In January 2021, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) released draft advice for consultation setting out ambitious recommendations for reducing Aotearoa’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, as part of Aotearoa’s contribution to addressing global climate change. The purpose of this discussion document is to provide Māori with information about the CCC’s recommendations – in terms of both the opportunities they might present, but also risks, barriers and issues Māori might face as a consequence of the recommendations. The intention is that providing this information will enable more informed engagement between Māori and the Crown for identifying and navigating the role of Māori in the transition to a low-emissions economy. The document starts by outlining from where – economically, socially and culturally – Māori begin this transition, since that affects whether the CCC’s recommendations present opportunities, or risks/barriers. Key sectors in terms of Māori assets and employment are highlighted, to identify where the CCC’s recommendations might have particular impacts on Māori, or present particular opportunities. Unsurprisingly, for historical and cultural reasons these sectors are based heavily in natural resources, including agriculture, forestry and fishing (and related processing). The diversity of Māori asset-owning organisations is also highlighted, with some organisations very well-equipped to pursue any opportunities presented by the CCC’s recommendations, or to manage any risks/issues they present. Others, however, face long-standing institutional and other challenges, meaning they are less well-placed, and in far greater need of targeted support to successfully navigate the transition. The possibility of late-developing Māori resource owners being locked in to low-emissions resource uses is a particular challenge that any transition to a low-emissions economy will need to address. Key socio-economic disadvantages often experienced by Māori whānau are highlighted, since they give rise to particular vulnerabilities in relation to the CCC’s recommendations. This is especially for Māori who are low-income, low-skilled, renting, living significant distances form work and education opportunities, and/or without good access to reliable, affordable, and safe public transport. They can expect to be significantly exposed to rising costs of living, access issues, and other disadvantages. This is from increased transport, electricity and heating costs, potentially made worse by strong reliance on private cars for transport, with the identified Māori groups at particular risk of being locked in to existing vehicle and heating technologies. It is also due to factors such as lack of resources or ability to access more efficient technologies like EVs and heat pumps, and challenges in accessing quality housing, public/active transport, and remote working. Māori cultural assets in navigating the transition are also emphasised. In particular, there is a growing trend globally towards customers, capital suppliers and employees placing a premium on the organisations they deal with having values coinciding with their own. Māori cultural values in terms of sustainability, community development and intergenerational focus are just some examples of the values increasingly sought by these other parties. The CCC’s recommendations present possible opportunities for these cultural assets to be used to the advantage of Māori. With this context in mind, this document summarises the CCC’s main recommendations, as well as opportunities, issues and barriers, arising for Māori. Reflecting the main focuses of those recommendations, this is done for each of the following key headings – transport, electricity and non-industrial heating, agriculture and forestry, and industrial process heat. Each discussion also traverses possible policies and other measures that might be necessary to secure opportunities presented by the CCC’s recommendations, and to minimise any risks/barriers they create. The CCC’s recommendations certainly present opportunities for Māori. However, those opportunities are highly contingent on Māori being able to access information, targeted support and other resources – particularly where those concerned are starting with well-known challenges. Conversely, the CCC’s recommendations very clearly present risks/barriers and other issues to many Māori, for which targeted assistance will be essential if the transition to a lowemissions economy is not to exacerbate any existing disadvantages. Specific policies and other measures are suggested in relation to the CCC’s recommendations for the key sectors outlined above. Additionally – and critically for a radical transition that is to span almost 30 years to 2050 – a key challenge will be to ensure that Māori are able to exercise meaningful authority over how the transition to a low-emissions economy is to be traversed. The final section of this document discusses the CCC’s recommendations for ensuring that partnership between Māori and the Crown is achieved, as well as a just transition. This document is structured with summaries of key points at the beginning of each major section, as well as key questions for Māori to consider presented at the end of each section. These questions, especially, should help to stimulate more informed engagement between Māori and the Crown as to how the transition to a low-emissions economy might improve – rather than exacerbate – the wellbeing of current and future generations of Māori. While the transition will take almost 30 years, the need to create the right pathway for its achievement is urgent. Key decisions are required now that will determine whether Māori are able to benefit from the transition, or face greater obstacles to socio-economic development. This document is intended to assist Māori in engaging with the Crown on a better informed basis, and to share the responsibility for taking these decisions where they have particular impact on Māori.