Newly formed Taupo Climate Action Group publishes results from local body candidate questionnaire, Sept 2022

Voting for climate action Scorecard here:

Media Release: Increasingly climate change impacts are being felt across Aotearoa as many districts face extreme weather events such as flooding, coastal erosion and high winds. NIWA recently published research showing 2021 was New Zealand’s warmest and wettest on record.

Last year Taupō and Turangi both experienced their hottest summer and winter since records began, and Turangi its third wettest winter. This has impacted biodiversity, agricultural operations, waste and water infrastructure, and local tourism.

The newly formed Taupō Climate Action Group, which includes representatives from a number of different local groups, is working on identifying and promoting solutions to some of the more significant environmental issues in the district. Key areas include:

·       reducing food and construction waste

·       enabling ‘active’ transport such as biking and walking

·       protecting biodiversity

·       promoting sustainable urban design

·       community education

“Climate change can feel big and scary, but there’s so much we can do to turn the waka in a new direction” says Kids Greening Taupō representative Thea DePetris. “This group is about bringing together like-minded people who want to make a difference, who are ready to work together to save our ngahere (forest), protect our beautiful landscapes and build a future for our tamariki. We’re keen to hear from anyone who is able to contribute to our kaupapa” says Thea.

“Taupō District Council recently signed up to their first carbon emissions reduction plan, which is great progress” says Nick Carroll, Policy Manager at Taupō District Council. “District and regional Councils will play an important role in addressing some of the impacts of climate change, particularly in the areas of waste, water, transport, and urban planning. But we’re really going to need to come together as a community to make the big changes that are needed ” says Nick.

“Our Council representatives play a vital role in determining where the Council focuses their efforts and public funds. Taupō District Council controls urban planning requirements, waste collection and water management, areas that impact our district’s greenhouse gas emissions and ability to adapt to climate change. So it’s really important that at election time voters are aware of where candidates stand, and vote for candidates who represent their views. Now, more than ever, each vote really counts” says Alana Delich, founding member of Taupō Climate Action Group.

The Taupō Climate Action Group has asked candidates standing for Taupō District Council or Regional Council to complete a questionnaire covering their views on key climate change actions. Nine candidates responded in full, and four responded in part or with a generic statement. Responses are summarised below. A full copy of responses can be found on theTaupō Climate Action Group Facebook page.