The report examines the climate responses of Environment Canterbury, Christchurch City Council, Nelson City Council, and Whanganui District Council. The councils represent a cross-section of local authorities in New Zealand, and all have declared a climate emergency, making climate change a strategic priority.
Each has incorporated collaborative initiatives and utilised online risk-mapping technology to assess climate risks effectively.
In a statement, auditor-general John Ryan said while progress was being made, managing climate impacts required councils to adopt long-term commitments, effective governance, and sustained engagement with communities and central government.
Maintaining community support was essential for successful climate action, alongside transparent, formal performance reporting, he said.
— APL
