Bill on free NZUs puts some companies at risk

Bill on free NZUs puts some companies at risk
The steel sector is one industry set to gets its free allocation of carbon units cut. (Image: Depositphotos)
Ian Llewellyn
A bill reforming the way free carbon units are allocated will be introduced by the end of the year, saving about $60 million annually and making the emissions trading scheme (ETS) more effective.However, it risks some businesses going under.Climate change minister James Shaw has been working for some time to change the way New Zealand Units (NZUs) are allocated, with evidence that some polluting firms are being given too many.When the emissions trading scheme was set up, several firms were allocated free NZUs. This was because they have high le...

More Law & Regulation

EPA’s Allan Freeth sets record straight
Primary Sector

EPA’s Allan Freeth sets record straight

Resignation news a simple case of "bad timing", says environment watchdog CEO.

Pattrick Smellie 07 Nov 2025
War on Nature v Going for Growth
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: War on Nature v Going for Growth

Some big environmental eggs were broken this week to 'go for growth'.

Pattrick Smellie 07 Nov 2025
Commerce Commission approves Huntly agreement
Markets

Commerce Commission approves Huntly agreement

Gentailer deal to keep Rankine unit running gets a quick tick.

Ian Llewellyn 06 Nov 2025
RBNZ says risks linked to new mortgage lending contained
Economy

RBNZ says risks linked to new mortgage lending contained

House prices near the top of RBNZ's range of sustainable estimates.

Staff reporters 06 Nov 2025