MEDIA RELEASE
Focus on adaptation positive step for councils & communities
For immediate release on 6 October 2006
Local Government New Zealand is hailing the Government’s announcement to step up its efforts to prepare for the effects
of climate change as a positive move for councils and their communities.
“I’m pleased to see the New Zealand Government is now focusing on the impacts of climate change and putting plans in
place to adapt to its effects. We now know that it is not a matter of if our climate will change but when and it’s
important that our communities are prepared for the inevitable,” says Local Government New Zealand’s President, Basil
Morrison.
“Many New Zealand councils are already considering the effects of climate change in planning for the future,
particularly in regard to upgrading infrastructure, such as stormwater drains, to cope with the predicted increase in
extreme weather events throughout the country.”
Although Local Government New Zealand is yet to see the detail of the announcement, the organisation is welcoming the
proposed increase in coordination across sectors and looks forward to building on, and strengthening, relationships with
both private and public sector organisations involved in planning for climate change.
“We look forward to playing a lead role in this work and assisting our communities to prepare for and adapt to climate
change,” said Mr Morrison.
ENDS