The theme of Āpōpō branch event in Whangarei on the 21st March was was climate adaptation. We had brilliant presentations with real life case studies including the building we met in – Te Iwitahi, the new Whangarei District Council building. We also had an open discussion on the challenges in climate adaptation.
What are the biggest things you can do, personally and professionally to address the challenge of climate change?
- Climate adaptation is a social responsibility
- Frame it as an opportunity not an obligation. There are often co-benefits e.g. Many carbon reduction measures are also cheaper.
- Decision makers are human. Know that and work to your audience, so make sure you give the microphone to the best spokesperson for the cause, someone who can speak to the WHY.
Natalie Child and Rakesh Pinao from the Northland Regional Council detailed their plan and approach and shared steps to take to progress towards being carbon zero. The Future Fit website is a good place to start to measure your impact, and the Climate Action Toolbox by SBN can also guide you in this process. Natalie and Rakesh outlined the regional councils strategic plan and next steps. The Dunedin City Council are another example of how to improve on sustainable procurement processes.
View the What’s the Solution to climate change slides here.
Anjana Krishnan from Metis Consultants shared international case studies from London on simple changes and realignments by councils on things like berm mowing and paint resurfacing risk analysis to fine-tune frequency and products used to save 20-60% in carbon emissions.
View the video of Anjana’s presentation here:
View the slides here: Carbon Considerations in Asset Management – Anjana Metis
Eddie Wotherspoon of Whangarei District Council shared a presentation on the design/build process of Te Iwitahi and a tour of their new council buildings which were built with a 70-100 year lifespan in mind. This mindset and working collaboratively with staff, local hapu and the community have contributed to this impressive sustainability build facility which the community can be proud of.
View the video of Eddie’s presentation here:
Here are a few quick links to other resources which were mentioned at this event:
- Free digital badge designed for elected council members GOV 101 – Infrastructure Leadership and Governance
- Āpōpō Guide
Thanks to Metis Consultants for sponsoring the delicious lunch. A huge thanks also to Whangarei District Council for hosting and the tour of their very impressive new building.
