The Commission’s report reflects much of the draft advice released in January 2021. But changes have been made to reflect consultation and further data, including that historic emissions in New Zealand are higher than previously thought. This means we need to go harder in our emission reductions in order to meet our 2050 emissions reduction targets. It is recognised that change needs to be sustainable and this may mean a slow start that accelerates as infrastructure and systems are put in place to support fundamental change.

Whatever the pace (fast, faster, or hasty), the direction of travel is clear from the report. Boards and other governing bodies can gain valuable insights from it to inform their strategies and risk management in maintaining and growing their enterprise in a way that is sustainable - not just environmentally but also financially, culturally and socially.