Communities in the Waitākere Ranges are being encouraged to help shape the development of a Local Climate Action Plan.
Funded by Waitākere Ranges Local Board, the plan will identify local climate action priorities for eight action areas within the Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan framework.
These include natural environment, built environment, transport, economy, communities and coast, food, Te puāwaitanga ō Te Tātai, and Energy and Industry-related actions.
A series of community hui, led by Community Waitākere, will be held across the board area to help develop the plan and its main objectives.
Creating the plan together
Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair, Saffron Toms, says the Climate Action Plan will be something that the whole of the community can get involved in.
“A Local Climate Action Plan can only be successfully developed and implemented with the leadership, support and participation of the Waitākere Ranges community.
“Community involvement in the development of the plan is an opportunity for the community to share knowledge about current activity in the local board area, as well as identify priorities for climate action and potential activity ideas.
“Everything we do produces climate emissions, and some activity results in a lot more climate emissions than others. We want to identify some key actions for our communities to reduce our impact on the environment.”
Priorities
Some priorities for climate action already expressed by Waitākere Ranges communities include:
- Significant concern for natural environment climate impacts, as well as increased pests and disease. Threats to forested areas (such as kauri dieback, animal pests) have led to restricted access and reduced recreation opportunities. Communities may also be impacted by extreme weather events, or coastal inundation.
- There is support for community climate action, sustaining the natural environment, preserving local heritage and taonga, and encouraging sustainable lifestyles.
- There is support for sustainable transport options, including: more frequent, reliable, and accessible public transport; better walking and cycling infrastructure; electric vehicles: cars and buses.
- Support for Māori community initiatives, including marae, mara kai (food gardens).
Take part
Community hui are currently being organised for a number of locations in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area, including in Titirangi on 26 July and Piha on 3 August.
Email Vinetta: vinetta@communitywaitakere.org.nz to find out more and take part.
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