Our Approach
Local government has an extraordinary role to play in protecting and preserving the local economy, infrastructure, biodiversity, transport systems and the health and wellbeing of the community. All of these things will be affected by a changing climate.
To address and prepare for these impacts, the Far North District Council adopted a Climate Change Roadmap in 2020 and a Climate Action Policy in December 2023. These strategies outline a broad approach to climate change, including goals and associated guiding principles.
The roadmap also presents proposed action plans in four focus areas involving mitigation and adaptation. These are:
- "Walking the talk” Council reduces its carbon emissions
- “Reducing our carbon emissions together” Supporting our communities to achieve zero carbon by 2050
- “Prudent future proofing” Council adapts to climate change
- “Developing resilience” Help our communities prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change
Te Tai Tokerau Climate Action Network (TTCAN)
Far North District Council was part of a historic first partnership, New Zealand’s first region-wide climate adaptation strategy, The Te Tai Tokerau Climate Adaptation Strategy. It was developed by Climate Action Te Tai Tokerau (CATT), a joint council working group, under the governance of the Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee (JCCAC). The Strategy was formally adopted in April 2022 by the Northland Regional Council, Whangarei District Council, Kaipara District Council and Far North District Council. The purpose of this joint strategy is to align and collaborate on climate adaptation work across Northland.
Climate Action Reference Group / Climate Action Implementation Plan
As part of implementing the Far North District Council's Climate Action Policy, the Climate Action Reference Group (CARG) has been established. Departments throughout Council have delegates that will work together to implement and monitor the climate action policy.
The purpose of CARG is to facilitate, collaborate, guide, and advocate on climate-related initiatives across the business, supporting a ‘joined up' climate change response.
Objectives:
- To reduce Council’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and implement organisational adaptation strategies and initiatives.
- To foster collaboration and engagement across Council for effective climate action planning and implementation.
- To monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, and recommend adjustments to the climate action implementation programme as needed.
- To advocate for climate resilience, mitigation and adaptation measures within the organisation and the Far North district.
- To ensure that all initiatives undergo rigorous assessment and adhere to cross-council policy and legislative standards, fostering compliance and effectiveness across all projects.