OUR MAHI
Kiwis in Climate is proud to stand up for strong and authentic climate action, with select advocacy initiatives.
All Blacks / INEOS Open Letter & Advocacy
In July 2021, NZ Rugby announced a six-year partnership with INEOS, which has seen the UK-based firm become the rugby governing body's "official performance partner" since 2022. INEOS branding appears on the back of the playing shorts and on the front of training jerseys of each of NZR's teams in black.
INEOS is a UK oil, gas and petrochemical conglomerate – the third largest company of its kind in the world. The company has lobbied to weaken green taxes and reduce restrictions on fracking. The company partners with multiple sport teams and it is not the first time it has been accused of using sports to ‘greenwash’ its reputation.
While NZ Rugby stated the decision ‘was not taken lightly’ (source: RNZ) the reaction within the Kiwis in Climate conversations was immediate, heartfelt and energised. Although the 'sportswashing' deal had been raised by NGOs, KiC’s open letter tackled the issue in a different way. Presenting as a non-partisan, professionally driven voice, KIC was able to Gain mainstream media attention, encourage big-name signatories, and engage in a dialogue with NZ Rugby.
While this dialogue was initially promising there has been little tangible progress, but the KiC Convenors continue to look at how to continue raising the issue both with NZR and in the public realm.
2023: 'Climate Election'
Open Letter
In October 2023 KiC called for the New Zealand general election to prioritise action on nature and climate. Our Open Letter was written with input from, and signed by, over 120 New Zealanders from KiC's professional membership, and supporters from all walks of life.
The signatories requested politicians draw from existing leadership in New Zealand’s business, tangata whenua, and community sectors, emphasising cross-partisanship, and New Zealand developing its positioning as an international leader on climate and nature.
2023: Oil and Gas
Exploration Ban
Open Letter to PM Chris Luxon
At the end of 2023, KiC called for the new Prime Minister to reconsider lifting the ban on future offshore oil and gas exploration.
Aotearoa New Zealand risks significant legal, economic, reputational and environmental consequences if we continue with future offshore oil & gas exploration.
The full letter includes detailed arguments and appendices covering climate science, legal, economic, and environmental risks, and an analysis of the gas supply market. The letter was researched and crafted by KiC Member Dave Rouse, CEO of Carbonclick, with support from a working group including KiC convenors and comms experts.
Our Open Letter was signed by over 450 New Zealanders, ranging from KiC's professional membership, to business and community leaders including Philip Mills, Neil Finn, and Dame Anne Salmond, and supporters from all walks of life.
The letter was handed by KiC in person to Simon Watts, the new minister of Climate Change, at COP28.
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Press Coverage
'Neil Finn joins the call urging the Government to walk away from new oil and gas' by Olivia Wannan on Stuff.co.nz
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The 6pm bulletin on Newshub included coverage on the letter and an interview with KiC Convenor Nick Morrison.
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2024: Submission on the Fast Track Approvals Bill
A small working group of passionate KiC members have come together to articulate a highly detailed submission on the controversial Fast Track Approvals Bill. The process included two rounds of open feedback from membership, with some excellent points being recognised and integrated into the final submission.
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Kiwis in Climate strongly opposes the Fast Track Approvals Bill.
Members drew on their expertise in science, economics, business and policy to contribute to this submission, and express our network’s concerns on the bill’s democratic legitimacy, the risks it poses to the economic and environmental future of Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as key recommendations for remedying these risks.
