NZ ETS unit limits and price control settings for 2027–2031

This report will be the 2026 edition of our annual advice to the Minister of Climate Change on updating the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme unit limits and price control settings (NZ ETS settings), covering the years 2027–2031.

This report is due in April 2026.

The Commission produces this advice as required by section 5ZOA of the Climate Change Response Act 2002 (the Act). The Act was amended by the passing of the Climate Change Response (2050 Target and Other Matters) Amendment Bill in December 2025, altering some of the parameters for this advice. See Correspondence with the Minister of Climate Change below for further information.

The Government has proposed further amendments to the Act, with another amendment bill expected in 2026. However, our understanding is that any resulting changes will not directly affect this 2026 edition of our advice.

Correspondence with the Minister of Climate Change

Following the December 2025 amendments to the Act, the Commission and the Minister of Climate Change exchanged letters setting out the timing of the advice to the Minister, implications of recent legislative and policy developments, and some matters of interest to the Minister.

Downloads:

Commission's Letter to the Minister (18 December 2025) (PDF, 3.7 MB)

Minister's reply to the Commission (23 January 2026) (PDF, 300 KB)

Commission's Chair's reply to the Minister (30 January 2026) (PDF, 196 KB)