Climate Change Advisory Services

Climate Change Lead

At Russell McVeagh, we are dedicated to supporting clients with the most challenging issues they're facing, including those relating to climate change. As a full-service law firm with experience across a spectrum of climate change issues, our multi-disciplinary team leverages expertise in climate-related disclosures, sustainable finance, the emissions trading scheme and resource management law. Through our strategic alliance with Te Whakahaere, we have enhanced the services that we can offer to clients in this important space, offering integrated climate and legal advice to guide clients towards a low-emissions future. This partnership also aligns with our own values, underscored by our Toitū net carbonzero certification and commitment to strategic initiatives to improve the sustainability of the firm's operations. As we help clients navigate the evolving landscape of climate law, we continue to ensure they are poised for success in a changing world.

Manager Group Sustainable Finance

Auckland Council’s response to climate change is underpinned by Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan and drives comprehensive climate action across council with a focus on emissions reduction and resilience building. We have achieved our first TCFD aligned climate risk statement in 2020 which provides a summary of our approach to managing our climate-related financial risks and opportunities. The council has progressed work towards preparing a climate risk statement in accordance with the Aotearoa New Zealand Climate Standards. Te Whakahaere has played a part in providing the insights needed to integrate climate considerations into decision-making. Voluntarily publishing our climate statement enables council to communicate the journey to managing our climate-related financial risks and opportunities and reflects our dedication to transparency. This journey, though challenging, puts us in the best position to deliver climate-responsive governance and strategic planning.

Sustainability Lead

Comvita is at the heart of New Zealand's innovative wellness industry. We take our responsibility of sustainability and environmental guardianship very seriously. We are on a continuous journey to not only enhance our operational sustainability but also to contribute meaningfully to global climate goals. Through our actions, we aim to inspire and lead by example, encouraging others in our industry to embark on a similar path towards a more sustainable and resilient future. Our partnership with Te Whakahaere has catalysed the development of our first climate-related financial disclosures aligned with the Aotearoa New Zealand Climate Standards. This is a significant step and underpins our commitment to being a leader in integrating climate considerations into our operations.

Director Policy and Advocacy

LGNZ has been working with councils to increase communities’ climate resilience. We have pushed for greater climate action, aiming to future-proof our communities against climate disasters. We believe in empowering councils to lead the charge, in partnership with central government, iwi and communities. LGNZ's climate advocacy has been extensive including everything from actionable guides for councils' long-term climate planning to supporting regional councils’ co-investment proposals for flood protection. LGNZ's initiatives have underscored the importance of local leadership in climate change adaptation, focusing on community engagement and the integration of climate considerations into long-term planning. Te Whakahaere's insights have enhanced our climate acumen and reinforced our commitment to sustainable community futures.

Climate Change Programme Manager

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has actively engaged in climate action with a strong focus on building regional resilience. Our commitment is demonstrated through our Te Mahere Mahi mō te Huringa Āhuarangi Climate Change Action Plan, aimed at strengthening the long-term resilience and sustainability of the region through climate action and awareness. With the support of climate advisors like Te Whakahaere, we've taken bold steps towards our climate goals, including completion of a comprehensive regional climate risk assessment, pioneering a community-led adaptation planning initiative, and action research into the Blue Carbon potential of our region. Our work not only contributes to the broader climate goals but also paves the way for a sustainable future for Bay of Plenty, encouraging others to join us in this crucial endeavour.  

Chief Financial Officer

As Pacific Edge navigates the complexities of global cancer diagnostics, we acknowledge the importance of environment sustainability and the role it plays in the continued prosperity of our communities. Our collaboration with Te Whakahaere has enabled us to prepare our first climate-related financial disclosures, ensuring compliance with Aotearoa New Zealand's Climate Standards. This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability, fostering informed investment decisions and contributing to a sustainable future. We strongly support these practices, encouraging our industry peers to embrace similar transparency and environmental stewardship.

Associate Director – Policy & Legal Counsel, New Zealand Banking Association (NZBA)

One of the key priorities of the New Zealand Banking Association (NZBA) is sustainability and climate change. The NZBA is the voice of the banking industry. We work with our member banks on non-competitive issues to tell the industry’s story and develop and promote policy outcomes that deliver for New Zealanders. The NZBA has been proactive in preparing submissions on a range of climate issues. Te Whakahaere’s support in our submission preparation and drafting to central government reflects our shared dedication to shaping a resilient and sustainable future.

Sustainability and Climate Change Manager

Hamilton City Council has made substantial progress, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The Council has established a framework for climate action, initiating "Our Climate Future: Te Pae Tawhiti o Kirikiriroa" strategy. This long-term plan sets a vision for Hamilton as a thriving, low-carbon city that is responsive and adaptive to climate change. We are setting ambitious emissions targets, and the adoption of a Climate Change Policy. This policy ensures a transparent and consistent approach to climate action. It mandates emissions and/or adaptation impact assessments for business cases, project plans, procurement processes, and Council reports that have a climate impact. Te Whakahaere is assisting in the development of a broader, integrated strategy for Hamilton to become a low-carbon, resilient city by 2050, focusing on integrating climate change into our operations, decision making, and strategy.

Manager - Climate Action & Community Development

The Far North District Council has embraced a comprehensive Climate Change Roadmap, focusing on reducing emissions, future-proofing our community, and fostering resilience. Our recent endorsement of a Climate Action Policy, with the assistance of Te Whakahaere, underlines our strategic approach towards climate mitigation and adaptation, ensuring our community's well-being in the face of climate change. With support from climate experts like Te Whakahaere, we are not only addressing current impacts but also preparing for future challenges through innovative adaptation strategies.

Executive GM Sustainability

Sustainability underpins all elements of Mercury’s business. We’re committed to supporting Aotearoa New Zealand’s energy transition and taking actions for our business to reach a net-zero future while continuing to deliver reliable energy for the country. Te Whakahaere helped us with climate scenario analysis and one of our annual climate-related disclosures, getting us on a great track for the future

Chief Risk Officer

Multinational corporations, like AIG, face significant challenges in making climate-related financial disclosures across various jurisdictions, when each is at different stages of mandating these requirements. Te Whakahaere provided critical assistance to AIG NZ as we prepared our climate-related financial disclosures. Te Whakahaere effectively communicated the importance of integrating climate considerations into our global business operations, decision-making, and strategy development. Te Whakahaere's recommendation for a strategic approach to managing climate risk has proved highly effective, supporting AIG on its journey to integrate climate change considerations across our business.