A growing agenda
Here you'll find links to articles, reports and pieces of news that we've spotted that show the breadth and growth of the social agenda in New Zealand and right around the world - a growing library of content that we hope you'll find useful:
NZ Infrastructure Commission releases its strategy
02 May 2022: Te Waihanga has today released New Zealand’s first long-term Infrastructure Strategy. Rautaki Hanganga o Aotearoa – New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy 2022–2052 sets out a path for how our infrastructure can lay a foundation for the people, places and businesses of the country to thrive for generations.
NZ Infrastructure Commission releases its strategy
02 May 2022: Te Waihanga has today released New Zealand’s first long-term Infrastructure Strategy. Rautaki Hanganga o Aotearoa – New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy 2022–2052 sets out a path for how our infrastructure can lay a foundation for the people, places and businesses of the country to thrive for generations.
NZ Infrastructure Commission releases its strategy
02 May 2022: Te Waihanga has today released New Zealand’s first long-term Infrastructure Strategy. Rautaki Hanganga o Aotearoa – New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy 2022–2052 sets out a path for how our infrastructure can lay a foundation for the people, places and businesses of the country to thrive for generations.
Rising sea levels hit the headlines
02 May 2022: Media outlets around the country (such as the NZ Herald - see image, left) are filled with stories about NZ's rapidly rising sea levels, a growing concern that is happening much faster than previously thought.
Formula 1 team Williams aims for climate-positive 2030
13 October 2021: One of the greatest Formula 1 teams in history, Williams Racing, has made global news with its declaration to commit to be climate positive by 2030. Williams has launched a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy and series of initiatives to tackle key environmental and societal challenges facing motorsport, global sport and the planet.
If they can do it, anyone can: See more detail here
Draft NZ Infrastructure Strategy released
13 October 2021: The draft New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy has been released: a document that envisions infrastructure enabling greater accessibility in our cities and affordable housing, resilient and connected regions, a productive workforce, a clean environment and zero-carbon economy.
It's great to see much more specificity of goals and objectives for achieving public good in infrastructure, which moves well beyond a general reference to broader outcomes.
For more information: See more detail here
Many useful tips for business from Te Ao Māori
27 September 2021: As the movement to engage more people in business strategy and action continues to grow around us, this article gives us a useful reminder a) that many of the concepts the government seeks to bring to the fore have existed for generations within te ao Māori, and b) they can "teach us how to manage and grow organisations in sustainable ways that benefit the wider community" to the tangible benefit of business and the communities they serve..
Well worth a read: Read the article here
IPCC report published: global warming accelerating
10 August 2021: The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has issued its latest report; it's first update on the science of climate change since 2013.
Key findings of the report include the statement that 'global surface temperature will continue to increase until at least the mid-century under all emissions scenarios considered. Global warming of 1.5°C and 2°C will be exceeded during the 21st century unless deep reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions occur in the coming decades.'
If you’re looking for a copy of the IPCC report, see here
Or if you'd prefer to view the IPCC press release, click here:
Let us know if you’re looking to galvanise your staff into taking action in a meaningful way that aligns with your business model - we can help you to take meaningful action.
Climate Change Commission advice published
9 June 2021: Ināia tonu nei, The Climate Change Commission's advice to the NZ Government on climate action, has been tabled. Quite possibly the most important document we'll read over the next few years to 2050, as it will affect so much around us.
The report is now available on the Commission's website.
Read the full report
Infrastructure for a Better Future
We’re facing serious problems like climate change, unaffordable homes, congested cities and pipes. Although we’re building more infrastructure, there are limits to how much we can spend. It is expensive and it requires skills that are in demand. There are rules and regulations at also affect what can be done.
The Infrastructure Strategy will help to create an infrastructure system that gets the best results for all New Zealanders both now and well into the future. But to get it right we need your help.
Read more by downloading the full report
AKINA's final report for The Impact Initiative published
15 recommendations to the Government about how to accelerate positive impact in our economy through procurement, investment, measurement, and social enterprise.
Waka Kotahi's Broader Outcomes Strategy launched
"We have an important role to play by incorporating these broader outcomes to our current procurement process"
New Head of Procurement at MBIE
Kelly Mc Alpine to focus on implementing MBIE's Broader Outcomes Framework and Progressive Procurement.
MBIE Broader Outcomes weightings rise to 20%
Anyone doubting the rise and rise of the Broader Outcomes in NZ procurement should see the latest All of Government RFPs to see that that the Broader Outcomes are now weighted at 20% of the overall non-price total mark.
NZ Infrastructure Commission publish Lifting Our Gaze
EY was commissioned to explore the role of infrastructure investment as a catalyst for delivering wider public outcomes for New Zealand.
This report finds that consideration of broader social outcomes will require a concerted effort by Government procuring agencies, the construction industry and the wider infrastructure community. It also examines the shift in mindset required to consider infrastructure investment from a pan-Government perspective – including to challenge current Budget and business case processes.
A decent roadmap for an indecent world
This week the International Energy Agency (IEA) published Net Zero by 2050 – A Roadmap for the Global Energy Industry. The roadmap lays out “a narrow but still achievable” set of policies, investments and innovations that by 2050 would restrict global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius from the 1990 base level. The study has been produced at the request of the British Government, as it prepares to host the COP26 conference in Glasgow this November, the latest in a long series of meetings designed to achieve concerted action on climate change.
The roadmap is a rigorous piece of work and deserves to be studied carefully by climate sceptics as well as climate activists. And theoretically it delivers the goods – or at least it shows how they might be delivered:
Living Standards Framework
The Treasury’s perspective on what matters for New Zealanders’ wellbeing, now and into the future - the foundation for many initiatives, systems, and procurement processes:
Black Rock launches $2bn NZ clean energy fund
August 2023: Global investment powerhouse BlackRock has launched plans with the New Zealand Government to create a fund to raise $2 billion to support New Zealand to become the first country to reach 100 percent renewable electricity. Enabling institutional investors to invest in NZ's drive to become a low-carbon economy, the fund is the latest move by commercial entities in this area. (image from BusinessDesk, photo by Getty)
For the NZ Government release, click HERE:
FMA publishes Climate-Related Disclosure guidance for consultation
June 2023: The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko – has published three documents to support Climate Reporting Entities (CREs) in meeting their obligations under the new Climate Related Disclosure (CRD) reporting requirements.
For the release / links to files click HERE:
NZ Govt invests to reduce steel/national emissions
May 2023: As reported by BusinessDesk (and many other media outlets), "The government will invest up to $140 million in a $300m upgrade to New Zealand’s only steel mill, at Glenbrook south of Auckland, in the largest single action taken to date to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions."
NZ Infrastructure Action Plan released
May 2023: The long-awaited Infrastructure Action Plan was released on 18 May 2023, alongside Budget 2023.
Says the Minister for Infrastructure, Dr Megan Woods, in the introduction: "The Infrastructure Action Plan confirms the Government’s commitment to the transformation required to create the efficient, equitable, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure system New Zealanders need now and into the future."
Cooper & Co publish 4th annual Sustainability Report
December 2022: Great to see our ultimate landlord in Britomart, Cooper and Company, demonstrate its ESG progress in its just-released fourth annual Sustainability Report. Focusing clearly on goals (past, extended and updated), initiatives and actions, as well as some interesting commentary and stories from the past year, this report gives comfort to Scott and me that the people running the precinct from where we operate are taking ESG seriously and doing good things to move forwards in a systemic and structured way. Nice work!
Circular Revolution report launched by SBN
August 2022: The Circular Revolution, a joint report by Grant Thornton New Zealand and the Sustainable Business Network, backs the movement towards a circular economy in Aotearoa New Zealand. The report reveals a lack of incentives for businesses to switch to more sustainable circular business models, and how our financial systems help perpetuate the country’s current linear economy.
New free carbon calculator launched
22 June 2022: The Sustainable Business Network has launched a new, free online carbon calculator as a new feature of the network's free and easy-to-use Climate Action Toolbox. Learn how to measure the carbon footprint of your business and create an action plan to reduce your emissions. Well worth a look for any business trying to work out how and where to start on their emissions reduction journey.
NZ's first Emissions Reduction Plan published
16 May 2022: NZ's first first Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) was announced today by the government, which said: "New Zealand cannot afford to be left behind, economically or morally. Our future exports, our economy, our environment and the wellbeing of our nation depend on a credible plan to bend our emissions curve down to meet our targets. That is why the Government is now delivering New Zealand’s very first emissions reduction plan, our roadmap to reduce emissions in Aotearoa for the next 15 years."
NZ Infrastructure Commission releases its strategy
02 May 2022: Te Waihanga has today released New Zealand’s first long-term Infrastructure Strategy. Rautaki Hanganga o Aotearoa – New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy 2022–2052 sets out a path for how our infrastructure can lay a foundation for the people, places and businesses of the country to thrive for generations.
Rising sea levels hit the headlines
02 May 2022: Media outlets around the country (such as the NZ Herald - see image, left) are filled with stories about NZ's rapidly rising sea levels, a growing concern that is happening much faster than previously thought.
Formula 1 team Williams aims for climate-positive 2030
13 October 2021: One of the greatest Formula 1 teams in history, Williams Racing, has made global news with its declaration to commit to be climate positive by 2030. Williams has launched a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy and series of initiatives to tackle key environmental and societal challenges facing motorsport, global sport and the planet.
If they can do it, anyone can: See more detail here
Draft NZ Infrastructure Strategy released
13 October 2021: The draft New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy has been released: a document that envisions infrastructure enabling greater accessibility in our cities and affordable housing, resilient and connected regions, a productive workforce, a clean environment and zero-carbon economy.
It's great to see much more specificity of goals and objectives for achieving public good in infrastructure, which moves well beyond a general reference to broader outcomes.
For more information: See more detail here
Many useful tips for business from Te Ao Māori
27 September 2021: As the movement to engage more people in business strategy and action continues to grow around us, this article gives us a useful reminder a) that many of the concepts the government seeks to bring to the fore have existed for generations within te ao Māori, and b) they can "teach us how to manage and grow organisations in sustainable ways that benefit the wider community" to the tangible benefit of business and the communities they serve..
Well worth a read: Read the article here
IPCC report published: global warming accelerating
10 August 2021: The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has issued its latest report; it's first update on the science of climate change since 2013.
Key findings of the report include the statement that 'global surface temperature will continue to increase until at least the mid-century under all emissions scenarios considered. Global warming of 1.5°C and 2°C will be exceeded during the 21st century unless deep reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions occur in the coming decades.'
If you’re looking for a copy of the IPCC report, see here
Or if you'd prefer to view the IPCC press release, click here:
Let us know if you’re looking to galvanise your staff into taking action in a meaningful way that aligns with your business model - we can help you to take meaningful action.
Climate Change Commission advice published
9 June 2021: Ināia tonu nei, The Climate Change Commission's advice to the NZ Government on climate action, has been tabled. Quite possibly the most important document we'll read over the next few years to 2050, as it will affect so much around us.
The report is now available on the Commission's website.
Read the full report
Infrastructure for a Better Future
We’re facing serious problems like climate change, unaffordable homes, congested cities and pipes. Although we’re building more infrastructure, there are limits to how much we can spend. It is expensive and it requires skills that are in demand. There are rules and regulations at also affect what can be done.
The Infrastructure Strategy will help to create an infrastructure system that gets the best results for all New Zealanders both now and well into the future. But to get it right we need your help.
Read more by downloading the full report
AKINA's final report for The Impact Initiative published
15 recommendations to the Government about how to accelerate positive impact in our economy through procurement, investment, measurement, and social enterprise.
Waka Kotahi's Broader Outcomes Strategy launched
"We have an important role to play by incorporating these broader outcomes to our current procurement process"
New Head of Procurement at MBIE
Kelly Mc Alpine to focus on implementing MBIE's Broader Outcomes Framework and Progressive Procurement.
MBIE Broader Outcomes weightings rise to 20%
Anyone doubting the rise and rise of the Broader Outcomes in NZ procurement should see the latest All of Government RFPs to see that that the Broader Outcomes are now weighted at 20% of the overall non-price total mark.
NZ Infrastructure Commission publish Lifting Our Gaze
EY was commissioned to explore the role of infrastructure investment as a catalyst for delivering wider public outcomes for New Zealand.
This report finds that consideration of broader social outcomes will require a concerted effort by Government procuring agencies, the construction industry and the wider infrastructure community. It also examines the shift in mindset required to consider infrastructure investment from a pan-Government perspective – including to challenge current Budget and business case processes.
A decent roadmap for an indecent world
This week the International Energy Agency (IEA) published Net Zero by 2050 – A Roadmap for the Global Energy Industry. The roadmap lays out “a narrow but still achievable” set of policies, investments and innovations that by 2050 would restrict global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius from the 1990 base level. The study has been produced at the request of the British Government, as it prepares to host the COP26 conference in Glasgow this November, the latest in a long series of meetings designed to achieve concerted action on climate change.
The roadmap is a rigorous piece of work and deserves to be studied carefully by climate sceptics as well as climate activists. And theoretically it delivers the goods – or at least it shows how they might be delivered:
Living Standards Framework
The Treasury’s perspective on what matters for New Zealanders’ wellbeing, now and into the future - the foundation for many initiatives, systems, and procurement processes: