Minister Watts has responded to our open letter but declined to meet.
Kiwis in Climate called on the Government to heed the Climate Commission’s 2024 advice on key policy issues for the low-carbon economy transition. Minister Watts has responded, reaffirming the Government’s position and declining our invitation to meet.
Our network of over 300 sustainability experts wrote to Hon Simon Watts, Minister of Climate Change in December 2025, expressing our concern over the Government’s response to the Climate Commission’s 2024 advice.
We argued that this decision undermines New Zealand’s opportunities for economic growth, investment certainty, competitiveness, and our international standing.
Based on the Commission’s advice, we called on the Government to:
Restore a 1.5 degree methane pathway by committing to a 35–47% gross reduction by 2050, while maintaining the 10% by 2030 milestone
Include international shipping and aviation emissions within the 2050 long-lived gases target to reflect full-economy responsibility and international practice
Commit to net-negative long-lived gases and further reductions post-2050, consistent with the Commission’s advice and peer-country pathways
Provide a clear timetable for emissions budget decisions and near-term implementation measures that give firms the confidence to invest
Develop a strategy for international carbon trading, to allow for the opportunity to enter Article 6 carbon markets in recognition of the fact that New Zealand’s commitment of a 50% reduction in emissions below 2005 levels was always based on a combination of domestic and international action
In February 2026 we received a response from the Minister, reaffirming the Government’s decision and declining our offer to meet with his office to provide expert guidance.
We were disappointed by the overlooked opportunity to discuss pragmatic, investable pathways towards a low-carbon economy. We continue to call on the Government to comply with expert and technical guidance from the Climate Change Commission.
