Our upcoming work

The Commission's role is to produce independent advice to the Government on reducing emissions and responding to the impacts of climate change, as well as monitoring and reporting on the Government's progress towards Aotearoa New Zealand's climate goals.

We keep this page updated with the latest information about our work programme – including what we're working on now, what's coming up soon, and how you can get involved.

Below is a chronological list of our upcoming work. Click 'Read more' to read a description of each piece of work, or scroll further down the page to browse all descriptions (with links to more information and related documents).

Advice on NZ ETS unit limits and price control settings

Next due: by 23 April 2026

Each year, the Commission must provide advice to the Minister on unit limit and price control settings for the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS). Our advice covers the following five years, with settings recommended for each year.

The Commission produces this advice as required by section 5ZOA of the Climate Change Response Act 2002 (the Act). 

Our 2026 edition of this advice will reflect the passing of the Climate Change Response (2050 Target and Other Matters) Amendment Bill in December 2025, which altered some of the parameters for this advice.

Read more about the 2026 edition of this advice.

Browse our previous advice on the NZ ETS.

Back to top

Emissions reduction monitoring reports

Next annual report due: by 15 July 2026

First periodic report due: 2027

The Commission has an important role in monitoring and reviewing Aotearoa New Zealand's progress towards its emissions reduction goals. This includes monitoring progress towards meeting emissions budgets, emissions reduction plans and the 2050 target.

We do this in two ways:

• An annual progress report
• A ‘periodic’ (end of an emissions budget) progress report – around every five years

Our monitoring reports give people an independent assessment of whether Aotearoa New Zealand is on track to reach its goals. The Government and others can use this information to continually improve efforts to respond to climate change and smooth the transition to a low emissions future. 

Read more about these reports.

Back to top

Progress reports on the national adaptation plans

Next due: 3 August 2026

Every two years, the Commission must provide a progress report on the implementation and effectiveness of the Government’s national adaptation plan.

These progress reports provide independent, evidence-based analysis to support the development of Aotearoa New Zealand's adaptation planning, and contribute to the efforts to continually improve adaptation measures.

Each progress report must:

• assess the progress of implementation of the plan
• judge how well the plan achieves its objectives and responds to risks
• identify barriers to implementation and effectiveness, and how those can be managed
• include any other relevant matters
• consider the issues, where relevant, listed under section 5M of the Climate Change Response Act.

Read more about this work.

Back to top

National climate change risk assessment

First due: no later than 3 August 2026; expected delivery by May 2026

Every six years from 2026, the Commission is required to deliver a national climate change risk assessment (NCCRA).

The reports assess the current and future risks Aotearoa New Zealand faces from climate change and advise the Government on the most significant risks.

The NCCRA helps decision-makers and planners clarify where proactive planning and upfront investment can make the biggest difference, including through the Government's national adaptation plan.

Read more about these risk assessments.

Back to top

Provide advice for preparation of emissions reduction plans

Next due: 2028

To ensure that Aotearoa New Zealand keeps moving towards its climate targets, we give advice to the Minister every five years on the direction of its next emissions reduction plan.

Read more about these reports.

Back to top

Provide advice for preparation of emissions budgets

Update on our 2024 advice due: end of March 2027

Next full advice due: 2029

Every five years, the Commission produces independent expert advice on what the emissions budgets should be to help Aotearoa New Zealand meet its 2050 emissions reductions target.

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.

Update on our 2024 emissions budget advice

The Government was due to respond to our 2024 edition of this advice by 31 December. This response was deferred to 31 December 2027 by the passing of the Amendment Bill.

By the end of March 2027, we will provide the Government with updated advice to reflect the new 2050 target.

Read more about this type of advice.

Back to top

Review of the 2050 emissions target 

Next due: 2029

To ensure that Aotearoa New Zealand's emissions reduction target remains fit for purpose, we are required to review it every five years and advise the government of the day whether or not it should be changed.

Our first review was in 2024.

The passing of the Climate Change Response (2050 Target and Other Matters) Amendment Bill in December 2025 changed the 2050 methane component of the target, and added a requirement for the Commission to do a specific review of this component in 2040.

Read more about our reviews of the 2050 target.

Back to top