Call for public submissions
We sought public submissions before the launch of negotiations and during the Joint Working Group stage in the GEPA’s development (from February to March 2025). Twelve submissions were received.
With the launch of negotiations on 31 October 2025, we are inviting public submissions to help inform negotiations.
Submissions are open until Thursday, 5 February 2026.
We want to hear from you
To support and inform the negotiations, we welcome written submissions from organisations, businesses, Treaty partners, and members of the public, on ways that GEPA could support growth in New Zealand’s green economy.
We are particularly interested in feedback on these questions:
- What are the key economic opportunities and challenges with regard to sustainability, environment and climate change? What principles or priorities should guide the development of the GEPA?
- What are the current and future barriers to accessing international markets for green goods and services from New Zealand, or to attracting investment for green transition activities?
- What environmental and climate standards and certifications for products, services and investment should be a focus for GEPA? How could GEPA promote alignment and coherence internationally?
- How could the GEPA promote greater collaboration between research and education institutions across borders to support green skills and innovation, and to commercialise new technologies that offer climate and environmental solutions?
- How could GEPA complement existing environmental treaties and trade agreements (e.g. Paris Agreement, Convention on Biodiversity, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability)?
- How could GEPA reflect Māori interests and perspectives with respect to the environment and sustainable trade? What Māori provenance qualities and business practices could be better recognised internationally for their sustainability attributes?
How to get in touch
Email: GreenTrade@mfat.govt.nz
Mail:
Coordinator, Green Economy Partnership Agreement (GEPA)
Trade and Economic Group
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Private Bag 18901
Wellington
What we do with your views
As part of ongoing consultations, the views of New Zealanders gathered through consultation and submissions are collated and reported to Ministers. Officials take those views into account when setting their negotiating positions.
Please be aware that all responses may be subject to release under the Official Information Act 1982. No personal or identifiable information will be released as part of a response.