EPA fights back against refrigerant crime

EPA fights back against refrigerant crime
This aircon unit was installed by a legally certified engineer. (Image: Coastal News)
Greg Hurrell
Organised criminals are illegally importing refrigerants into New Zealand as a safer bet than drugs, but the Environmental Protection Authority says it’s on to them.Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) chief executive Allan Freeth outlined the problem at a Feb 13 annual review before Parliament's environment select committee.Freeth said the EPA had recently executed several search warrants in Auckland in a joint operation with police and the NZ Customs Service. "We seized a considerable amount of ozone-depleting gas...

More Law & Regulation

Manuka Doctor trademark appeal dismissed
Law & Regulation

Manuka Doctor trademark appeal dismissed

One judge dissented, saying he would have allowed the appeal.

John Anthony 10 Oct 2025
Smaller lenders eye prudential requirements in RBNZ review
Finance

Smaller lenders eye prudential requirements in RBNZ review

NBDTA proposed a total capital ratio of 10.5% of risk-weighted assets.

Andy Macdonald 10 Oct 2025
Smiths City owes creditors $26.8m
Retail

Smiths City owes creditors $26.8m

The outlook for unsecured creditors of the former retail icon Smiths City appears bleak, as liabilities have mounted to more than $26.8 million.Liquidators for the century-old retailer stated in their initial report that 240 creditors were owed money by the company, as reported b...

Staff reporters 09 Oct 2025
Cost-benefit issues in spotlight amid RBNZ review
Finance

Cost-benefit issues in spotlight amid RBNZ review

The Reserve Bank of NZ had received 42 submissions to the review.

Andy Macdonald 09 Oct 2025