Global recognition strengthens international investor and market confidence in identifying sustainable economic activities in New Zealand.
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 23 June 2026 – The New Zealand Taxonomy project has received international recognition after being awarded the 2026 Climate Bonds Award for Most Innovative Taxonomy.
The NZ Taxonomy is a voluntary tool to help businesses, lenders and investors identify sustainable economic activities in New Zealand. It aims to support New Zealand businesses’ access to global capital and markets and enable capital to more easily find sustainable activities in New Zealand.
The award recognises the NZ Taxonomy project’s leadership in developing internationally credible, evidence-based taxonomy criteria for the agriculture and forestry sectors. It also acknowledges the project’s inclusion of transition activities, recognising that sectors such as agriculture require credible pathways to lower emissions rather than a binary “green” classification, and that New Zealand is among the first jurisdictions to develop adaptation and resilience criteria within its taxonomy framework.
Jessica Desmond, who leads the NZ Taxonomy project secretariat at the Centre for Sustainable Finance, said New Zealand’s expertise in agriculture and forestry make it well placed to contribute to global taxonomy developments in this area.
“New Zealand producers are among the best in the world, so it makes sense for New Zealand to help lead taxonomy development for these sectors. Industry experts, scientists, Māori and financial sector representatives developed the criteria, in partnership with the New Zealand Government, to ensure the NZ Taxonomy works for our primary producers while meeting international market expectations. We are pleased to receive the Climate Bonds award in recognition of this leadership and New Zealand’s position as a trusted destination for sustainable finance.”
The NZ Taxonomy is expected to support New Zealand exporters in responding to growing sustainability expectations.
Carolyn Mortland, Executive Officer – Sustainability, Zespri International, said:
“Our customers are increasingly asking for credible, consistent evidence of sustainability across their supply chains. We see globally recognised standards and definitions, such as the NZ Taxonomy, as a practical way to align on these expectations, providing clarity across our markets, supporting delivery of Zespri’s Climate Change Transition Plan, and helping unlock investment into the actions needed across our value chain.”
Ms Desmond said the award highlights New Zealand’s ability to contribute expertise to the global sustainable finance market.
“This award sends a strong signal to international investors that they can have confidence in the transparency, governance and scientific integrity underpinning the NZ Taxonomy.”
“It also demonstrates that New Zealand can play a leadership role in shaping sustainable finance frameworks that work for sectors such as agriculture and forestry, which are critical to both economic prosperity and climate transition.”
The NZ Taxonomy project will cover agriculture, forestry, energy, buildings and construction. It will be submitted to Government for consideration for endorsement in December 2026.
The NZ Taxonomy is aligned with approaches taken in Australia and Singapore.
Jessica Desmond accepts the award on behalf of the NZ Taxonomy Project. Pictured with Jessica are David Woods, CSF Board member (left) and Sean Kidney, CEO of the Climate Bonds Initiative (centre).
ENDS
Additional resources:
- Public consultation on the energy sector criteria for the NZ Taxonomy is open until 5pm NZT on 10 July. Interested parties can learn more and make a submission here.
- CSF is hosting a NZ Taxonomy showcase at London Climate Action Week, Thursday 25 June 2:00PM GMT for financial institutions and other taxonomy users, taxonomy developers and policymakers and sustainable finance practitioners interested in taxonomy development and implementation. Places are limited, register here.
