The Climate Change Commission is coming to Ōamaru and wants to meet with farmers, growers and other rural community members.

Last month He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission began running an eight-week public consultation across the country to help it develop advice to the Government.

The commission would like people from throughout the Waitaki to attend an hour-long, in-person hui next Tuesday (May 14), 10am, at the Business Hive, on Ōamaru’s Thames Street, as part of that consultation.

Commission chair Dr Rod Carr says before the commission finalises the advice, it wants to test its thinking to make sure the eventual recommendations are realistic and robust.

At the Ōamaru hui, an overview of the three pieces of work being consulted on will be given, regarding Aotearoa New Zealand’s emissions reduction target and emissions budgets.

There will also be plenty of time to ask questions and discuss ideas, and people are then encouraged to share their evidence, perspectives, insights and other information by making a submission before the end of May.

This will help make sure our advice to the Government reflects the challenges and opportunities facing the nation, Dr Carr says.

Climate Change Commission chair Dr Rod Carr. Photo: Supplied/He Pou a Rangi website

“We’re seeking feedback and input from a wide range of people, businesses, organisations and sectors,” he says.

“This is because the decisions that the Government makes will affect all of us. They’ll affect the whenua, our lives and livelihoods, and our global reputation.

“Our role is to provide independent, expert advice to the Government. We’ve begun by pulling together and analysing evidence, and looking at possible options. Now we want your input on this important mahi.” 

The results of the consultation will inform the commission’s upcoming advice to the Government – due by the end of this year – about what are known as emissions budgets and targets.

That advice is intended to inform Government decisions – due by the end of 2025 – that will affect the country’s actions, planning and investment decisions for the next 20–30 years, Dr Carr says.

Having a say and sharing what you know will help us make sure the advice reflects the challenges and opportunities facing Aotearoa New Zealand.

The consultation includes three pieces of work:

• Looking at what the emissions budget should be for the period 2036–2040. Emissions budgets are stepping stones towards the country’s long-term emissions reduction target. They set a cap on the maximum amount of climate pollution that Aotearoa New Zealand can emit in a five-year period.
• Looking at the country’s 2050 climate target. When the commission develops advice on the next emissions budget, it also does a sense check of that long-term target.
• The third piece of work also relates to the 2050 target – but is focused on whether emissions from international shipping and aviation should also be included in it, like emissions from domestic shipping and aviation already are.

Dr Carr says people “are at the heart of policy". 

“Input is vital to help us develop robust and realistic advice that reflects the views and experiences of people of all ages and backgrounds across Aotearoa New Zealand.

“This is an important chance to have your say about where the country should be heading, and what the future could look like for current and future generations – because ultimately, the Government will have to make choices and judgement calls.” 

Find out more and register to attend the Ōamaru event here.