Election 2026: Climate and Forestry Policies Set to Impact Māori Landowners and Economy

Aotearoa’s political landscape is shifting as climate change emerges as a central battleground for the 2026 election, particularly regarding the future of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and land-use decisions that affect Māori communities. At the 18th Climate Change and Business Conference in Auckland on Sunday, 13 September 2026, political leaders presented their visions for New Zealand’s environmental and economic future. Waatea News reports that the conference, jointly hosted by the Environmental Defence Society, Sustainable Business Council, and Climate Leaders Coalition, highlighted major policy differences that could impact Māori landowners and iwi investment entities. A key point of contention is the role of forestry offsets. Labour leader Chris Hipkins committed to a review of the ETS to examine whether it relies too heavily on forestry rather than actual emission reductions. This review would look closely at whole-farm conversions, a move that carries significant weight for rural communities where carbon farming and regional economic development are deeply integrated. While most parties, including National and the Greens, support remaining in the Paris Agreement, others proposed radical shifts. ACT leader David Seymour suggested abolishing the independent Climate Change Commission, while NZ First representative Dr David Wilson called for a total withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. These proposals represent a fundamental crossroads for how New Zealand manages its international obligations and domestic climate governance. Despite the friction, conference moderator and Environmental Defence Society chief executive Gary Taylor noted areas of consensus. There remains broad political support for enhancing energy security and increasing renewable generation. As the election approaches, these policies will play a critical role in shaping how whenua Māori is utilized for the nation's transition toward a lower-emissions economy.