Government Blocks Climate Lawsuit

Auckland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 28, 2026 · 1m

Mike Smith, a plaintiff suing major companies like Fonterra and Z Energy over emissions, saw his case blocked by the government just weeks before trial—prompting him to sue the state itself in the High Court. The government, citing business confidence and legal conflicts, intervened despite official advice against it, a move critics call constitutionally outrageous. Smith accuses the government of unlawful interference, especially after the very companies he sued lobbied for the change. The Justice Minister claims the decision was necessary to protect investment and avoid legal chaos, but…