Overview
New Zealanders take pride in their “clean, green” image and leadership in climate change initiatives. New Zealand has passed legislation aimed at reducing its climate footprint, and the Sustainable Business Council reports that local businesses are prioritizing sustainability investments. The country’s emissions targets call for net-zero greenhouse gases (excluding biogenic methane from agriculture and waste) by 2050, and a 24–47% reduction in biogenic methane emissions below 2017 levels by 2050, including a 10% reduction by 2030.
Environmental policies are shaping investment decisions, particularly in transport and energy, as low-emission technologies play a key role in government climate strategies. Recognizing the challenges local governments face in managing drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater, the New Zealand government plans to enact legislation by mid-2025 to establish new water service models and minimum standards for water providers, ensuring regulations are risk proportionate. The reform will also introduce new financing options for councils.
By mid-to-late 2025, new wastewater standards will be implemented, with modular treatment plant designs expected to meet these standards. National Engineering Design Standards (NEDS) are anticipated by early 2026. The government also proposes easing drinking water regulations to reduce costs for suppliers, particularly small, low-risk providers.
Table 1: New Zealand Environmental Technology Trade Data, Unit: USD (millions)
Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
Total New Zealand Exports | 184.9 | 206.2 | 169.5 | 278.9 | 441.6 |
Total New Zealand Imports | 1,442.9 | 1,836.9 | 2,093.9 | 2,003.0 | 1668.0 |
Total U.S. Exports to New Zealand | $52.1 | $76.1 | $79.7 | $71.8 | $76.0 |
Unit: USD (millions)
Source: U.S. International Trade Administration Office of Energy & Environmental Industries / Statistics New Zealand
Table 2: U.S. Environmental Technology Exports to New Zealand by Industry Subsector, Unit: USD (millions)
Year | Air Pollution Monitoring & Control | Monitoring & Instrumentation | Waste & Recycling | Water & Wastewater Treatment |
2020 | 2,361,400 | 7,756,642 | 9,002,795 | 32,949,625 |
2021 | 3,751,639 | 8,634,205 | 9,458,884 | 54,225,143 |
2022 | 4,175,828 | 5,541,013 | 17,534,871 | 52,493,861 |
2023 | 5,287,230 | 4,743,633 | 14,315,689 | 47,502,948 |
2024 | 8,380,104 | 7,375,260 | 15,220,591 | 44,982,284 |
Table 3: U.S. Environmental Technology Imports from New Zealand by Industry Subsector, Unit: USD (millions)
Year | Air Pollution Monitoring & Control | Monitoring & Instrumentation | Waste & Recycling | Water & Wastewater Treatment |
2020 | 16,560,002 | 2,581,911 | 9,974,768 | 22,145,512 |
2021 | 7,474,002 | 2,456,374 | 13,649,350 | 29,598,121 |
2022 | 3,404,383 | 4,568,450 | 27,915,305 | 13,250,305 |
2023 | 15,738,100 | 7,015,822 | 31,227,445 | 16,062,595 |
2024 | 8,312,830 | 6,268,733 | 40,112,417 | 20,362,462 |
Unit: USD (CIF value)
Source: U.S. International Trade Administration Office of Energy & Environmental Industries
Leading Sub-Sectors
- Electric Vehicles
- Energy efficient/smart energy appliances and technologies
- Wastewater technologies
Opportunities
Electric Vehicles and related infrastructure: New Zealand is well positioned to adopt electric vehicles (EVs), with over 80% of its electricity generated from renewable sources and sufficient supply for broad EV use. However, an expanded national charging network is still needed.
Water: New Zealand has 351 water treatment plants, 45,000 km of water supply pipes, and 240 wastewater treatment plants, with a similar length of waste and stormwater pipelines. More than half of the wastewater treatment plants will require reconsenting over the next decade, with costly upgrades anticipated due to higher community and cultural standards. Additionally, there is a need to strengthen water infrastructure to handle natural disasters, climate effects, and the demands of land intensification.
Agriculture-related environmental technologies: Agriculture and livestock are key to New Zealand’s economy yet contribute around half of its greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing these emissions will require updated farming practices, land-use adjustments, and advances in research and technology to sustain high-quality food and fiber production.
Transport: The government aims for an emission-free vehicle fleet by 2025/26, in line with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Significant increases in renewably powered public transport and affordable car-sharing access are needed across the country.
Other priority areas, which could lead to new business opportunities include:
- Greater investment in solar and wind power
- Infrastructure for adaptation to climate change and facilitating reduction of emissions
- Improved home insulation
- Efficient home appliances
Resources
Trade Event: Water New Zealand hosts an annual conference and exhibition. The next Water New Zealand Conference & Expo takes place from October 20-24, 2025, in Auckland. In 2025, the Water New Zealand event will join forces with the 10th International Water Association (IWA)-Aspire Conference.
New Zealand Government agencies active in this sector:
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority
- Government Electronic Tenders System
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- Ministry for the Environment
- Ministry of Health
- Ministry of Primary Industries
- Scion Research
- Environmental Health Intelligence New Zealand
- Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai
- New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA) Limited
New Zealand private organizations active in this sector:
- Water New Zealand Association
- Climate Connect New Zealand
- He Waka Eke Noa, Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership
- Sustainable Business Council