The Future of Sustainability Reporting in New Zealand

New Zealand's sustainability reporting framework is undergoing significant transformations, reflecting both domestic priorities and global trends. For organizations operating within the country, understanding these changes is crucial to ensure compliance and to leverage sustainability as a strategic advantage.

Current Reporting Requirements

As of 2025, several key frameworks and standards guide sustainability reporting in New Zealand:

• Aotearoa New Zealand Climate Standards (NZ CS): Developed by the External Reporting Board (XRB), these standards mandate climate-related disclosures for large financial institutions and listed companies, aligning with international frameworks like the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
• Public Benefit Entity (PBE) FRS 48: This standard requires Tier 1 and 2 public benefit entities to report on service performance, emphasizing the importance of articulating progress toward broader organizational aims and objectives.
• He Tauira Framework: A voluntary reporting framework designed specifically for Aotearoa New Zealand, He Tauira encourages entities to consider their long-term intergenerational impact through a distinctive lens that examines operations and broader relationships with the external world.

Anticipated Developments

The sustainability reporting landscape is expected to evolve further, with potential developments including:

• Integration of International Standards: New Zealand entities may increasingly align their reporting with international standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) to enhance comparability and meet global stakeholder expectations.
• Expanded Assurance Requirements: As stakeholders demand greater credibility in sustainability disclosures, there may be a move toward mandatory assurance of ESG reports, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of reported information.
• Broader Scope of Reporting: Future regulations might extend beyond climate-related disclosures to encompass a wider range of ESG factors, requiring organizations to provide more comprehensive insights into their sustainability performance.

How Speeki Can Assist

Speeki offers a comprehensive platform to support New Zealand organizations in navigating the complexities of sustainability reporting:

• Integrated Reporting Tools: Facilitate the collection, management, and disclosure of ESG data in alignment with both local and international standards.
• Customizable Templates: Access a library of templates tailored to various reporting frameworks, streamlining the preparation of sustainability reports.
• Stakeholder Engagement Features: Engage effectively with stakeholders through tools designed to gather feedback, conduct surveys, and manage disclosures, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
• Assurance Readiness: Prepare for potential assurance requirements by establishing robust internal controls and documentation processes that enhance the credibility of sustainability disclosures.

By leveraging Speeki's solutions, organizations can not only meet current reporting obligations but also position themselves to adapt to future sustainability reporting developments in New Zealand.

References:

1. Ministry for the Environment. (2024). Mandatory climate-related disclosures. Retrieved from https://environment.govt.nz/what-government-is-doing/areas-of-work/climate-change/mandatory-climate-related-financial-disclosures/environment.govt.nz
2. Chapter Zero New Zealand. (2025). Sustainability reporting guide 2025. Retrieved from https://www.chapterzero.nz/resources-and-insights/sustainability-reporting-a-guide-for-boards-and-leadershipchapterzero.nz
3. External Reporting Board (XRB). (n.d.). Sustainability reporting. Retrieved from https://www.xrb.govt.nz/sustainability-reporting/
4. KPMG New Zealand. (2025). Sustainability reporting in New Zealand. Retrieved from https://kpmg.com/nz/en/home/insights/2025/03/sustainability-reporting.htmlkpmg.com+1kpmg.com+1
5. Financial Markets Authority (FMA). (2025). Assurance engagement exemption notice. Retrieved from https://www.fma.govt.nz/business/legislation/exemptions/financial-markets-conduct-act-exemptions/financial-markets-conduct-climate-related-disclosuresassurance-engagement-exemption-notice-2025/fma.govt.nz
6. Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). (2025). Climate-related disclosures: key developments. Retrieved from https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/news-and-analysis/news/climate-related-disclosures-key-developmentscharteredaccountantsanz.com