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Countdown to COP: RNZ interviews Antonia Burbidge on this year's COP

SBC's Head of Climate & Nature Antonia Burbidge, who will be heading to Dubai shortly for COP28, spoke to RNZ's Climate Change Correspondent Eloise Gibson about how this year's COP will host a bumper contingent of New Zealand businesses as a result of MFAT expanding access to the summit. Listen to the interview here.

   

The business case for COP

Our Executive Director Mike Burrell, who will also be heading to Dubai, penned his thoughts on why it is critical for Kiwi business voices to be represented at the conference. "Climate change truly is one of the defining challenges of our time, but COP gives us the opportunity to drive the collective global momentum that is required to unlock the solutions the world so desperately needs."

   

WSP: Working with communities to adapt to a changing climate

A recent report from WSP and the Helen Clark Foundation highlights a unique opportunity for positive social and economic transformation through climate adaptation, arguing community engagement will be just as crucial as getting the right engineering solutions. Read the report here, or check out the NZ Herald's synopsis here.

   

Are you our new Policy Advisor?

SBC will soon be advertising for a Policy Advisor (or Senior Policy Advisor) to help with our climate and nature work. With the new Government forming shortly, we will be busy using our influence to ensure climate remains a top priority and business continues to have a voice, and this position has a key role to play. If you think you could be a good fit, email Antonia to indicate your interest or ask any questions.

   

Toitū Envirocare to transition away from NZ carbon credits

Toitū has announced it will transition out of accepting New Zealand carbon credits in its carbon certification programmes. This strategic shift aims to ensure Toitū remains aligned with the latest international best practices, market expectations, and provide the highest levels of international recognition and transparency to NZ businesses. Learn more here.

   

Zespri launches innovation fund

Zespri has announced the establishment of a new innovation funding initiative, known as ZAG, which aims to support future sustainability initiatives and global strategic partnerships. ZAG is designed to attract innovative problem solvers from around the world who can help address some of the key challenges the industry faces as it meets growing demand for kiwifruit. Learn more here.

   

IAG's latest Wild Weather Tracker

IAG has released its latest Wild Weather Tracker, revealing insurance payouts from the summer storms have now topped $1b. "For over a decade, we have been clear that New Zealand needs to take urgent action to keep people safe from the impacts of natural hazards and climate change. If we continue along this path, and do not act with urgency, [Kiwis] will continue to be exposed to harm."

   

In other news 

   
   

Job opportunities

KiwiRail (Auckland)

Air New Zealand (Auckland)
   

SBC hui

   

NEW: Chapter Zero NZ webinar: New Zealand insights from COP28

Online | 7 December, 4:00-5:00pm NZST

In this webinar, we will be joined by three New Zealand representatives attending COP28 (including SBC Executive Director Mike Burrell) to discuss their insights from the first week of the summit, including the World Climate Action Summit taking place on 1-2 December. This session will provide insights into some of the key discussions and outcomes of the first week, explore ways in which New Zealand Inc. could collectively respond to the challenges laid out, and discuss the role of NZ boards and business leaders in addressing the key COP28 outcomes.

   

Networking opportunity: Meet American MBA/Sustainability students interested in New Zealand

Pullman Hotel conference room | 11 December, 2:00-3:15pm NZST

MBA students from California’s Pepperdine Graziadio Business School will be visiting New Zealand in December and meeting with SBC as part of their Social, Ethical and Environmental Responsibility certificate, with the intention of learning more about sustainability and exploring employment opportunities in New Zealand’s sustainability sector. In an effort to potentially bring more future sustainability professionals with international experience into Aotearoa, and to help these students learn about how we do business here, SBC is offering the opportunity for our members to come meet, mingle and network with a cohort of possible future hires. Nibbles and light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP by 24 November.

   

Other hui

   

Building a sustainable future: Tools to 

decarbonise the construction industry

Online | 28 November, 10:00am NZST

Join Toitū Envirocare’s panel of experts and Precinct Properties Head of Sustainability, Lisa Hinde, in an online webinar to discuss what sustainable practices and initiatives are currently occurring in the construction industry. This session will take a deep dive into the tools available to measure emissions and how they can be used to make smart decisions to build a low-carbon future.

   

NEW: COP28 - success or flop? Debrief with on the ground experts (Toitū)

Online | 15 December, 12:00-1:00pm NZST

After the close of COP28 Dr. Belinda Mathers, Chief Science and Advisory Officer at Toitū Envirocare, will be joined by journalist Rod Oram to discuss their experience, opinions and highlights from being on the ground at COP28.

   

More about SBC events. For other low emissions events, see the Climate Leaders Coalition events calendar.

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. 

23 November 2023