The Hoe ki angitū – Waka Kotahi Innovation Fund has been set up by Waka Kotahi to support the private sector to develop and accelerate innovative solutions that will help to solve some of our biggest transport challenges.
Category: climate change
Window of time to tackle rising sea levels halved
Newly-released research shows that, in many places, rising sea levels due to climate change will impact Aotearoa as soon as 2040 rather than 2060 due to land subsidence being factored in. This means local government’s time to react is effectively being squeezed. In this article we outline adaptation legislation in train and opportunities to learn more and provide input towards national planning to safeguard the future of our communities as well as billions of dollars of public and private assets.
Government releases Emissions Reduction Plan
On Monday, the Government released its first Emissions Reduction Plan. The Plan outlines several initiatives which will be implemented in order to meet the limit of 290 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gasses being emitted (2022-2025) set out in the first emissions budget.
Climate Change Forum energises and inspires
We held our annual Taituarā Climate Change Forum from 16-21 June 2022. It was an informative and inspiring event showcasing developments in climate action from central government and academics as well as case studies from Councils around the country.
Major IPPC report on climate change impacts and adaptation released
With so many crises occupying the limelight you may have missed the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) anticipated release of the second part of its Sixth Assessment Report. It includes a chapter dedicated specifically to Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand and focuses on preparing ourselves for the future.
Boosting local voice and accountability in the new resource management system
The Local Government Resource Management Reform Steering Group is currently consulting on how to better enable local democratic input and accountability in the future resource management system. Feedback should be provided by 15 March 2022. Taituarā invites you to join us online for an opportunity to ask the Steering Group members any questions you have on 24 February 2022.
Improving disclosure of natural hazard information in LIMs
Councils would have greater confidence with respect to providing natural hazard information on LIMs through nationally consistent legislation now on the horizon. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) will be engaging with local government from February through to April on the operation and implementation of changes to LGOIMA, focussing on how this can be implemented successfully and the role of regional councils.
Doing our bit to reduce global warming
As the planet continues to warm, extreme weather events and a changing climate are increasingly threatening lives and livelihoods. International cooperation through COP26 aims to address this, and this is being translated into action here in Aotearoa New Zealand through a newly announced emissions reduction target as well as the currently open public consultation on how to achieve this.
Waste strategy: moving towards a circular economy
The Ministry for the Environment is now consulting on Te kawe i te haepapa para / Taking responsibility for our waste. It contains proposals for a new waste strategy and issues and options for new waste legislation. Taituarā is currently preparing a submission on this proposed legislation.
Consultation on Emissions Reduction Plan
The Ministry for the Environment has launched a consultation titled ‘Transitioning to a low-emissions and climate-resilient future’ to hear New Zealanders’ views on what should be included in the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan. The scope of this proposed Plan is enormous – we can expect its implementation to have profound effects on the way Kiwis live, work, and get around Aotearoa New Zealand.