Updates
Extensions to ETS deadlines for areas affected by severe weather in early 2023
Due to a recent change to the law, more time is available for ETS participants in areas affected by recent severe weather events to meet their obligations. These apply automatically – you don’t need to apply for an extension. Find out if this applies to you.
Read more about these extensions to ETS deadlines
Emissions returns due 30 June 2023
Emissions returns for post-1989 forest land are due by 30 June 2023.
If you are using the ETS online system, Tupu-ake, to calculate your emissions return, you must update some information then tell the system to perform the calculations for your return. The deadline for completing this step is 23 June 2023.
How to submit emissions returns during and following mandatory emissions returns periods (MERPs)
Emissions returns for forestry ETS land and when to submit them
- On this page:
- Keep informed with the Forestry ETS Alerts
- New ETS online system from 24 January 2023
- Changes to forestry in the ETS from January 2023
- Yearly summaries of changes
- Statistics on applications to register post-1989 forest land
Keep informed with the Forestry ETS Alert
Keep informed about forestry in the Emissions Trading Scheme by subscribing to the Forestry ETS Alert. This email newsletter replaced the Sustainable Forestry Bulletin.
Subscribe to the Forestry ETS Alert
Previous newsletters
For earlier editions, email etschanges@mpi.govt.nz
- 7 June 2023
Emissions return deadlines; getting an extension to submit your emissions return; no extensions available if you are changing to averaging accounting; upcoming webinar on emissions returns in Tupu-ake; help using Tupu-ake - 18 May 2023
Invitation to webinars in June; calculations for emissions returns using system-generated calculations due 23 June; help with Tupu-ake; check your spam folder when expecting a reply from us - 28 April 2023
Calculations for emissions returns using system-generated calculations due 23 June; we will take Tupu-ake functionality into account when considering assessments; requesting an emissions return extension; help with Tupu-ake - 14 April 2023
Consultation period for cost recovery proposal extended; emissions returns due by 30 June; Tupu-ake support and training videos - 6 April 2023
Emissions returns due by 30 June; ensure information is correct in Tupu-ake before doing emissions return calculations; start dates for averaging accounting; Tupu-ake updates, videos, and support.
New ETS online system from 24 January 2023
The new ETS online system, Tupu-ake, is now available.
Subscribe to the Forestry ETS Alert above for more updates on the new system.
Read more about the new ETS online system
Upload areas of cleared and replanted land to ensure your emissions return is calculated correctly
From 24 January 2023, you can use Tupu-ake to calculate the changes in carbon in your forest land for your emissions return (also known as an “input return”). If your forest land was cleared or replanted, you must ensure that up-to-date maps of these areas are in our system. This will ensure that calculations generated by Tupu-ake for your emissions return are correct.
Read more and download shapefile schema requirements
Changes to forestry in the ETS from January 2023
Amendments to the Climate Change (Forestry Sector) Regulations 2008 were made on 27 September 2022 and come into effect in new regulations on 1 January 2023. This is happening at the same time as most of the forestry provisions in the Amendment Act. The biggest changes are explained below.
If you have questions about changes to forestry in the Climate Change Response Act, email etsforestrychanges@mpi.govt.nz
New fees for some services
From 12 January 2023, fees charged for some ETS services have increased. There are no changes to fees for registering or adding less than 10 hectares of land.
Read more about service fees for forestry in the ETS
New carbon accounting approach called "averaging accounting"
All new registrations from 1 January 2023 will use averaging accounting, unless the forest is registered as a permanent forest. If you register between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2022 you will be able to switch to averaging accounting in 2023, or you can stay in stock change accounting.
New option for permanent forests in the ETS
"Permanent forestry" will replace the Permanent Forest Sink Initiative (PFSI). It will be available for post-1989 forest land from 1 January 2023 for forests that will not be clear-felled for at least 50 years.
New exemption from carbon liabilities for temporary adverse events
If all or part of a registered post-1989 forest is cleared by a temporary adverse event such as a fire, the owner will be able to apply for an exemption from emissions liabilities. Under this exemption, the affected part of the forest will not earn any more units until it reaches the carbon stock it was at before the adverse event.
New ability to offset deforestation liabilities
When a post-1989 forest under averaging accounting is deforested, the owner will be able to establish a forest elsewhere to offset their deforestation liability.
Updated mapping and geospatial standards
These standards have been updated and come into force on 11 January 2023:
- Field Measurement Approach Standard
- Field Measurement Approach Information Standard
- Geospatial Mapping Information Standard
The Field Measurement Approach
