During FY26, One NZ reached an important milestone in its climate journey with the verification of emissions reduction targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global body that assesses corporate climate targets against current climate science.
“This past year has seen significant mahi across all our sustainability pillars. We’re especially proud to have supported so many charitable initiatives via Te Rourou, our corporate foundation,” says Nicky Preston, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs.
"On the environmental front, we’re proud to now have independently verified emissions reduction targets to guide our initiatives, which give us confidence we're focusing on the actions that matter most. It reinforces our commitment to reducing emissions across our operations and value chain, while continuing to invest in the resilient networks and services New Zealanders rely on every day."
As part of One NZ’s validated targets, the company has committed to reducing absolute Scopes 1 and 2 and Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by FY30 from a FY24 baseline year. By FY26 One NZ had already reduced reported Scopes 1 and 2 emissions by 82% and reported Scope 3 by 13%, against the baseline.
Alongside progress on emissions, One NZ continued to focus on reducing waste and improving circularity across the business.
"One of the biggest opportunities we have to reduce the environmental impact of technology is keeping devices in use for longer," says Nicky. "We've been encouraged by the popularity of our NZ-first pilot of selling refurbished phones, plus growth in our trade-in programme. We will continue to look at other practical ways to reduce electronic waste."
During FY26, more than 26,000 devices went through One NZ’s trade-in programme, representing a 50% increase on the previous year. The company continued to improve the management of operational e-waste generated through network upgrades and legacy technology replacement programmes. During the year, more than 90,000 kilograms of operational e-waste was processed, with 99% diverted from landfill.
At the centre of this mahi is the company’s purpose of creating a better-connected Aotearoa New Zealand. “As New Zealand's telco, we understand the important role we play in supporting communities, enabling economic participation and building resilient infrastructure that helps keep New Zealanders connected,” added Nicky.
During FY26, One NZ continued investing in the resilience and performance of its mobile network, including more than $100 million invested and approximately 250 site upgrades or new builds completed across the country.
One NZ also continued to expand its satellite-to-mobile service, with more than 15 million messages sent during the year, helping strengthen connectivity and resilience in areas without traditional mobile coverage.
In communities, the company remained focused on supporting rangatahi (young people) through Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation, contributing $2 million to support 55 organisations and 33 individuals working to improve opportunities and outcomes, with a continued focus on Murihiku Southland. Whārikhia, One NZ’s Māori strategy, guided internal and external engagement activities, supporting te ao Māori via cultural capability building and working with iwi.
Other key achievements in FY26 include:
- First rooftop solar installation completed at central Christchurch data centre, helping supporting the target of sourcing 100% renewable electricity by FY30.
- More than 12 million cyber threats blocked, including malicious websites, scam calls and harmful content.
- AI-powered network optimisation continued to improve energy efficiency. While data traffic grew by more than 28% and network coverage expanded significantly, energy consumption increased by just 26% year on year.
- Publication of the second AI Trust Report, exploring New Zealanders' attitudes towards AI and the opportunities and challenges the technology presents for society.
- GRESB Infrastructure Assessment score increased to 93 out of 100.
- A rōpū of 17 completed Kāwai, One NZ’s leadership development programme focused on supporting Māori and Pasifika employees .
- Winner of the Medium Company of the Year category at the 2025 Global Sustainability Awards.
"We know connectivity is increasingly essential for how people live, work and stay connected," says Nicky. "Whether it's reducing emissions, improving product circularity, supporting communities or building more resilient networks, we're focused on practical actions that create long-term value for our customers and for Aotearoa New Zealand.”
"Sustainability is a long-term journey. We're proud of the progress we've made, but we know there is always still more work to do."
For more information about One NZ's Sustainability Kaupapa, please visit: https://one.nz/our-company/corporate-responsibility/
The full Sustainability Report can be read on the One NZ website.
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