Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

New Zealand's performance on climate change has been ranked as very poor by European climate groups.

The annual climate change performance index has dropped New Zealand nine places, to rate it 55th out of 60 major countries.

New Zealand's greenhouse emissions and domestic policies have been ranked poorer than those of China, Malaysia and the United States, but better than those of Australia and Canada.

Climate Action Network Europe director Matthias Duwe says New Zealand's standing has been damaged because of a series of detrimental Government policy changes including weakening the Emissions Trading Scheme and a major road building programme.

Greenpeace says New Zealanders don't realise how far the country has slipped behind others on climate change action.

Climate Change Issues Minister Nick Smith says the report does not reflect how New Zealand is viewed by foreign governments.