Why New Zealand’s consultation process is important for REDD+ countries

As the first country to implement a national level emissions trading system (ETS) that also includes a forestry component as part of its climate change strategy and meets New Zealand’s obligations under the Kyoto Protocol, NZ’s experience in developing this system warrants close attention. In particular, NZ’s consultation with its Indigenous Peoples for the creation of their ETS is an important example that can provide valuable lessons for countries such as Colombia, Chile, and other countries as they begin constructing their own climate policies. In fact, NZ’s experience may be particularly useful to countries pursuing national strategies to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+).

This case study addresses the steps taken by the New Zealand Government to incorporate Māori interests in designing its 2008 emissions trading scheme (NZ ETS). It will explore the NZ ETS consultation design with respect to Māori inclusion and participation, determine which, if any, strategies should be replicated elsewhere, and identify ways to improve the consultation process in the future.

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