Canterbury councils team up to tackle climate change

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

North Canterbury’s three councils have thrown their weight behind a plan to tackle climate change.

The Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura councils have endorsed the Canterbury Mayoral Forum’s draft climate partnership plan.

Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon, who chairs the mayoral forum’s climate action reference group, said by working together larger councils could help the smaller councils.

‘‘Climate change doesn’t recognise territorial boundaries, so we need something that works across Canterbury.

‘‘Christchurch is further ahead, which is fantastic, and in Waimakariri we are developing our work programme.’’

The Waimakariri District Council adopted its natural environment strategy at a council meeting last week, after completing its consultation alongside the long-term plan.

The 30-year strategy aims to protect the district’s natural ecosystems and its special indigenous biodiversity.

Gordon said the mayors hoped to officially launch the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan later this year and he planned to invite Climate Change Minister Simon Watts.

‘‘I have raised with the Minister about attending a public launch to provide some inspiration of what can be done in other regions.’’

The plan sets out 10 climate actions to help the 11 Canterbury councils prepare for ‘‘a sustainable future’’.

The actions included understanding climate risks and improving resilience, reducing emissions, adaptation planning, nature-based solutions, education and advocacy, supporting papatipu rūnanga, integrating climate change considerations into council processes, identifying co-funding opportunities, monitoring and evaluation, and implementation.

Hurunui mayor Marie Black said her council had endorsed the plan in principle.

The Hurunui District Council was represented on the climate action reference group by Councillor Dave Hislop, a dairy farmer.

‘‘Dave brings a pragmatic approach and he is grounded in farming principles,’’ Black said.

Hislop and other rural councillors had questioned aspects of the plan and science behind it, before giving their support, chief executive Hamish Dobbie said.

‘‘I think it has been through a robust process and councillors of all persuasions have been involved.

‘‘We might not 100% agree with everything, but it is important Canterbury stands together and is seen to be working together.

‘‘There is a desire for us to thrive and do well and loom large in the consciousness of the Government and the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan is just one of those things which we are working on collectively.’’

Kaikōura District Council chief executive Will Doughty said his council had endorsed the plan and budgeted for its contribution over the next three years in its long-term plan.

‘‘We believe it is a great initiative to be looking at the issues from a wider regional perspective.

‘‘We are very keen to see some tangible outcomes from the climate actions.’’

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.