REVEALED: Corrections Spends $32 Million Chasing Carbon Neutral Targets

The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Corrections has spent $32,478,300 (GST inclusive) since 2021/22 pursuing Carbon Neutral Government targets.

The Official Information Act request also shows:

• Corrections has bought 327 electric vehicles supported by 352 chargers since the targets were implemented.
• Corrections spent a further $369,150 (GST inclusive) on emissions inventories over this period.
• 2025 emissions reduction targets weren't met and uncertainty about meeting its 2030 target remain.

Taxpayers’ Union Investigative Lead, Rhys Hurley, said:

“New Zealand already built the Emissions Trading Scheme to cap emissions nationally. Forcing Corrections to spend $32 million chasing separate carbon-neutral targets will not cut emissions by a single gram, and shows exactly why the programme should be scrapped.”

"Corrections’ job is to keep criminals behind bars, rehabilitate offenders, and keep the public safe, not worry about decarbonising their sheep farm.”

“The Government looked at removing the targets back in 2023. These figures show it should stop looking and finally pull the plug.”