Wāhanga tūmahi: Mahi taunaki
Action area: Advocacy

We can support action by working with others to achieve our shared goal of becoming a net zero carbon capital.

Influencing and championing our future

It's our role to be active in advocating for climate change at a national and regional level.

We do this through:

  • submissions
  • networking and gathering support
  • co-investment with stakeholders on projects and initiatives.

It’s essential we communicate with all levels of government and work closely with communities and industries to deliver a net zero carbon capital by 2050.

Climate Change Commission advice to Government

The past year saw the release of a number of significant policies and guidance relating to climate change. Headlining these was the Climate Change Commission’s advice to Government.

Our submission to the Climate Change Commission encouraged them to be bold and to drive transformational change over the next 15 years, consistent with our own approach in Te Atakura - First to Zero.

Specifically, we had five key messages:

  1. Be more ambitious in setting budgets.
  2. Increase the speed and scale of the transport recommendations.
  3. Prioritise the role of behaviour change.
  4. Be clear that a significant increase in funding and support is required.
  5. Recognise the significance of local governments’ contribution and role.

Wellington City Council's submission on Climate Change Commission advice – cover letter (210KB PDF)
Consultation question-and-answer table (340KB PDF) | Text version (580KB RTF)

The Commission’s advice is comprehensive and covers a number of the advocacy initiatives we set out in Te Atakura.

National Emission Reduction Plan

In response to advice from the Climate Change Commission, the Government is required to release a plan for how we will transition to a low-emissions and climate-resilient future over the next 15 years.

In late 2021 the Government released a discussion document to seek feedback and help shape its National Emission Reduction Plan, which is expected to be finalised by May 2022.

Transitioning to a low-emissions and climate-resilient future: emissions reduction plan discussion document - Ministry for the Environment

Our submission included a cover letter from the Mayor and detailed answers to specific questions from the Government.

Wellington City Council submission on Te hau marohi ki anamata, Transitioning to a low-emissions and climate-resilient future (572KB PDF)

New Zealand’s Second Emissions Reduction Plan

On 17 July 2024, the Ministry for the Environment launched a public consultation on New Zealand’s Second Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP2), which details the Government's proposed actions to lower emissions in New Zealand during the 2026–2030 period. The discussion document sets out how emissions pricing, and the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme in particular, will play a central role in New Zealand’s climate change response.

Wellington City Council (the Council) has raised concerns about the heavy reliance on the ETS and forest planting, as well as the lack of central government support for emissions reduction in the transport and built environment sectors. The Council encouraged clarity on:

  • how climate change considerations will be incorporated into the urban planning framework;
  • alignment between the Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport and emissions reduction targets;
  • investments in public and active transport networks for Wellington and other cities;
  • accelerating the 'Building for Climate Change' programme; 
  • recognising the emissions reduction benefits of supporting a circular economy model.

Our submission included a cover letter from the Mayor and detailed answers to specific consultation questions from the Government.

Wellington City Council's submission on New Zealand’s Second Emissions Reduction Plan - Cover letter and Consultation questions-and-answers table (581KB PDF)

Progress on key areas of advocacy

Transport and urban form

Buildings

Waste

Policies advocacy

We will continue to advocate for:

  • container-deposit scheme
  • energy disclosure for residential homes
  • applying building sustainability improvements to rates
  • 2030 fossil fuel vehicle import ban
  • education on diet change
  • reducing reliance on and use of natural gas.

What you can do

Be an advocate and let your elected members hear your voice. Advocating for climate action is one of the most powerful ways you can make a difference.

It all starts with knowing your stuff, so take an interest and research climate change, climate technologies, climate action, the potential impacts on our beautiful city, and anything else.

This way you'll be able to engage in productive, factually based conversations with co-workers, whānau, friends, and more.

Our climate change in Wellington and five ways to take climate action pages are a great place to start.

Visit Action area: Adaptation