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The government has announced it will restrict people’s ability to sue companies – and the state – for climate change harm, bringing an end to an ongoing landmark case brought by climate activist Mike Smith.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the change, which will ban tort-based claims for climate-related damage, will provide certainty for businesses and shore up investment confidence.
But he and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon both admitted it is designed to bring an end to ongoing proceedings between Smith and Fonterra, Genesis Energy, Dairy Holdings, New Zealand Steel, Z Energy and BT Mining – which the Supreme Court ruled in 2024 should go ahead.
It will also stop any cases being brought against the government.
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