Overview

• Officials set a 2050 biogenic methane reduction range of 14–24% from 2017 levels, with a statutory review slated for 2040.
• Ministers confirmed there will be no tax or pricing on agricultural methane, opting for industry partnerships and processor incentives instead.
• More than NZ$400 million is being invested to speed up methane‑cutting tools, with first options expected on farms in 2026 and up to 11 available by 2030.
• The new range is below the previous 24–47% target and short of the Climate Change Commission’s 35–47% advice, prompting criticism from climate bodies.
• ACT and Federated Farmers welcomed the shift while the Greens called it a downgrade of ambition, in a country where nearly half of emissions come from agriculture and herds total about 10 million cattle and 26 million sheep.