Story perspectives

Justice Minister Announces Amendment to Block Climate Lawsuits

5/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced on 12 May 2026 that Climate Change Response Act 2002 will be amended to block climate lawsuits.
Fonterra and Z Energy gave a Prime Minister’s office staffer a briefing note in 2024 proposing an amendment to eliminate uncertainty from claims like Michael John Smith’s lawsuit.
Smith said defendants must release documents by end-March 2026, prompting the Environmental Law Initiative to call for an Ombudsman inquiry and a Solicitor-General review.

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Story summary

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced on 12 May 2026 that Climate Change Response Act 2002 will be amended to block climate lawsuits.
Fonterra and Z Energy gave a Prime Minister’s office staffer a briefing note in 2024 proposing an amendment to eliminate uncertainty from claims like Michael John Smith’s lawsuit.
Smith said defendants must release documents by end-March 2026, prompting the Environmental Law Initiative to call for an Ombudsman inquiry and a Solicitor-General review.