Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Recognition for our climate response
The report states that “[Environment Canterbury’s flood recovery updates] are comprehensive and accessible, and cover both physical works as well as financial information.”
It also highlights our river rating district liaison committees as an example of transparent, meaningful engagement that gives communities influence in Council decision making, saying “Environment Canterbury’s rating district liaison committee meeting notes are publicly available. They indicate a good level of transparency by the Council on work carried out, financial management, and work programme options.”
Read more about our flood recovery work and explore our climate resilience and flood protection programme.
Chair commits to ongoing climate action
Our Chair Craig Pauling welcomed the recognition for the work we’ve done.
“As the Auditor General says, climate impacts don’t respect territorial boundaries and we’ve been working across the region on a plan with shared actions.
“We were the first council in New Zealand to declare a climate emergency, and it’s great to see our work in this space being positively recognised,” he said.
“We know we must continue to take robust, consistent, holistic climate action to protect the unique taiao (environment) of Waitaha/Canterbury.
“We welcome the Auditor General’s recommendations on ways we can further strengthen and improve our efforts to provide a thriving and climate-resilient region for ourselves and future generations,” Chair Pauling said.
The Office of the Auditor General report
The How well four councils are responding to a changing climate report explores our climate response and that of Christchurch City Council, Nelson City Council and Whanganui District Council.
The Office of the Auditor General initiated the report to understand how well the four councils are moving from talking about climate action to taking action. It recommends that all councils adopt clear climate strategies, strong community engagement, and robust reporting to meet the challenges posed by a changing climate.
