This issues paper aims to assist individuals and organisations to participate in the inquiry. It outlines the background to the inquiry, the Commission’s intended approach, and the matters about which the Commission is seeking comment and information.

This report recommends a suite of policy reforms to help drive the transition. These include introducing emissions standards for newly registered vehicles, a feebate scheme to accelerate the uptake of EVs, and mandatory climate-related financial disclosures.

This inquiry concluded that New Zealand can indeed make the transition to a low-emissions economy. But there will be tough challenges along the way. It will require consistent and concerted effort across government, business, households and communities – up to and beyond 2050.

New Zealand has had climate change policies in place for some time, but these have not been effective in reducing domestic emissions. For businesses, households, investors and consumers to manage the risks and seize the opportunities of moving to a low-emissions future, change is needed.