New Zealand businesses are tackling climate change by committing to set carbon reduction targets and publish their performance against those targets.

Sixty-one businesses, making up nearly 50 per cent of New Zealand’s carbon emissions, have formed the Climate Leaders Coalition to help New Zealand transition to a low emissions economy.

Convenor Z Energy CEO, Mike Bennetts says in a year's time he's expecting more businesses to join the coalition so they can tip over that magical 50 per cent of emissions.

He's expecting the businesses to be reporting on the public targets they've disclosed, and he expects those reports to show some meaningful progress.

The coalition includes the likes of Fonterra, Air New Zealand, Ngai Tahu Holdings and Ports of Auckland.

LISTEN ABOVE AS MIKE BENNETT SPEAKS WITH LARRY WILLIAMS