CSF congratulates and welcomes members of the newly formed energy sector Technical Advisory Group (TAG).
The TAG is responsible for providing technical input to inform taxonomy definitions for Technical Expert Group (TEG) endorsement, and for offering feedback on TEG technical methodologies for TEG’s consideration and approval.
TAG’s technical insights will help shape:
- Substantial Contribution (SC) criteria for climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience (A&R)
- Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) criteria
- The application of Minimum Social Safeguards (MSS) under the NZ Taxonomy
TAG’s key responsibilities include:
- Identifying and proposing a list of activities and measures for inclusion in the climate change mitigation and A&R criteria for the energy sector, for TEG endorsement
- Developing climate change mitigation and A&R SC criteria for these activities in the energy sector, for TEG endorsement
- Developing any applicable activity-specific DNSH criteria for the energy sector, for TEG endorsement
- Reviewing NZ Taxonomy components that apply across multiple sectors to assess whether they are fit-for-purpose for the energy sector; and where they are not, recommending changes with supporting rationale for TEG consideration
For more information, see the Energy TAG Terms of Reference.
The Energy TAG held its introductory meeting on 30 October, and the criteria development process commenced in November 2025.
TAG members:
- Alan Brent, Chair in and Professor of Sustainable Energy Systems, Victoria University of Wellington
- Andrew Clennett, Co-Founder and Chief Executive, Hiringa Energy| Matthew (Matt) Carnachan, Co-Founder and Head of Trading & Energy Markets, Hiringa Energy
- Ben Vaughan, Energy Lead, Arup
- Callum (Cal) Streeter, General Manager, JRG Energy Consultants
- Dave Maslin, Director – Power & Energy, WSP New Zealand
- Derek Caudwell, Chief Executive, Trust Horizon
- Evelien Wallace, Energy Innovation Manager – Sustainable Molecules, Ara Ake
- Howard Thomas, General Counsel and Company Secretary, Mercury Energy
- Kennie Tsui, Chief Executive, New Zealand Geothermal Association
- Mana Newton, Group Chief Executive, Tauhara North No.2 Trust
- Peter McCafferty, Business Director – Renewables & Transmission, Beca
- Philippa (Pip) Newland, Head of Sustainability Risk & Insights, Orion New Zealand
- Rowan Hooper, Sustainable Development Manager – Group Finance & Services, Todd Corporation
- Ryan Luscombe, Client Director, Bank of New Zealand (BNZ)
- Sam Friggens, General Manager – Climate Transitions, ASB
- Tina Frew, Head of Sustainability, Meridian Energy
- Villy Kladi, Associate Director – Sustainable Finance, Westpac New Zealand
- Vincent (Vince) Smart, Lead Advisor – Evidence, Insights & Innovation, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)
Observer: Idil Kaplan, Principal Engagement Advisor – Infrastructure Regulation, Commerce Commission
Learn more about the NZ Taxonomy development process here.
