A sustainable finance taxonomy is a classification system. It labels and establishes credible criteria for economic activities based on their contributions to meeting environmental goals.
CSF, in partnership with the New Zealand Government, is working to create a sustainable finance taxonomy for Aotearoa New Zealand (the NZ Taxonomy).
Our long-term prosperity and resilience depend on transitioning to a low-emissions economy. The NZ Taxonomy creates a common language between investors and businesses and intends to flow capital to activities which support the transition, by making it easier to assess the sustainability credentials of an activity or investment, thereby lowering associated costs and greenwashing risk. For businesses, the NZ Taxonomy can be used to distinguish activities that could be relevant for a broader range of financing structures offered by lenders or investors.
Taxonomies are developed or being developed in over 50 jurisdictions globally. As an optional capital market, a domestically relevant taxonomy is intended to help NZ businesses access global capital for transition. It can also support efficient market access by ensuring NZ businesses are using frameworks recognisable to markets, customers and regulators globally. The NZ Taxonomy also plays a crucial role in expanding the visibility and credibility of transition activities, where the path towards low-emissions is complex and gradual.
The purpose of the NZ Taxonomy is to enable market participants to mobilise and direct capital flows towards:
Read more about the purpose of the NZ Taxonomy here.
The NZ Taxonomy is now taking expressions of interest to join the sector-specific Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for the Construction and Buildings sector.
The TAG provides technical inputs to developing the criteria for the sector, ensuring they are credible, practical, and fit-for-purpose for Aotearoa New Zealand.
We are seeking a diverse range of perspectives, including from those with experience in industry, civil society, iwi and Māori organisations, policy, and academia. Individuals with strong knowledge of the Construction and Buildings sector, as well as climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience, are encouraged to apply.
Applications close 30 January, 2026.
All successful candidates will be notified by 13 February and the first meeting will take place on 19 February, 2026.
The NZ Taxonomy is being developed through a robust and credible process that was established in alignment with leading international efforts in designing local taxonomies.
This process includes the involvement of a diverse range of expertise, strong governance, regulatory oversight, transparency, opportunity for public input and safeguards against undue political or industry interference.
The process includes two types of working group:
The development work is overseen by the Ministry for the Environment, with quality assurance of the process being provided by the Council of Financial Regulators.
CSF provides coordination and secretariat functions for the development of the NZ Taxonomy.
CSF has engaged the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) as the technical partners for the NZ Taxonomy development. CBI have contributed to the development of more than twenty sustainable finance taxonomies globally, including in the EU, Singapore, Brazil and Australia.
Additionally, throughout the process there has been input from and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, research organisations, industry bodies, real economy participants, iwi and Māori organisations, and environmental NGOs.
The NZ Taxonomy coordinates with the development of taxonomies in other jurisdictions internationally, and particularly with Australia.
Government appoints CSF to develop a sustainable finance taxonomy for New Zealand.
Key design recommendations for the NZ Taxonomy, developed by an Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG), submitted to the Ministry for the Environment and the Minister of Climate Change.
Technical Expert Group established.
Methodological approach for climate change mitigation finalised, with CoFR review.
Criteria for the agriculture and forestry sector finalised.
Final NZ Taxonomy for the agriculture and forestry, energy, and construction & buildings sectors published.
The Technical Expert Group (TEG) oversees the development of the NZ Taxonomy. It serves as an intermediary between the Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs), the lead agency, Ministry for the Environment (the Ministry), and the Government quality assurance function. The TEG offers strategic direction, input, and endorsement of all technical taxonomy methodologies and definitions, ensuring usability, interoperability and alignment with Ministerial direction on taxonomy design and that they are fit-for-purpose for NZ.
Co-Chairs:
Members:
Observer: Allison Hancock, Partner, MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Previous members:
TEG meeting #1 minutes (21 November 2024)
TEG meeting #2 minutes (10 December 2024)
TEG meeting #3 minutes (11 February 2025)
TEG meeting #4 minutes (25 February 2025)
TEG meeting #5 minutes (1 April 2025)
TEG meeting #6 minutes (29 April 2025)
TEG meeting #7 minutes (27 May 2025)
TEG meeting #8 minutes (17 June 2025)
TEG meeting #9 minutes (22 July 2025)
TEG meeting #10 minutes (19 August 2025)
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Read more about the Centre for Sustainable Finance.
Grounded in the Sustainable Finance Form’s 2030 Roadmap for Action.
Learn more about our Board and Executive Team.
Our work would not be possible without the support of our partners.
Financing sustainable growth in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A classification system for sustainable economic activities.
Accelerating financing solutions for affordable, abundant clean energy.
Guidance for SMEs to start sustainability reporting.
Promoting greater options for New Zealand investors
