Auckland, NZ – Monday 16 June, 2025
Today, public consultation has opened on the first draft of the Aotearoa New Zealand Sustainable Finance Taxonomy (NZ Taxonomy).
The NZ Taxonomy is a classification system for sustainable economic activities. It enables capital allocation decisions to economic activities that align with the transition to a resilient, low-emissions economy.
Consultation will run until 13 July and is seeking feedback on the draft criteria for activities making substantial contribution to climate change mitigation in the agriculture and forestry sectors, as well as the protections to safeguard other environmental and social outcomes.
The NZ Taxonomy is being developed by The Centre for Sustainable Finance: Toitū Tahua, in partnership with the New Zealand Government.
Climate Change Minister, Simon Watts says: Enabling credible markets that support our climate response is one of the five key pillars of our climate change strategy, which helps to ensure that our climate response enables the climate and the economy to thrive.
“A sustainable finance taxonomy will give investors, businesses and consumers the confidence they need to invest or participate in actions that support our transition to a low emissions economy. I’m looking forward to seeing the draft taxonomy later this year, as we continue work to mobilise investment that supports our economic and climate change goals.”
Public submissions to the consultations can be made via https://sustainablefinance.nz/nz-taxonomy-public-consultation/
Jessica Desmond, Head of Taxonomy for the Centre for Sustainable Finance: Toitū Tahua, says: “We look forward to receiving input from across the agricultural, forestry and financial sectors, including Māori, farmers and key stakeholders. A wide range of perspectives helps to ensure the NZ Taxonomy supports our trade objectives and creates value for the economy, environment and society.”
To foster strong trans-Tasman interoperability, the NZ Taxonomy methodology reflects the Australian approach. Its transition category includes activities which are making substantial progress toward low-emissions, including in hard-to-abate sectors.
New Zealand is joining more than 50 jurisdictions, including Singapore, Brazil and Australia, that are developing sustainable finance taxonomies. As an optional capital market, a domestically relevant taxonomy supports New Zealand’s trade and investment objectives.
Criteria for climate change adaptation and resilience activities are currently in development and will be consulted on in September 2025.
ENDS
