Environment – Rotorua company fined for illegally releasing synthetic greenhouse gases

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) welcomes the recent fines for a Rotorua-based company and one of its employees for illegally releasing a synthetic greenhouse gas.

On 25 June 2026, the Rotorua District Court fined G.B Teat Limited and an employee, Cole Wicks, following their guilty plea to a single charge each under the Climate Change Response Act 2002. G.B Teat Limited was fined $6,700, and Mr Wicks was fined $3,350.

The EPA laid charges related to the deliberate release of a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) into the atmosphere during an incident on December 20, 2024, while Mr Wicks was providing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) services.

Acting General Manager of Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement, Brian Ruiterman, says the successful prosecution highlights the importance of properly handling substances with high Global Warming Potential.

“The Court’s decision is a good reminder to all businesses working in the HVAC industry of their obligations under the Climate Change Response Act and to ensure they are correctly handling greenhouse gases.

“The Act provides mechanisms for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and establishes the legal framework for Aotearoa New Zealand to meet our international climate change obligations.

“It is an offence to knowingly release any HFC into the atmosphere when installing, operating, servicing, modifying, dismantling, or disposing of refrigeration or air-conditioning equipment. They are potent greenhouse gases and their handling is tightly controlled.

“It is essential that everyone follows the rules around how greenhouse gases with high Global Warming Potential are handled. The EPA will take action to protect people and the environment from the harm these gases cause.”