The Aotearoa New Zealand Climate Standards series, initiated in 2022, was developed by the External Reporting Board following legislation requiring climate-related disclosures. It forms a benchmark series designed to provide a structured and consistent framework for reporting on climate risks and opportunities.

The methodology underpinning the series draws on the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and aligns with evolving international standards. It applies a principles-based approach, requiring entities to disclose information across four thematic areas: governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets. Additional standards in the series set out adoption provisions and general requirements to ensure comparability and fair presentation.

The purpose of the series is to enable finance professionals and other primary users to understand how entities are addressing climate-related risks and opportunities. By providing transparent and comparable disclosures, the standards support decision-making and the allocation of capital towards activities consistent with a low-emissions, climate-resilient future.

Finance professionals can use the series to assess disclosure quality, evaluate climate-related exposures, and compare practices across entities. The framework also assists in integrating climate considerations into investment, lending, and risk management processes, providing a basis for consistent evaluation within financial markets.