🧪 EXPERIMENTAL / ALPHA — this is an independent prototype, not an official record. Data may be incomplete or wrong - always check the linked Hansard source before relying on it.
Hot Air

📋 Blocking tort lawsuits against climate emitters

← All policies

Creates a statutory bar blocking tort-based climate litigation in New Zealand courts - emitters have no liability, under tort or any common law/equitable remedy, for harm "directly or indirectly caused or contributed to by climate change". Applies retrospectively to cases already underway.

Its immediate target was Smith v Fonterra, a corporate-accountability case scheduled for trial in April 2027, which will no longer proceed. The bill doesn't touch New Zealand's existing emissions targets, emissions budgets, or Emissions Trading Scheme requirements. Passed via a truncated process despite 93% of public submissions opposing it and officials' own documented advice against it.

56% support in the most recent vote

How each party has stood on this policy over time. On a 🔄 Aye = against vote, whoever voted Aye is shown as opposing the policy, not supporting it. 🙋 Conscience vote rows show which way most of that party's MPs voted, plus what % voted Aye in the House.

Vote National Labour Green ACT NZ First Te Pāti Māori
Climate Change Response (Tort Liability) Amendment Bill ✓ Passed
18 Aug 2026 · Third reading
✓ Supports ✕ Opposes ✕ Opposes ✓ Supports ✓ Supports ✕ Opposes
Climate Change Response (Tort Liability) Amendment Bill ✓ Passed
4 Aug 2026 · Second reading
✓ Supports ✕ Opposes ✕ Opposes ✓ Supports ✓ Supports ✕ Opposes

📚 References