Our story
The Commission was formed alongside work to set the country’s climate targets in November 2019.
Our origins
The Commission was created in November 2019 by the Zero Carbon Act alongside work to set Aotearoa New Zealand's climate targets. The Act passed with multi-party support in Parliament.
We were created following persistent calls from central and local government, NGOs, businesses and other advocates for an independent government organisation focused on climate action. Those groups also called for a comprehensive, evidence-based plan for Aotearoa New Zealand to follow towards its climate goals.
The Zero Carbon Act amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002. This Act sets out our purpose, the work we must produce and the way we must approach it. Read more about our role.
The Interim Climate Change Committee
Before the Zero Carbon Act was passed, our predecessor was the Interim Climate Change Committee. Formed on 1 May 2018, the Committee’s work was our foundation. Its reports are available on our website.
You can find out more about the Interim Climate Change Committee on its website, now held in the National Library's web archive.
He Pou a Rangi: Ingoa Māori
Our te reo Māori name
The simplest translation of He Pou a Rangi is a pillar of the sky.
The concept considers our role as upholders of the sky. We are honouring the sky and in turn, have a duty to care for it.
Pou can uphold, provide a point of connection, protect, and provide stability. In a te ao Māori view, pou provide a two-way connection, both upholding and uplifting what is above, but also connecting and grounding with what is below. Pou connect Ranginui, the sky father, to Papatūānuku, the earth mother.
Using 'He' Pou ('a' pillar) rather than 'Te' Pou ('the' pillar) recognises that we are one of many pou or organisations working together to address climate change.