We strongly oppose the Climate Change Response (Tort Liability) Amendment Bill.

It raises significant human rights concerns, and we urge the Justice Committee to reject it outright. The Bill would bar people from taking climate-related tort claims to court, cutting off access to justice for those harmed by climate change and pre-empting the Smith v Fonterra case before it can be heard. The Bill prioritises corporate interests, does not consider the Crown’s obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is being rushed through under urgency with little transparency.