On June 11, 2025, amid legal challenges against the New Zealand government's emissions reduction plan—which involved scrapping 35 climate policies without public consultation—the Climate Change Commission issued a warning highlighting the urgent need to strengthen the nation’s climate policies. This advisory underscores a progressive stance that advocates for transparency and accountability in government policy-making.

The Climate Change Commission issued science-based recommendations for methane cuts of 35-47% to address climate change. However, under significant pressure from agribusiness lobby groups and political interference, the government set up a separate review panel that ultimately resulted in a much weaker target, undermining the Commission's independent stance.

The Climate Change Commission has issued a call for independent experts to contribute to its upcoming 2026 National Climate Change Risk Assessment, reinforcing its commitment to evidence‐based, transparent climate policy and democratic governance.

The Climate Change Commission published its annual report for the year ended 30 June 2023, detailing their work in providing evidence‐based advice on key climate policies such as price limits and unit supply settings for the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme, and outlining future strategies for emissions reduction.