AGP Executive Report

Climate Adaptation Urgency: Earth Sciences NZ climate adaptation lead Dr Nicholas Cradock-Henry says Aotearoa must move from talking about resilience to building it into farms, cities and infrastructure as global warming increasingly risks overshooting 1.5°C. El Niño Pressure on Food Systems: Rural communities are bracing for one of the strongest El Niño events on record, with Wairarapa farmers warning of a warm, dry, windy spring that could stress pasture, crops and water. Circular Wine Waste: Marlborough’s new Circular Wine Programme aims to turn winery lees into safe soil amendments using compost and biochar, cutting waste and emissions while feeding vineyard soils. Port and Shipping Decarbonisation: Port Otago is investing in ten hybrid straddle carriers plus fleet management tech, and ABB has been selected for power/propulsion/automation on new Cook Strait rail-enabled ferries designed to cut emissions and underwater noise. Pacific Minerals Fight: Greenpeace Aotearoa condemns a US-NZ $101m Penrhyn port upgrade as colonial “resource grabbing”, warning it could support deep-sea mining plans. Transport Disruption Fix: NZTA says tolls stayed on during a north Auckland slip closure, but drivers can apply to have charges waived if they were redirected. Business and Skills: Hospitality NZ’s 2026 summit report sets out 13 recommendations for government and industry on employment, alcohol policy, skills and compliance.

Climate Overshoot Warning: A new UN report says global warming beyond 1.5°C is now inevitable, with “best-case” peaks around 1.8°C unless deep cuts and carbon removal ramp up fast. Biodiversity Win: New Zealand’s critically endangered kākāpō has hit a modern recovery high, with the population now at 325 birds after 90 chicks added to the count. Water Safety & Community Fundraising: Water Safety NZ’s Footrot Flats artwork campaign has raised bids online, linking Kiwi cartoon heritage to drowning-prevention support. Local Environment Pressure: Auckland’s Dairy Flat is dealing with thousands of seagulls damaging roofs, blocking drains and contaminating tank water. Industry & Emissions: Methanex says its Motunui operations are “not sustainable” and will close, with knock-on debate over LNG terminal plans and regional impacts. Public Services & Flooding: The PSA says Moa Point failures show outsourcing public services doesn’t work, warning of environmental and economic costs from sewage flooding. Energy Infrastructure: ABB will supply power and propulsion tech for new Cook Strait ferries, boosting passenger and freight capacity while modernising the crossing.

El Niño Watch: Earth Sciences NZ says El Niño is strengthening and could peak as one of the strongest on record, raising odds of windier, warmer spring conditions and wetter, stormier weather in the lower western South Island. Energy Transition: Methanex says New Zealand operations are “not sustainable”, agreeing to sell most gas entitlements from Q1 2027 and indefinitely idling its Taranaki plant. Pacific Climate Finance: The Pacific Resilience Facility is taking 14 community projects to pre-COP meetings and COP31, with funding aimed at water security, coastal restoration, sanitation and renewable energy. Disaster Response: Oxfam launches Nepal flood response in Rasuwa and Nuwakot after flash flooding swept away roads and bridges, leaving many communities hard to reach. Waste Policy: Government shelves a plan to ban hard-to-recycle PVC and polystyrene food and beverage packaging, drawing criticism from Zero Waste Aotearoa. Local Governance: Far North District Council sets up an independent dog objections panel, with a first case already awaiting a hearing. Health & Housing Pressure: Nursing students warn Aotearoa is losing the workforce it needs, while Wellington’s Homeless Women’s Trust opens a new whare for wāhine experiencing homelessness.

Space Safety: A new AI model can monitor satellite behaviour and flag unusual motion to help reduce in-orbit collision risk, using how light reflects off objects—built through an international project involving New Zealand and other FVEY partners. Pacific Climate & Diplomacy: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, China warned Taiwan of “consequences” after Taipei and Beijing both sent envoys, while leaders’ absences and great-power rivalry threaten to overshadow climate and ocean priorities. Local Environment Monitoring: Researchers developed a satellite-based method that uses the visible shoreline as a “ruler” to track tidal variability more accurately, improving coastal protection and navigation where tide gauges are sparse. Marine Protection: New Zealand’s coastal ecosystem work continues with marine reserve expansion and better monitoring approaches, including efforts to protect biodiversity and support healthier oceans. Carbon Markets (Pacific): In Solomon Islands, the Padezaka people’s forest was verified as an operational carbon project, aiming to protect old-growth rainforest and generate income for Indigenous landowners. Product Recall: Nature Baby recalled merino onesies due to a dome fastening that could detach and pose a choking hazard. Coastal Resilience Costs: The cost of Hutt River flood protection has risen from $350m to $535m, with co-funding being discussed.

Climate & culture: A Newar community in Kathmandu says climate change is drying up sacred water systems and erasing centuries-old rituals as urbanisation and hotter, wilder weather reshape daily life. Flood resilience & regional cooperation: After Nepal–Tibet border flooding, Sadhguru pledged NPR 10 million for relief and urged Nepal, India and China to coordinate on sustainable Himalayan management. Local flood protection costs: Greater Wellington updated the Te Awa Kairangi flood protection estimate to $535.4m, flagging a $184.9m funding gap and stressing protection for homes, hospitals and major infrastructure. Waiwera hot springs revival: Auckland Council granted resource consent for a $58m Waiwera Thermal Springs redevelopment, targeting construction in early 2027 and opening by mid-2028. Pacific climate diplomacy: NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters questioned whether the Paris Agreement can deliver for the Pacific given major emitters’ lack of full buy-in. Wildlife & development approvals: Residents near Wolfbrook’s Pegasus West housing plan brace after a fast-track attempt was declined, with multiple wildlife and heritage approvals still in play. Modern slavery reporting law: New Zealand’s Modern Slavery Bill has returned from select committee with a recommendation to pass, with nine sitting days left before it could become law. Public sector restructuring pushback: The PSA is calling for a mandatory public good test before job-cutting restructures. Marine protection: New Zealand opened five marine reserves using a Māori co-management model to protect Otago’s coastal ecosystems. Tourism: Cruise season is set to bring nearly 200,000 passengers to New Zealand.

Marine Protection in Otago: New Zealand has created five new marine reserves along Otago’s coast, covering 308 sq km, with a Māori co-management model that puts Kāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation side by side in decision-making. Biosecurity & Wildlife Health: South Africa’s sardine die-off has sparked fresh fears of pilchard herpesvirus after thousands of dead fish washed up on beaches, with scientists warning the beach count may be only a fraction of the total. Pacific Climate Action: Fiji has launched a climate mobility partnerships programme (NZ-funded, NZ$17.9m) to support community-led, rights-based relocations as climate impacts intensify across the Pacific. Climate Risk & Disasters: Nepal’s flash floods and glacier collapse response continues as the death toll rises and hundreds of hydropower workers remain missing, underscoring how extreme weather and unstable terrain are colliding. Infrastructure & Resilience: AECOM has been appointed design partner for the Warkworth to Te Hana section of the Northland Corridor, aiming to upgrade SH1 into a safer, more resilient motorway. Urban Wildfire Health: New research highlights how wildfire smoke is becoming a growing urban health risk, with climate change expected to worsen both frequency and reach.

Climate Deal Standoff: PM Christopher Luxon says staying in the Paris climate agreement is a “bottom line” for coalition talks, despite ACT and NZ First doubts and the cost of meeting targets. Auckland Air Quality: A 13-year study finds road dust can be a major driver of PM₁₀, pushing attention beyond exhaust fumes to non-exhaust pollution. Urban Trees Under Threat: Advocates warn new RMA replacement bills could lead to many more city trees being cut down, with protection narrowed to historic-heritage trees. Marine Biotech for Skincare: Cawthron and Callaghan Innovation are sampling marine microalgae and bacteria around Whakaari White Island and beyond, hunting for ingredients for products like sunscreen. Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders gather with several prime ministers absent, raising questions about unity and the push for tangible climate and economic outcomes. Cost of Living for Older Kiwis: RNZ reports Grey Power members struggling to cover basic expenses on super, with loneliness and isolation highlighted. General Practice Pressure: GenPro launches “Seven Steps” urging sustained funding and workforce support to keep frontline GP care viable. Birds and Predators: Forest & Bird’s “Beaking News” election campaign spotlights introduced predators as the biggest threat to native birds. TB Watch: Scotland records rising bovine TB herd breakdowns, with cattle-to-cattle spread and purchase links flagged. Kiwifruit Labour Claims: Shane Jones accuses the Bay of Plenty kiwifruit industry of “medieval slave practices” and calls for a Zespri law review. Health Policy: Police union warns a new disciplinary policy could undermine presumption of innocence. Gambling Harm: Hāpai Te Hauora launches “HOOKED” to expose how gambling design and marketing keep people playing.

Indo-Pacific Security: Senior defence leaders from 32 countries are gathering in Victoria for the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence conference, co-hosted by Canada and the US, with New Zealand among the attendees and Victoria police planning venue security. Pacific Climate & Development: Pacific Islands Forum leaders meet in Palau with a focus on “Blue Pacific” oceans, renewable energy and tourism, but unity is strained by last-minute absences and geopolitics. Himalayan Disaster Climate Link: Nepal–China floods and landslides are now linked to glacier instability and long-term warming, with China reporting 16 dead and 546 missing after a deadly mudslide near the border. NZ Fisheries Policy Fight: ACT has released a fisheries plan for shellfish limits and to end scallop dredging in closed areas, plus changes to how stocks are managed in the Hauraki Gulf. Tourism Governance Pressure: A Queenstown discussion will scrutinise the government’s tourism policy statement and whether national and regional bodies are “steering the tourism ship” for sustainable outcomes. Food Safety Scrutiny: Canberra hospitality faces rising food-safety enforcement, with more improvement and prohibition notices issued after inspections surged. Wildlife & Biosecurity: Australia is temporarily pulling staff from Macquarie Island ahead of bird flu risk during breeding season.

Climate & disaster risk: New Zealand researchers say the Nepal–Tibet flash flood was triggered by a glacier/rock collapse that formed a natural dam high in the mountains before failing suddenly, and they warn similar “landslide dam” cascades are a real hazard in NZ—modelling flags the Callery River catchment near Franz Josef as the country’s highest-risk area for this kind of event. Pacific climate diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau are expected to press Australia hard on emissions, with climate-concerned governments demanding a faster fossil-fuel phase-out. Marine stewardship: Students and community members on Mauke and Atiu have completed the first pilots of a Te Reinga Aorangi Marine Citizen Science programme, blending traditional knowledge with hands-on reef monitoring tools. Biodiversity on the ground: Te Ranga Pamu dairy farm in Bay of Plenty has won biodiversity and primary sector awards, spotlighting practical nature gains on working land. Local environment & resilience: Rotorua rafting operators have won approval to merge, framed as a way to stay viable while investing in safety and adapting to changing river conditions. Food safety (public health): Canberra’s food businesses faced a sharp rise in improvement notices and some prohibition orders, as inspections ramped up—another reminder that environmental health risks hit communities fast.

Nepal flood recovery: Aucklanders held a candlelight vigil for Nepal flash-flood victims, as New Zealanders remain missing and families wait for news after the disaster near the Nepal–China border. Climate risk science: Earth scientists say the Nepal-Tibet catastrophe involved a sudden collapse of rock and ice that generated a fast debris flow and huge water volume—raising questions about how cascading hazards and warming-linked conditions can amplify extreme events. Public health preparedness: The WHO is urging Pacific countries to prepare for bird flu (H5N1) spillover, pointing to recent detections in Australia and New Zealand and stressing One Health coordination. Pacific diplomacy & resources: Leaders head to the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau amid fractures over security and influence, with disputes also touching ocean minerals and Taiwan. Local care jobs: Health NZ contract changes put 1,200 Auckland home support workers at risk, with unions demanding continuity of care for older and disabled people. Tourism pressure: New Zealand expects nearly 200,000 cruise passengers this season, with government backing aimed at a more sustainable, resilient cruise sector. Waste and rates debate: A proposed council rates cap faces pushback over whether it will undermine funding for roads, flood protection and ageing infrastructure.

Cruise tourism and ports: Princess Cruises says it will double New Zealand port calls from the 2028-29 season, adding nine ports and forecasting more than $100m in economic value, with Fiordland scenic cruising included. Disaster risk and accountability: A Tauranga landslide review by retired judge Paul Davison says the council was repeatedly warned about unstable land and failed to act, framing it as a preventable disaster. Water protection in Wellington: Tiaki Wai is upgrading 3.1km of old Newtown wastewater pipes, using trenchless relining where possible, to reduce exposure to untreated wastewater. Microplastics focus: A new Ministry for the Environment-backed report flags growing microplastics and nanoplastics in New Zealand and calls for better monitoring to understand ecosystem and human risks. Climate-linked hazards: Scientists warn Nepal’s glacier-collapse flooding may signal a wider, repeat-collapse risk in a warming world, with debris-blocked rivers raising fears of more inundation. Wildlife disease: Australia’s H5 bird flu outbreak is spreading across many species, with researchers describing the situation as “pretty overwhelming.” Local animal welfare: Hastings residents are calling for stronger roaming dog laws after fatal attacks on cats, arguing current powers don’t move fast enough.

Freshwater Restoration Wins: Five Aotearoa groups and whānau were named 2026 Freshwater Champions for work restoring rivers, lakes, wetlands and estuaries, including wetland and riparian planting in South Wairarapa and Māori-led lake protection projects. Auckland Care Jobs at Risk: Health NZ’s procurement decision could cut more than 1,200 home-support worker jobs in Auckland after contracts were not renewed for three non-profit providers. Dark Sky Protection: Kaikōura businesses are making small lighting changes—like warm LEDs, shielding and motion sensors—to protect the district’s dark sky status and cut light pollution. Aquatic Weed Control: DOC has approved releasing grass carp to manage overgrown vegetation in the man-made stormwater lakes at Cooks Beach after mechanical and herbicide options failed. Pacific Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders are seeking backing for a new regional fund ahead of COP31 to finance renewable energy, community resilience and ocean protection. NZ–China Climate Dialogue: Climate Change Minister Simon Watts hosted China’s ecology minister, focusing on cooperation on agricultural methane and sustainable finance, with a visit to Zealandia highlighting biodiversity. Local Governance Under Rates Cap: Selwyn’s mayor says the government still hasn’t explained how councils will pay for amalgamation costs under the proposed rates cap. Himalayan Flood Warning: New reporting links Nepal-Tibet flash flooding to glacier collapse and warns of further lake and debris-dam risks.

Climate Risk: Nepal–Tibet flash floods have killed hundreds after a glacier collapse, with scientists warning warming is weakening glaciers and mountain slopes—raising the odds of cascading landslides and floods in places like New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Space Policy: Tāwhaki is tightening its dual-use launch rules, weighing defence-linked requests and asking who’s behind launch companies and what payloads would be carried. Public Transport Equity: Waikato SuperGold peak free bus travel could be cut (7–9am and 3–6.30pm weekdays) as council cites rising costs, while a 20% discount for 5–18-year-olds is proposed. Aged Care Jobs: Health New Zealand’s contract decision puts 1,200+ home-support workers in Auckland at risk after it won’t award new home/community support contracts to Visionwest, Lifewise and Presbyterian Support Northern. Energy Transition: Transpower says it’s accelerating electrification—adding 669MW via new renewable and battery projects and pushing major HVDC link renewal work. Biosecurity: New Zealand’s One Health response to H5N1 is under pressure as bird flu spreads in wild birds, with vaccination for threatened species underway. Wildlife Corridors: A “blue corridor” idea for Pacific whale highways is gaining attention as whales cross borders and high seas. Local Resilience: Moana’s upgraded fire station (seismic strengthening, new bays for truck and tanker) boosts readiness for multiple natural hazards. Business & Environment: A BNZ survey finds many firms see productivity as a national issue, but short planning horizons may be holding back investment in the changes needed to adapt.

Himalayan Disaster: Nepal-Tibet flash floods and mudslides have killed at least 332 people, with nearly 1,500 still missing, including hundreds of foreign tourists; Nepal police say a glacier collapse likely triggered the cascade, and disaster authorities warn a lake formed in the flood zone could burst, raising fresh danger for rescuers and residents. Climate Link: Scientists say climate change is making high-mountain rock and ice more unstable, increasing the odds of cascading hazards, though they caution against blaming warming as the single immediate cause. Kiwi Impact: New Zealand’s MFAT says five New Zealanders are among those missing, with consular staff deploying as identities are confirmed. Local Environment Watch: In New Zealand, grape growers in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay are pulling vines in response to global oversupply, with burn-offs reshaping landscapes and hitting local incomes. Policy & Risk: Labour says it will not raise fuel excise in the next term, while the government’s planned increase remains a live political and cost-of-living issue.

Online Safety Bill: New Zealand’s Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill would force social platforms to verify users are over 16 and assess child-safety risks, but experts warn bans are a “large-scale experiment” with mixed research on whether restrictions actually work. Biosecurity & Waterways: Auckland waterways are set to be checked for yellow-legged hornets using environmental DNA, aiming to detect hard-to-find nests and guide trap placement in the first insect incursion response of its kind in NZ. Waste Reform Stalled: WasteMINZ says delayed waste legislation will slow investment and infrastructure delivery, calling for a clear, enduring framework for waste, resource recovery and contaminated land management. Fast-Track Housing Pushback: Five mayors accuse the Government of “making a mockery of local democracy” over fast-tracked greenfield housing, urging rural developments be removed from the Fast-Track Approvals Act. Climate, Food & Health: Greenpeace pledges to oppose an Australian-owned coal-powered fertiliser factory in Southland, arguing it would worsen nitrate pollution and greenhouse emissions. Disaster Response: World Vision is calling for urgent help for children after Nepal–Tibet flash floods and landslides, with New Zealanders reported among hundreds missing. Local Environment & Resilience: Rotorua Airport has lodged consent for a business park, including stormwater and climate-resilience works to reduce flood risk. Conservation in Action: Fish & Game rangers found near-total compliance in a Mackenzie canal night-ranging operation, with one illegal lure offence detected. Marine Protection Warning: Namibia has cleared the world’s first commercial seabed phosphate dredging, raising alarms about damage to nutrient-rich currents and fisheries.

Deep-Sea Biodiversity: An international expedition near the Christmas and Cocos islands found 149 previously unknown deep-sea species on remote seamounts, underscoring how little we know about ocean life at extreme depths. Offshore Aquaculture: New Zealand will ease consent requirements for open-ocean aquaculture beyond three nautical miles, removing some landscape and natural character tests to speed investment toward a NZ$3bn revenue goal. Climate Policy Watchdog: The environment watchdog Simon Upton says forestry should be phased out of the ETS, warning the scheme has become a “cheap way out” that delays real emissions cuts and risks unmanaged, fire-prone pine. Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty: Pacific governments are warned they could face costly investor-state claims if they tighten rules on deep-sea mining, with “chilling effects” likely to deter stronger environmental protections. Local Impacts & Planning: Whakatāne rough sleepers received extra winter protection via Shelterbags, while the Wainui Coastal Adaptation Plan was paused as “plan stop” rules and RMA replacement uncertainty threaten coastal hazard work. Rates Pressure: Marlborough’s deputy mayor warns the new 4% rates cap could put community facilities and services at risk, forcing councils into tougher trade-offs. AgriTech Data Fight: A new discussion paper says New Zealand’s agritech sector is heading into a data ownership and access showdown, with farmers wary of third-party use of sensor and satellite data. Flood Risk Research: A breakthrough flood model is being developed using science and mātauranga Māori to map flood risk and cultural loss.