Just Transition

The Just Transition programme was established to help share and coordinate the work of transitioning New Zealand to a low emissions economy.

The Just Transition programme is now closed.

The Just Transition programme

A key focus of the Just Transition programme was to ensure that regions were activated and supported to plan and manage the social, economic, and environmental impacts of a transition. A successful transition was where regions could identify and then act upon new opportunities and manage the impacts in a way that was fair and just.

Just transition guidance

What is a ‘transition’?

Many factors affect the lives of New Zealanders, including global forces such as climate change, COVID-19, and economic changes as well as national factors such as policy and regulatory change.

At times, these factors will impact a region heavily enough that if not addressed may result in negative impacts on certain communities To best address this, a concerted effort will be needed by communities to adapt and manage the impacts and take advantage of opportunities – we call this a ‘transition’.

What is a 'just transition'?

In general terms, a 'just transition' in New Zealand is a strategy to move a region toward a low carbon future. It is about a region leading their own transition to ensure that the impacts and opportunities that may arise from the transition are more evenly distributed. 

Transitions have traditionally disadvantaged some groups more than others. In a just transition, this is acknowledged and incorporated into planning to make the transition more fair, equitable and inclusive.

Read more about the Southland Just Transition:

Southland just transition(external link) — southlandjusttransition.nz

Last updated: 09 August 2024