| News, views and upcoming events
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Ministry for the Environment releases 2023 freshwater report | The Ministry for the Environment and Statistics NZ have released 'Our freshwater 2023', a report that looks at the health of Aotearoa New Zealand's lakes and rivers. The report has found that the state of our freshwater is declining, with only 65% of rivers classified as swimmable and 2% of large lakes classified as 'in good health'. Read the full report here. | | | |
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AIA releases new report about the environment and our health | "Looking after the planet takes care of our health too." A new report from AIA New Zealand examines how the environment contributes towards both physical and mental wellbeing, with a particular focus on the impacts of climate change, air pollution, food production and urbanisation on our health. Read the full report here. | | | |
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Climate Change Commission releases advice on ETS unit settings | The Climate Change Commission has released its advice for NZ ETS limit and price control setting for units, which the government will respond to later this year. Feedback from the public is welcome during the consultation phase, which will begin before mid-year and which we will share once open. Read the Climate Change Commission's advice here. | | | |
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The case for a centralised pro bono system (Laura Scampion, DLA Piper) | It's estimated that 20,000 Kiwis were turned away from legal representation between May 2021 and May 2022. Laura Scampion, Country Managing Partner for DLA Piper and SBC Advisory Board member, has penned her thoughts on the need for a centralised pro bono centre to make legal aid representation more accessible for all Kiwis. Check out her article here. | | | |
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CHEP accredited as a top employer in New Zealand | Supply chain leader CHEP New Zealand is among only 15 organisations to be accredited this year by global certifier Top Employers Institute, recognising excellence in employee conditions. "The certification recognises the ongoing efforts we are applying to building a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace that offers employees a purposeful and fulfilling experience." | | | |
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Modern slavery exists, but where? | An alarming 3,000 people are living under modern slavery conditions in New Zealand on any given day. Not only that, but every Kiwi household spends an average of $34 a week on 'risky goods' that are linked to forced and/or child labour. Gemma Livingston from KPMG has released an article through the Institute of Directors outlining the challenge and what change we need to see from businesses. | | | |
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Waikato Regional Council shifts focus to wellbeing, climate change | Waikato Regional Council has released Takatū Waikato | Making a stand for the Waikato, its new strategic direction for 2023-2025 that turns the focus to the transition to a low emissions economy, as well as increasing community resilience. "This pivotal document will help to focus discussions, guide work programmes and prioritise activities in the long-term plan." | | | |
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Lion New Zealand's Alcohol&Me programme celebrates 10 years | Since April 2013, Alcohol&Me (run by Lion) has educated more than 400,000 Kiwis by providing expert information and practical tools to make smarter drinking decisions. The resources are available for free online or as a tailored workplace workshop, and the programme has partnered with organisations such as Fulton Hogan, PwC, FCB and The Highlanders. | | | |
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Hiringa Energy (New Plymouth) | |
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Lyttelton Port Company (Christchurch) | |
Climate Change Commission (Wellington) | |
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Introducing sustainability: the what, the why and the how for businesses
Online | 1 May, 9:00am - 5:00pm NZST
Are you wanting to better understand sustainability, its application in businesses and why it’s important? SBC and BusinessNZ Network are excited to share our introductory sustainability day course, where you can connect with fellow businesses to learn about key elements of sustainability. Designed and developed by the in-house expertise of our sustainability and learning and development specialists, this promises to leave you with an informed, connected and inspired view of how you can begin making an impact through your business. | |
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Climate Change & Business Conference 2023 Viaduct Events Centre, Tāmaki Makaurau | 19-20 September 2023
The Sustainable Business Council, Environmental Defence Society, and Climate Leaders Coalition are proud to again partner to deliver the 15th Climate Change & Business Conference at the Viaduct Events Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on 19-20 September 2023. The conference will provide a timely opportunity for business, government and civil society to tackle the tough questions the country is facing, and to share innovative thinking and new ideas about how we can collectively accelerate emissions reductions while building our resilience to the impacts of a warming world. Early bird prices available until 30 June 2023.
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NEW: General overview of new waste legislation, strategy, and kerbside changes (Ministry for the Environment) Online | 18 April, 10:00am NZST
The Government recently announced a new waste strategy, new waste legislation, and changes to improve household recycling and food scraps collections that will affect households, businesses, councils, and the broader waste sector. To learn more about the details of these waste system policy changes, register for an upcoming webinar with the Ministry for the Environment below.
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BusinessNZ Network Webinar: Where's the climate at? Online | 5 May, 1:00pm NZST
The BusinessNZ Network invites you to check in with the climate, to understand the evolving role of business in managing climate change. Reducing our carbon footprint is only part the challenge. This years’ devastating weather events across the country have served as a reminder that our climate has changed, and our behaviours must adapt to suit the environment we operate in. Join climate action leaders for a panel discussion covering the pressing challenges, solutions and opportunities for business. Panelists include: Deloitte – speaking about their recently launched report ‘The Turning Point’, Karen Lavin from The Climate Change Commission, and Brian Johnston from Cogo talking about innovation and technology. Followed by Q & A session.
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NEW: Reframing the costs of climate change rolling symposium Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington | 19 May 2023
Work is underway across Aotearoa to quantify the costs of climate change, including the costs of adaptation or of failure to adapt. But how do we understand “cost” and will our economic paradigm really lead to effective climate adaptation? If we can’t or don’t quantify/consider some costs of climate change (and benefits of adaptation!), how can we ensure these are factored in our adaptation decisions? Register for this rolling symposium of podcasts (culminating with an all day event) to get involved.
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BEC Lunchtime Seminar - Renewable Electricity on the Horizon Online | 27 April, 12:00pm NZST
Join us for a BEC Lunchtime Seminar to hear Stew Hamilton, General Manager Generation at Mercury talk about New Zealand's Renewable Generation Outlook. He will provide insights into the generation needed to decarbonise New Zealand, how Mercury is going to deliver more renewable generation, reflections on the key challenges to navigate as the sector responds to demand growth through decarbonisation, and the innovations Mercury sees coming in the generation space.
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Please send Pānui stories (50 words plus square image) or event listings (100 words plus banner image) to sbccomms@businessnz.org.nz by Wednesday 12pm. | | | |
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