A critical step towards achieving the country's long-term climate change goals, this strategy outlines how New Zealand will meet the second emissions budget for 2026–30. The cross-sectoral plan covers a range of policies and initiatives, focusing on a technology-led approach to reducing emissions alongside commitment to cost-effective climate action.

The plan acknowledges the significant role of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) and emphasizes the need for collaboration across all sectors to achieve the ambitious targets. It also highlights the importance of technological innovation, particularly in agriculture and energy, and underscores the need for continuous monitoring and adaptive management to ensure progress towards the targets.

This second emissions reduction plan builds on the foundation laid by the first plan and incorporates feedback from a range of stakeholders, including youth, businesses, local governments, Māori groups, environmental NGOs, climate scientists and advisory panels. It also outlines strategies to mitigate the potential impacts of climate policies on different communities and highlights the importance of partnership with Māori in climate action.

The plan identifies eight key policies with the greatest potential for emissions reduction.

1. Carbon capture, utilisation and storage
2. Organic waste management and landfill gas capture
3. Renewable energy projects
4. Afforestation on Crown-owned land
5. Waste Minimisation
6. Agricultural emissions pricing system
7. Product stewardship of refrigerants
8. EV charging network