Have your say on climate change

Published on 15 August 2019

Whanganui District Council has formally recognised a global climate crisis is impending.

The Council agreed to support the following declaration at its Council meeting on Tuesday, 13 August, 2019:

THAT in encouraging public engagement in the development of its Climate Change Strategy,

Whanganui District Council recognises that a global climate crisis is impending.

The declaration is not expected to impose any costs on the Council, but is intended to add weight to submissions to Government and give impetus for Council to take action on climate change.

From this week the Council will engage widely with the community to ask how households, businesses and other organisations can reduce their contribution to climate change and adapt to a changing climate.

The Council’s General Manager Strategy, Charlotte Almond, says the Council is committed to acting on climate change. “We want to lead by example in our organisational practices and support our community to be a Leading Edge district that takes a proactive and innovative approach to climate change.”

A discussion document has been developed as a starting point and this will be available at various locations around town and on the Council website.

“We’re looking forward to hearing what is important to the community so we can begin to establish priorities to address local climate change issues. All the information, ideas and concerns that are raised with us will be carefully considered,” says Ms Almond.

“Community feedback will help shape and guide the Council’s response to the challenges of climate change, informing its strategic direction and influencing Council policies, processes and initiatives.”

The Council will be out and about meeting with groups and the community in a variety of locations across the district over the coming weeks – keep an eye on the Council’s Facebook page, website and advertisements for dates and venues.

There’s a range of options for sharing your ideas and insights on climate change with us:

• Visit our website at www.whanganui.govt.nz/haveyoursay to read the discussion document and take our online survey
• Share your ideas in an online forum at Viewpoint Whanganui
• Email your thoughts to policysubmissions@whanganui.govt.nz
• Pick up a feedback form from Whanganui District Council at 101 Guyton Street or your local library and hand it in to the Council
• Post your ideas into one of our suggestion boxes at libraries and other locations around town.