Auckland Council’s Governing Body has endorsed the development of an ambitious partnership programme to help restore the region’s natural environment and position Tāmaki Makaurau as a world-leading “nature-positive” city.
Nature Positive Auckland has been initiated in partnership with the NEXT Foundation, and the Department of Conservation. The programme aims to support the long-term recovery of nature across the region already underway.
Mayor Wayne Brown says the Nature Positive Auckland programme reflects the region’s commitment to protecting its environment while improving quality of life for Aucklanders.
“We know that Aucklanders are deeply connected to our natural environment – from our harbours and maunga to our forests and parks. This programme is about protecting our environment and ensuring future generations can enjoy them, too.
“By working together with partners like NEXT Foundation, iwi and our communities, we can achieve more, faster, and secure Auckland’s place as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
“Personally, I would like to thank the generosity of the NEXT Foundation in supporting this great initiative, they are making a real difference and doing something that we can all be proud of.”
This week’s Governing Body endorsement enables council staff to progress detailed planning with partners and further develop the opportunities within the Nature Positive Auckland programme.
What does a nature-positive Auckland mean?
The Nature Positive Auckland programme aligns closely with existing council strategies and plans like Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan, the Regional Pest Management Plan 2020-2030 and The Auckland Plan 2050.
It’s about expanding the existing work and investment into nature that’s already being undertaken and using collaboration and innovation to accelerate environmental outcomes in the Auckland region.
Auckland Council’s General Manager Environmental Services, Samantha Hill, said the initiative builds on a strong foundation of nature-focused programmes and investment already underway across Auckland, including those supported through the Natural Environment Targeted Rate.
“We already have a wide range of strong nature-focused programmes across Tāmaki Makaurau. The Nature Positive Auckland partnership brings these efforts together and will allow us to deliver projects faster as well as help attract new investment from partners.
“It means we can scale up what is already working – like restoring ecosystems, improving water quality, supporting predator-free projects and empowering communities to play their part.”
The programme emphasises partnership with mana whenua, community groups and central government organisations, and is designed to leverage co-funding from central government, philanthropy and the private sector.
Auckland Council will now work with the NEXT Foundation, mana whenua, communities, and the Department of Conservation to further develop the programme, its implementation and partnership models.