Statement of Performance Expectations 2022/23

The Commission was established by an amendment to the Climate Change Response Act 2002 (CCRA 2002), called the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019.

• We are an independent Crown entity set up to provide expert, evidence-based advice to successive governments to help Aotearoa New Zealand transition to a climate-resilient and low emissions future.
• We uphold the Treaty Partnership and give specific consideration to impacts for Māori. As an organisation we endeavour to build meaningful and respectful relationships with Iwi/Māori.
• We monitor and review the government’s progress towards its emissions reduction and adaptation goals.
• Our independence means we can provide impartial advice.
• We work to deliverables and timeframes set out in the Climate Change Response Act 2002 (CCRA 2002).
• This includes providing advice on the preparation of emissions budgets and emissions reduction plans; monitoring progress towards meeting emissions budgets, emissions reduction plans and the 2050 target; periodically reviewing the 2050 emissions reduction target; preparing national climate change risk assessments; monitoring and reporting on how national adaptation plans are implemented and their effectiveness; advising on settings for the Emissions Trading Scheme and reporting on progress on primary sector climate change commitments.
• From time to time, the Minister of Climate Change will ask us for advice on specific topics. We provide other independent advice on matters we believe will impact on the ability of Aotearoa New Zealand to meet its climate change goals.
• We are a small team dedicated to ensuring we can pass a better Aotearoa New Zealand on to future generations. We have a range of expertise, including economics, communications and engagement, public policy, land and resource management, Māori sector, climate science, strategy, behavioural sciences, forestry, agriculture, transport, waste and energy. We are supported by a Board of Commissioners from varying fields.
• The CCRA 2002 requires us to draw from the best available evidence and analysis and think broadly about the impacts of climate change and the implications for Aotearoa New Zealand over time. In doing so, we take a systems view so we understand what our advice will mean for central and local government, for individuals and households, for business sectors and communities, for Iwi/Māori, and for our economy and our environment now and into the future.
• We are committed to taking an inclusive approach, working collaboratively with others so we can grow consensus and inspire action to change.

See the Glossary for an explanation of terms used in this document.