Manufacturing and households drive a 2.9 percent fall in greenhouse gas emissions

Seasonally adjusted greenhouse gas emissions by industries and households decreased 2.9 percent, or 550 kilotonnes (kt) over the June 2026 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

“The decrease in greenhouse gas emissions over the June 2026 quarter was mainly driven by decreases in emissions from the manufacturing industry and households,” environment statistics spokesperson Tehseen Islam said.

The decrease in emissions was partially offset by greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity, gas, water, and waste services industry, which rose by 8.4 percent (96 kt). This was driven by electricity generation and gas supply (up 22.2 percent).

Manufacturing emissions fall by 6.4 percent

Greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing have fallen by 126 kt (6.4 percent) in the June 2026 quarter. This was driven by decreases in petroleum, chemical, polymer, and rubber product manufacturing (down 49.4 percent) and food, beverage, and tobacco product manufacturing (down 13.4 percent).

Household emissions fall by 5.3 percent

Household greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 106 kt in the June 2026 quarter. This decrease was driven by emissions from transport, which were down 5.7 percent (101 kt).

“The fall in greenhouse gas emissions from household transport coincided with a fall in fuel retail sales volumes for the June 2026 quarter,” Islam said.

Annual emissions have also fallen compared with the previous June year

In the year ended June 2026, greenhouse gas emissions by industries and households fell 2.9 percent (2,211 kt). Total greenhouse gas emissions for the year were 75,042 kt.

The fall in emissions for the year ended June 2026 was mainly driven by a 30.5 percent fall in emissions from the electricity, gas, water, and waste services industry. This was underpinned by decreases in emissions for the September and December 2025 quarters.

“While the last two quarters have seen emissions from the electricity, gas, water, and waste services industry increase, there was an overall decrease in emissions for the year ended June 2026,” Islam said.