About this consultation
The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) is leading this consultation.
On this web page, we have some background information and a summary of what is proposed.
Further details, consultation documents, and information about how to make a submission are on MfE's website.
Deferral of NZ ETS reporting obligations for animal farmers – MfE
New emissions reduction plan will future-proof NZ's largest export sector – Beehive
Background to this consultation
The Climate Change Response Act 2002 (CCRA) provides a framework for developing and implementing climate change policies to enable Aotearoa New Zealand to meet its domestic targets, emissions budgets, and international obligations.
To help achieve this, the CCRA requires reporting and surrendering of units for emissions from specified activities through the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS).
Since 2011, the CCRA has required fertiliser and animal processors to monitor and report their agricultural emissions under the NZ ETS.
From 2025, they would be required to pay for these emissions through the NZ ETS, unless an alternative system is implemented as part of the He Waka Eke Noa partnership.
From 1 January 2024, the CCRA also requires animal farmers to register with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and begin monitoring their emissions and report them the following year.
Related information
Agricultural emissions – He Pou a Rangi | Climate Change Commission
Summary of what’s being proposed
Feedback is being sought on a proposal to defer the NZ ETS obligations for animal farmers for 2 years, from 1 January 2024 to 1 January 2026.
The Government is proposing to use the ability to set a later date by Order in Council.
Only the proposal to defer the NZ ETS obligations for animal farmers, via an Order in Council, is being consulted on.
Cabinet has approved the Ministry for the Environment to carry out the consultation between 18 August 2023 and 6 September 2023.
Making your submission
Submissions must be received by the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) by 11.59pm on 6 September 2023.
Information about how to make a submission is on MfE's website.
Deferral of NZ ETS reporting obligations for animal farmers – MfE
