Electrifying AotearoaBring down energy bills and emissions
Three climate commitments Kiwis in Climate is calling for this election
Kiwis in Climate calls on political candidates to prioritise electrification, building climate resilience and cross-partisan climate policy. As a group of technical experts working in climate and sustainability, we see these as the most effective ways to tackle both climate change and the cost of living.
The Kiwis in Climate policy focus for Election 2026
New Zealand is one of the most awesome 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.
Our suggested policy focuses will cut costs for kiwi households and businesses. They will also help us to realise the $22B a year opportunity in a low-emissions economy.
Climate action can tackle cost of living concerns.
If we protect our climate, we protect our future. While New Zealand is small, we have a responsibility to act - and New Zealanders will benefit from leading on climate solutions. Our Pacific neighbours are vulnerable to climate impacts and they, alongside the rest of the world, will benefit from Kiwi ingenuity on climate.
This election will determine whether we make real efforts to address the climate and cost of living crisis. Let’s make it count.
Electrify Aotearoa:
Renewable energy, cleaner air, cheaper lower 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.
Making electrification the easiest and cheapest choice
Making Aotearoa New Zealand a world leader in energy innovation
Accelerating EV uptake alongside incentivising mode shift to public and active transport.
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.
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.
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
You can also join the kōrero in Auckland, Christchurch and London at our pre-election meetups. Catch up with members and something something something something something something something something.
Find out more and register to attend by clicking below.
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