WELLINGTON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- New Zealanders can register their interest in being part of the government's consultation on what the Zero Carbon Bill should look like, Climate Change Minister James Shaw said on Thursday.

"We know many New Zealanders want to be part of the discussion on how we reduce our emissions and want to be kept updated in the lead up to formal consultation starting around the end of May," Shaw said.

The Zero Carbon Bill will be a cornerstone of New Zealand's transition to a low emission climate resilient future that will help achieve its international commitments, he said.

An online registration process has been set up on the Ministry for the Environment website for individuals or organizations who want to be kept informed between now and then, the minister said.

"Consultation has to be with New Zealanders across the country; from farmers and factory workers, to iwi (tribe) and innovators. We want everyone's thoughts and ideas," he said.

The consultation will also cover the role of the new independent Climate Change Commission, which is intended to take a long-term non-partisan view, provide independent advice to the government of the day, and ensure New Zealand stays on track to meet its climate change goals, Shaw said.