New Zealand – This week, the New Zealand Government announced amendments to the Climate Change Response Act that would restrict legal avenues for climate justice. The amendments prevent individuals and groups from holding companies accountable for the harm caused by their greenhouse gas emissions.

These amendments were an intentional move by the government to block climate justice spokesperson Mike Smith’s (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu) case against New Zealand’s major climate polluters, Fonterra, Genesis Energy, Dairy Holdings, New Zealand Steel, Z Energy, and BT Mining.

Nele Kalolo, 350.org Pacific Climate Warrior from Tāmaki Makaurau, said:

“This case was about setting a global precedent where major polluters are held accountable for the harm their greenhouse gases cause to everyday people. By blocking this case, the government has shown us that the profits of polluters matter more to them than the well-being of their citizens”

The amendments are in direct opposition to the Supreme Court’s decision to grant Smith approval to take this case to court in 2027, as well as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory Opinion that states have binding obligations to prevent harm, protect human rights, and act in the interests of both present and future generations. The upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution welcoming the ICJ Advisory Opinion on the legal obligations of States in respect of climate change represents a defining opportunity for global leadership and collective responsibility.

Bethany Mataiti, 350.org Pacific Climate Warriors Te Whanganui a Tara Coordinator, said:

“These amendments are an attack on mana whenua as well as our Pacific regional homes. It is unjust that those contributing the most to the climate crisis face no consequence whilst our Māori and Pacific communities are left to bridge gaps we did not create. The government must reverse these amendments, and voters should absolutely remember these actions as this year’s national elections approach.”

The 350.org Pacific Climate Warriors demand that the New Zealand government reverse all changes to the Climate Change Response Act that reduce expert opinion and lived experience from shaping National Adaptation Plans, increase the target for biogenic methane reduction, and prevent legal action against major greenhouse gases emitters.

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