS or fundamentally reforming it, and opposing binding international climate commitments.
In simple terms
Accept the science of climate change but argue that New Zealand's actions have minimal global impact, so reduce the cost of climate regulations on businesses and households.
Green Party's Climate Policy
The Green Party advocates for a faster transition, targeting net-zero by 2035. Policy includes a wealth tax to fund climate action, ending all new fossil fuel exploration, a Just Transition Fund for affected workers, rapid expansion of renewable energy, and free public transport.
In simple terms
Reach net-zero emissions by 2035 rather than 2050, stop all new fossil fuel projects, support workers whose jobs disappear due to the energy transition, and make public transport free.
Labour's Climate Policy
Labour introduced the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Act, establishing net-zero carbon by 2050 and the independent Climate Change Commission. Policy includes clean car incentives, renewable energy investment, and the ETS with agriculture entering in 2025.
In simple terms
Stick to the legal target of net-zero carbon by 2050, use carbon pricing for all sectors including farming, and support electric vehicles and renewable energy.
National's Climate Policy
National supports the Emissions Trading Scheme as the primary tool for reducing emissions. They propose to reverse the previous government's ban on offshore oil and gas exploration, emphasise agricultural technology over regulation, and review climate targets to ensure economic impacts are considered.
In simple terms
Use market-based carbon pricing to reduce emissions, allow offshore gas and oil exploration again, and avoid farming regulations that would hurt farmers.
NZ First's Climate Policy
NZ First supports balanced climate action that does not harm New Zealand's economy, particularly the agricultural sector. They oppose policies they view as ideologically driven, support the ETS in principle but with agricultural exemptions, and emphasise technology-led solutions.
In simple terms
Take a cautious approach to climate policy that protects farming and jobs, exempt agriculture from carbon pricing, and focus on technological solutions rather than government mandates.
Te Pāti Māori's Climate Policy
Te Pāti Māori frames climate change as an issue of intergenerational and indigenous justice. They call for rapid decarbonisation, protecting Māori lands and coastlines from climate impacts, Treaty-based climate governance, and ensuring Māori communities lead their own climate adaptation.
In simple terms
Treat climate change as a justice issue requiring urgent action, protect Māori lands and coastal communities from climate damage, and ensure Māori have a voice in climate decisions under the Treaty.