Voluntary Nature and Carbon Markets: Domestic Scheme Endorsement Criteria

The Ministry is designing a process for government endorsement of voluntary nature and carbon market schemes developed for New Zealand. Its draft sets out scheme-level integrity criteria, explanatory material and the qualifications expected of people who assess schemes.

This targeted consultation asks whether the criteria are clear, robust and practical for scheme operators and assurance practitioners. It also seeks views on how the criteria would work for project validation and verification providers, with the aim of supporting credible schemes and reducing integrity risks in voluntary markets.

Government endorsement could influence which voluntary schemes are considered credible in New Zealand.

Clear, workable criteria can reduce greenwashing risk and support confidence among buyers, landowners and project developers.