Auckland's Climate Action Framework

This consultation closed on 30 September 2019. Thank you for having your say.

Public consultation on the draft Auckland Climate Action Framework took place between 17 July and 30 September 2019.

In total we received 2967 submissions. These came through our digital channels, targeted events and in writing.

Background to the public consultation

Prior to the consultation, several hundred stakeholders took part in development of the draft framework.

This was developed through:

• workshops
• meetings
• a three-day climate summit
• an online portal developed to crowdsource ideas (ClimateAKL).

Our staff attended 17 markets spread across the region, with a stand encouraging people to have their say.

In addition, we held a stall at five sustainability related events, including:

• a waste hui
• Sustainable Development Forum
• two Auckland Conversations.

Seven externally managed events provided us an opportunity to present on the framework and encourage feedback. These included panel discussions and workshops, such as the UN Youth Solve-a-thon.

At the Solve-a-thon and the Sustainable Futures Policy Meeting, participants were given a sustainability related policy problem, and were required to come up with potential solutions within the context of the draft framework.

Drop-in events were also held at four council offices:

• Albert Street
• Orewa
• Manukau
• Henderson.

Several media articles also referenced the draft framework, with uptake increased by external events such as the School Strike for Climate on 27 September.

Youth, Pacific and Māori engagement

A targeted approach was also taken to the consultation with a particular focus on youth, Pacific people and Māori engagement.

This was in recognition that these communities will be disproportionately affected by climate change and are also known to have lower levels of engagement in consultations.

Youth-focused events

As part of the consultation period, youth focused events included:

• Young Leaders Hui- Actions for Hope
• Green Jam – Inspiring Action
• Callups on the Up South online platform.

A [definition pattern] rangatahi-led event also brought together over 100 young people to develop their priorities for the draft framework, which directly fed into Key Move 9: Youth and Intergenerational Equity.

Our partnership with mana whenua

A key pillar of the kōrero on our climate future is council's partnership with mana whenua, rangatahi and organisations such as Hapai te Hauora, Te Ora o Manukau and Te Kotahi a Tamaki.

This relationship building and mutual support helped build the profile of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri during the consultation period.

Overall, we were involved in:

• nine activations held at marae (hosted by mana whenua and community partners)
• rangatahi-led activations
• joining up with other planned events (e.g. Hīkoia te kōrero, Poukai)

This is a small snapshot, as mana whenua and other organisations (e.g. Hapai Te Hauora) had raised the profile of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri through parallel events.

Our engagement with Pacific communities

Targeted engagement with Pacific communities was undertaken by Bluespur, with 500 responses gathered.

• 91 per cent of respondents thought that the framework either fully, or partially takes us in the right direction to act on climate change
• 79 per cent of respondents thought that Auckland Council should facilitate action and bring stakeholders together
• 93 per cent either fully, or partially fed back that the key moves were right for Auckland
• 86 per cent supported or partially supported the view that the key moves will drive organisational action.

Key feedback themes

Urgency and scale of action

Urgency and scale of action was strongly reflected in the feedback with many comments suggesting it did not accurately reflect the climate emergency declaration.

The scale of change required was regularly cited with a need to better articulate this with Aucklanders.

Clarity of roles and responsibilities

This was seen as key. People wanted more information on who is responsible for actions at each level and the need for partnerships, particularly in relation to central government, rangatahi and mana whenua.

Transparent monitoring and evaluation

There was a strong appetite for independent bodies to monitor progress and support action development, including representation from communities and rangatahi.

Greater focus on equity

This was seen as needing greater definition in the framework.

A strong Māori voice

There was widespread support for working with Māori, using [definition pattern] mātauranga Māori and Māori practices in designing and implementing climate action.

Clear policy and regulation

There was a strong appetite for council to lead and increase direction for the region.

Communication and behavioural change

This was strongly supported with a request for campaigns to raise awareness across the region and enable action at an individual level.

Changes made as a result of feedback

We made substantial changes as a result of feedback received.

These changes included:

• introducing a new section, A Tāmaki Makaurau response, to address the need for a stronger Māori voice and greater focus on equity and youth
• creating an interim emissions target of 50 per cent reduction by 2030
• providing more information on how we will adapt and the approach taken
• moving from 11 key moves to eight priorities to simplify and improve alignment
• simplifying language across the plan
• providing more information on monitoring and an implementation section
• introducing a new section on what people can do and their different roles and responsibilities

Outcome of the consultation

We adopted the Auckland Climate Plan text in July 2020.

The digital plan is now available at www.climateakl.co.nz