A cross-partisan approachEnsure long-term planning and avoid the costs in political flip-flopping
Three climate commitments Kiwis in Climate is proposing for election '26
Kiwis in Climate is a global network of New Zealand climate and sustainability professionals. This election year we urge political candidates to ensure a cross-partisan approach, plan for climate resilience, and electrify Aotearoa.
The Kiwis in Climate policy focus for the 2026 New Zealand general election
Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the most special places on Earth. The majority of New Zealanders want more political action to protect this precious place, and realise the many opportunities in acting on climate today: more jobs, cleaner energy and liveable cities.
Kiwis in Climate, with its 400+ members working on climate and sustainability, have cut through the noise this election to make three calls for the next intake of politicians to focus on. We provide expert credibility, cross-partisan positioning and a connecting channel between communities, businesses and government.
Climate action can tackle cost of living concerns.
Aotearoa is experiencing more and more severe weather events, with a record number of emergencies declared this year. Recovery from these disasters is expensive, and the impact on farming and crops affects food prices. If we plan for resilience now, we can save over $10 for every $1 spent, and protect both lives and livelihoods.
The next government should also support innovation to make New Zealand a world leader in electrification, which enables homes, businesses, farms and industries to save money, while also reducing emissions.
The KiC Call’s suggested policy focuses will cut costs for kiwi households and businesses and help us to realise the $22 billion a year opportunity in a low-emissions economy. If we protect our climate, we protect our future.
This election will determine whether we make real efforts to address the climate and cost of living crisis. Let’s make it count.
Progress cross-partisan climate policy:
Whoever wins, this isn’t going away.
The KiC call to take a cross-partisan approach.
We encourage all political parties and incoming Members of Parliament to:
Create a parliamentary cross-party climate group. Resource this group to do work that can be used by all parties, like the report on long-term low emissions pathway produced during the 51st parliament.
Strengthen climate governance, such as cross-party select committee investigations, review of legislation through a climate lens and cross-departmental coordination mechanisms for climate.
Better resource existing climate architecture e.g., the New Zealand Climate Change Commission to gain an independent revenue stream through an enhanced Emissions Trading Scheme.
Build community resilience:
The risks are here, what’s the plan?
The KiC Call to plan for climate risks.
We encourage all political parties and the incoming government to:
Progress climate adaptation policy, including tackling tricky issues such as cost-sharing and managed retreat. Continued cross-party collaboration will provide policy certainty.
Prioritise nature-based solutions for building resilience. by preferring these solutions in adaptation legislation, regulation, and Government Policy Statements; as well as using these approaches, where appropriate, for any adaptation undertaken by central government.
Support and resource local government to plan for and implement local climate adaptation, with clear guidelines and financial support to resource this work. Ensure adaptation is included in all relevant legislation and Government Policy Statements to provide consistency for local government.
Electrify Aotearoa:
Renewable energy, cleaner air, cheaper bills.
The KiC Call to Electrify Aotearoa.
We encourage parties to commit to moving away from fossil fuels and supporting clean, affordable, local energy:
Develop a long-term electrification strategy which covers home heating, industry and transport.
Make electrification the easiest and cheapest choice
Make Aotearoa New Zealand a world leader in energy innovation
Accelerate EV uptake alongside incentivising mode shift to public and active transport.
Read the full KiC Call:
Get involved at Kiwis in Climate pre-election events
Join our online panel event
🗓️ Thursday 15 October, 8:30-9:30am NZDT on Zoom
Candidates from across the political spectrum will share their visions, policy priorities, about climate change, energy, nature, and the cost of living. They will also answer quick‑fire yes/no responses and answer audience Q&A.
If you work in climate, sustainability, energy, nature, or simply care about New Zealand’s future, this is a conversation worth joining. Please register on the link below.
If you can’t make it, check back on this page and the KiC blog afterwards, for video highlights and analysis.
Join a local in-person event
🗓️ Monday 12 October, Nelson / in collab with Nelson Tasman Climate Forum and Forest & Bird
🗓️ Thursday 15 October, Auckland & Christchurch
🗓️ Tuesday 20 October, London
Kiwis in Climate members and guests can also join the kōrero in person in Auckland, Christchurch and London, at our pre-election meetups. Catch up with our vibrant climate and sustainability community, talk politics, be inspired, and make new connections, with special guests to be confirmed. Strictly limited spaces.
Find out more and register to attend by clicking below.
Images by @unsplash / Bryce Groves
