At last week's Ordinary Council meeting, Councillors adopted 'Our Climate Pathway' — Whakatāne District’s Climate Change Strategy 2024-27 along with the accompanying Climate Change Action Plan.
This strategy, developed through a community-led process, marks a significant move towards collective, community-wide action on climate change.
Whakatāne District Council’s Manager Strategy and Performance, Dr Leny Woolsey, highlighted the collaborative effort behind ‘Our Climate Pathway’, driven by a dedicated Climate Change Steering Group, supported by a technical advisory group, community panel, youth panel and broader community input.
“This grassroots approach ensures the strategy is not just a Council directive, but a document owned and embraced by all communities in the Whakatāne District,” Dr Woolsey said.
Dr Woolsey added, “The Council’s first Climate Change Strategy and Action Plans, adopted in 2020, laid a strong foundation and earned recognition for leadership in climate action.
When the Council initiated a review in March 2023, it was clear that establishing a community-led governance structure was key to fostering a community-driven strategy and promoting a framework for joint action and collaboration across the district.”
Steering Group Chair Dr Caudwell echoed these thoughts, emphasising the importance of collective effort.
“The Council’s approach of tapping into expert knowledge and regularly seeking feedback from the community panel, technical advisory group, and steering group has crafted a clear and comprehensive climate strategy that we trust the wider community will support.”
“Achieving a sustainable energy transition for the district means we all need to adapt our habits. Conserving energy where we can, shifting from fossil fuels to renewable sources like electricity, and ensuring that the transition is inclusive, so no one is left behind,” he said.
The Council’s adoption of the strategy signifies a commitment to supporting and facilitating the actions rather than asserting ownership. The Council acknowledges that achieving the strategy’s targets requires a concerted effort from the entire community. While the Council will play a crucial role, it recognises that broader community engagement and action are essential.
The supporting plan includes a broad range of actions from ‘buying local and seasonal’ to ‘active travel to work or school’ which the community can work towards collectively.
The Council encourages all community members, organisations, and stakeholders to endorse and adopt 'Our Climate Pathway' as their own. By working together, the Whakatāne District can create a sustainable, low-emission, climate resilient future for all.
For more information on the strategy and how you can get involved, visit Council's website.