LCANZI Newsletter - May 2022

Kia ora koutou,

Please see our May newsletter below for an update of the last month.


Smith v Fonterra: application to intervene

LCANZI has applied to the Supreme Court for leave to intervene in the appeal from the Court of Appeal’s strike out decision, which, if upheld, would prematurely block potential tort law responses to climate change and could limit the ability of the law to respond to the significant social and economic change that climate change will bring over coming decades. LCANZI is seeking to file a written submission and provide oral submissions. A copy of the application is here.


Zui for LCANZI volunteers

On 12 May between 1-2pm, LCANZI will hold an informal lunchtime get-together for members and volunteers. Here is the zoom link.

This is a chance for all our members and volunteers to get together and share ideas for projects.

We have a lot of sub-committees focusing on different areas of climate action, and many keen volunteers supporting those sub-committees. However, we know that we have even more members who want to contribute to our projects, but the existing sub-committees are outside their area of expertise, or are full. Also, our volunteers might not know how they can help. This meeting is a chance to brainstorm ways to make the most of our members' and volunteers' skills.

We look forward to seeing you there.


All aboard aotearoa judicial review

In the April newsletter we gave an update on the All Aboard Aotearoa judicial review against Auckland Transport and Auckland Council.

The judicial review started on April 26 and has now finished. All Aboard Aotearoa published all the pleadings and evidence on their website. All Aboard Aotearoa’s website has all the latest updates on the judicial review as well as all the case files.

LCANZI is very proud to be part of the All Aboard Aotearoa team and we want to say thank you to those that were involved in the judicial review, we know it has been a huge amount of work over many months for those at the centre of the effort both in terms of time and emotional energy. Whatever the outcome, we are confident we put forward the best possible case.


Submissions from the last month

On 22 April 2022, LCANZI made a submission responding to the Government’s discussion document Managing Exotic Afforestation Incentives - A discussion on proposals to change forestry settings in the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme. You can read a summary of the submission here, you can read the full submission here.

On 2 May 2022, LCANZI’s financial disclosures sub-committee made a submission to the External Reporting Board (XRB) in relation to the Climate-related Disclosures Strategy and Metrics and Targets Consultation Document, which relates to part of the proposed reporting standard, Aotearoa New Zealand Climate Standard 1: Climate-related Disclosures (NZ CS 1). You can read a summary of the submission here, you can read the full submission here.

If you would like to join one of LCANZI’s sub-committees to work on submissions like these please email admin@lawyersforclimateaction.nz. Here is a list of our sub-committees:

  • Māori, tikanga and te Tiriti sub-committee

  • Financial disclosures sub-committee

  • Director’s duties and corporate governance sub-committee

  • Agriculture and food supply sub-committee

  • NZBORA sub-committee

  • Local government sub-committee

  • ETS sub-committee

  • Greenwashing sub-committee


Upcoming consultations

There are two documents presently out for consultation that consider New Zealand’s settings for climate resilience.

The Natural Hazards Insurance Bill is currently before Select Committee and submissions close 13 May.

The National Adaptation Plan is open for feedback with consultation closing in June.

If you would like to contribute to LCANZI’s submissions on either document please contact admin@lawyersforclimateaction.nz.


Ora Taiao (NZ Climate & Health Council) job opportunity

Ora Taiao is part of the NZ Climate Action Network alongside LCANZI and they are currently looking for a part-time climate change coordinator. You can read the job description here. The contract is 10 hours per week for 12 months with the possibility of renewal and increased hours. If you are interested in this role then please get in touch with Dr Dermot Coffey (co-convenor@orataiao.org.nz) or Summer Wright (mco-convenor@orataiao.org.nz).


Ngā mihi maioha for your support and we will update you again soon.

Kia pai tō rā whakatā! 

LCANZI Committee

LCANZI