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Smith v Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd is a landmark climate case before the Supreme Court of New Zealand that examines whether major corporate emitters can be held civilly liable for their contribution to climate change harms.

The case is brought by Mike Smith, a Māori elder and community leader, against several of New Zealand's largest greenhouse gas emitters. It argues that their cumulative emissions have materially contributed to climate impacts already affecting communities — including flooding, coastal erosion, storm surge, and threats to culturally significant land and infrastructure.

The claim relies on established tort doctrines — public nuisance and negligence — and asks the Court to consider recognising a new climate-specific civil wrong addressing damage to the climate system itself.

The Supreme Court's decision is expected to clarify the role of courts in addressing climate risk alongside legislative and regulatory frameworks. The case is being closely watched by legal scholars, policymakers, and climate litigators internationally as a potential precedent within common-law jurisdictions.