One NZ report shows 82% fall in Scope 1 & 2 emissions

One NZ has published its 2026 sustainability report, including its first reporting against climate targets verified by the Science Based Targets initiative.

The verified targets commit the telecoms group to cut absolute Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by its 2030 financial year, from a 2024 baseline. By its 2026 financial year, reported Scope 1 and 2 emissions had fallen 82%, while reported Scope 3 emissions were down 13% against that baseline.

The report outlines progress across environmental, social and governance work during the year to 31 March 2026. It also details investment in network resilience, waste reduction and community programmes.

Nicky Preston, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs at One NZ, said the company viewed the science-based targets as a guide for its environmental work.

"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.

"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."

Devices and waste

Device reuse remained a key focus as One NZ sought to reduce the environmental impact of consumer technology. More than 26,000 devices passed through its trade-in programme during the year, a 50% increase on the previous year.

The company also reported growth in a pilot scheme for refurbished phones. In its network operations, more than 90,000kg of operational electronic waste was processed during the year, with 99% diverted from landfill, according to the report.

Preston said extending the life of devices offered a practical route to cutting waste.

"One of the biggest opportunities we have to reduce the environmental impact of technology is keeping devices in use for longer.

"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."

Network investment

Alongside its environmental targets, One NZ highlighted spending on communications infrastructure. It invested more than $100 million in its mobile network during the year and completed about 250 site upgrades or new builds across New Zealand.

One NZ also expanded its satellite-to-mobile service. More than 15 million messages were sent through the service during the year, improving connectivity in places without traditional mobile coverage.

A rooftop solar installation was completed at its central Christchurch data centre as part of a goal to source 100% renewable electricity by its 2030 financial year. The company also said AI-based network optimisation helped improve energy efficiency, with data traffic rising by more than 28% and energy consumption increasing by 26% year on year as coverage expanded.

Community programmes

The report also details the work of Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation. One NZ contributed $2 million to support 55 organisations and 33 individuals, with a continued focus on Murihiku Southland and on improving outcomes for rangatahi.

Whārikhia, the company's Māori strategy, continued to shape internal and external engagement, including cultural capability work and engagement with iwi. It also said 17 people completed Kāwai, a leadership development programme for Māori and Pasifika employees.

Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence also featured in the year's activity. One NZ said it blocked more than 12 million cyber threats, including malicious websites, scam calls and harmful content, and published a second AI Trust Report on public attitudes to AI.

Preston said the company saw its role in broader terms than telecommunications alone.

"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.

"We know connectivity is increasingly essential for how people live, work and stay connected.

"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."

The company's GRESB Infrastructure Assessment score rose to 93 out of 100 during the year. One NZ said sustainability remained tied to the essential role of communications services in daily life.