Te Tai Tokerau climate adaption strategy Plan
- Author
- Joint Climate Change Adaption Committee
- Year
- 2022
- Publisher / Organisation
- Whangarei District Council, Kaipara District Council, Far North District Council, Northland Region
- Pages
- 63
- Summary
- There is no longer any doubt our climate is changing – we are facing a climate crisis. The question now is what will the impacts be, and how can we best prepare our people, places and industries? New Zealand’s government declared a climate emergency on 2 December 2020 and holds the lead responsibility for Aotearoa’s transition to a low-emissions society and economy. Local government has a supporting role in this climate change mitigation mahi, to assist and enable the required transitions in districts and regions. Climate change adaptation, however, must be led by councils, iwi, hapū, industry stakeholders and the wider community. This strategy represents a first step by Northland councils towards a collaborative, region-wide response to the impacts of climate change. We are already living with the effects of a changing climate, and many communities in Te Tai Tokerau have been using their own resources and networks to develop plans to prepare and adapt. Through this strategy, Northland councils and tangata whenua are building on these plans, seeking integration and alignment across the region, and working to create meaningful partnerships to help us all adapt together. This strategy is the foundation that sets out our commitment to taking action, to aligning with our communities, to listening, understanding, and working together. We expect the strategy will evolve and actions will change as this adaptation kaupapa progresses and our understanding grows. Through this strategy, we are asking these important questions of ourselves and of Te Tai Tokerau. What do our communities need to effectively adapt to the impacts of our changing climate? What can councils do to support local initiatives? Where are the areas that are most at risk, who are the most vulnerable? What information should we be guided by and what flow-on effects should we be planning for? How does the climate change kaupapa fit with tangata whenua whakaaro, and how can councils integrate and honour that whakaaro in future planning cycles? These questions need to be carefully worked through; bringing representatives from Northland councils and tangata whenua to the same table to develop this strategy has been an important first step. The scale and complexity of the climate challenges ahead provide an opportunity for inclusive, progressive and creative solutions. Our actions and decisions from now must be focused on the future we want for our children’s children. Together, we can adapt and thrive.