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The New Zealand government has released new endorsement criteria for voluntary nature and carbon markets, aiming to increase private sector investment in environmental projects. Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced the framework on September 21, 2026, following a Cabinet decision in May to support high-integrity market schemes.
The criteria focus on governance, transparency, independent assessment, and the verification of environmental outcomes. The government has also provided guidance on using scientific evidence to measure the impact of these projects. This initiative is designed to support domestic schemes, including biodiversity-focused and smaller-scale projects that may not align with international accreditation systems.
According to the government, the endorsement serves as a quality signal rather than a guarantee. It is intended to provide landowners, iwi, community groups, and project developers with a clear standard for integrity, while offering investors increased confidence in projects such as native planting, wetland restoration, and greenhouse gas removals.
The government’s approach includes both the recognition of existing internationally accredited schemes and the new domestic endorsement process for local projects. Applications for domestic endorsement are expected to open later in 2026.
Article source: www.scoop.co.nz | Image credit: www.scoop.co.nz
