Dutch environmental group accuses New Zealand of breaching climate agreement

An expert says a challenge to New Zealand's environmental policy is high stakes.

Dutch environmental group Both ENDS has filed a complaint with the European Commission, accusing New Zealand of breaching our environmental obligations in the EU Free Trade Agreement. 

It's over things like watering down methane reduction targets, and reversing the ban on oil and gas exploration.

Canterbury University politics professor, Bronwyn Hayward, says it's likely to get a lot of attention on the world stage. 

"Whether we win or lose, our reputation is taking a real hit." 

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