On the final day of the Strengthening Communities Hui, the three organising networks have committed to collective work to address climate change. The annual Hui brings
together Environment Hubs Aotearoa, the Community Energy Network and the Zero Waste Network, representing more than one
hundred community organisations and thousands of workers.
The networks were challenged by keynote speaker Tina Ngata, Ngāti Porou scholar and scientist, to put relationships
first, and to build those based on equity and genuine partnership as the foundation to really being able to change
direction on climate breakdown.
“We are seeking to build knowledge and understanding of how we can best honour Te Tiriti within the context of climate
change and our work. Tina has given us some hugely beneficial pathways forward,” said Dorte Wray, Executive Officer of
the Zero Waste Network.
The Minister of Climate Change was our other keynote speaker. He was enthusiastic about the role of community enterprise
in delivering on New Zealand’s climate commitments. In particular, he championed the flexibility and responsiveness of
local grassroots responses to climate change as being faster than government agencies.
“This afternoon we workshopped a number of initiatives and proposals for the three networks to maximise our collective
impact. While in some senses the work has really only just begun, all three networks already contribute to reducing
emissions every single day.”
Sessions from the Strengthening Communities Hui were recorded and are available on the website, and on the ZWN Youtube Channel.