Breaking Wind counter-factual - Green and Still Standing
New Zealand Doubles Down on Climate Leadership
In a rare moment of integrity so powerful it briefly disrupted the country’s cynicism index, the New Zealand Government has confirmed its decision to remain a committed member of the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA), reinforcing the nation’s climate leadership on the international stage.
The announcement came amid months of pressure from energy lobbyists and a few nostalgic MPs who thought climate change could be solved with a stern frown and a diesel generator. But in a move that shocked even the most jaded Wellington press gallery members, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Resources Minister Shane Jones resisted the call of the drill.
Instead of scrapping the 2018 offshore oil and gas exploration ban, the Government has expanded it, pledging to end new onshore exploration as well, elevating New Zealand to full BOGA membership.
“Climate change doesn’t wait for economic convenience,” Luxon said, possibly surprising even himself. “We’re choosing a future where our grandkids know penguins as living beings, not illustrations in history books.”
Minister Jones, whose usual rhetoric includes phrases like “drill, baby, drill” - also underwent a public epiphany, citing the “undeniable logic” of long-term economic transformation and sovereign environmental stewardship.
Economy, but Make It Ethical
The Government framed the decision as a pivot toward a modern, diversified economy, investing in clean tech, regional renewables and energy security through decentralised grids and green hydrogen hubs.
A new “Future Energy Sovereignty Fund” will provide grants for local clean energy projects, with a particular focus on Māori land trusts and Pacific communities, areas disproportionately affected by climate disruption and legacy extraction industries.
It’s not just rhetoric. Cabinet announced -
A national transition plan for workers in fossil-adjacent industries.
Binding decommissioning legislation to ensure oil companies pay for cleanup, not the taxpayer.
A new climate resilience scorecard for all new infrastructure projects.
From Warning Signs to Wayfinding
Legal and diplomatic advisors from MFAT, long relegated to climate footnotes, were reportedly “stunned and delighted” when their reports were not only read but actioned. Concerns about trade agreement breaches and Paris Accord violations have been flipped. New Zealand is now seen as a potential frontrunner in green-aligned trade deals with the EU and UK.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing for a climate diplomacy tour, hoping to seal agreements that link carbon-neutral production with premium agricultural export access.
“We are walking the talk,” said Foreign Minister Winston Peters, “and wearing very stylish gumboots while we do it.”
Environmentalists Temporarily Speechless
Greenpeace, Forest & Bird, and the Climate Leaders Coalition all struggled to find anything to criticise. There was brief confusion at Greenpeace HQ when the team realised they wouldn’t need to chain themselves to an offshore platform this summer.
Instead, they issued a joint statement commending the Government for choosing courage over cowardice, science over spin.
Even schoolchildren, who had once skipped class in despair, returned to their classrooms buoyed by hope, one 10-year-old reportedly stating - “Maybe I won’t need to move to Iceland after all.”
Government Press Release: "Leading the Change, Keeping the Mana"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Government of New Zealand is proud to announce its full membership in the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA), strengthening our position as a climate leader and resilient Pacific nation.
Recognising the global urgency of climate action and the economic opportunity of transition, Cabinet has formally extended the offshore oil and gas ban and committed to ending new onshore exploration.
This historic decision reflects our core values of kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga and rangatiratanga, protecting our environment for future generations while supporting our communities through a just, equitable economic transition.
Minister Shane Jones noted, “We can honour our whenua without dishonouring our future.”
Prime Minister Luxon emphasised that this step will boost New Zealand’s credibility in international trade negotiations and unlock access to new green investment pathways.
The Government will support displaced workers, rural economies and iwi-led energy innovation through the Future Energy Sovereignty Fund.
We remain committed to practical action, multilateral cooperation and delivering a future where Aotearoa thrives, not just economically, but ecologically and spiritually.
Letter to the Editor
From: CEO, Forest & Bird Aotearoa
Subject: Finally, a Government That Chose the Birds Over the Barrels
To the Editor,
There are moments in history where governments must decide whether they serve profit or posterity.
Today, we celebrate a decision that echoes through time.
By choosing to remain in BOGA and expand the exploration ban, New Zealand has reclaimed its place as a true environmental leader. This decision recognises that real sovereignty lies in protecting the natural world we inherit, not exploiting it until nothing’s left.
We commend the cross-agency collaboration that put climate, trade integrity, and fiscal responsibility ahead of short-term corporate gains. This is what responsible governance looks like - brave, forward-thinking and honouring of te taiao.
Let this mark a turning point. We stand ready to support the mahi ahead.
Ngā mihi,
Nicola Toki
Chief Executive, Forest & Bird
Letter to the Editor
From: Wiremu Rangi, Taranaki
Subject: I Never Thought I’d Thank Shane Jones, But Here We Are
Kia ora,
I grew up in the shadow of rigs and promises. For years we were told this was the only path to prosperity. But we’ve also seen the damage, to our moana, to our kai, to our wairua.
Today, I cried. Not out of anger, but relief.
By keeping the oil in the ground, this Government has done more than protect the environment. They’ve protected our mana, our future, our tamariki.
I hope they keep going. I hope we build something better - energy from the sun, the wind, the whenua. And I hope every kid growing up on our coast knows they don’t have to sacrifice their home to feed their whānau.
Arohanui,
Wiremu Rangi
Ōkato, Taranaki
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