A guidance note released today provides information for local government on how to ‘have regard to’ the national adaptation plan and the emissions reduction plan when developing or changing plans under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).
A guidance note released today provides information for local government on how to ‘have regard to’ the national adaptation plan and the emissions reduction plan when developing or changing plans under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).
Local government plays a pivotal role in preparing for and dealing with climate impacts and risks.
The emissions reduction plan and the national adaptation plan set out how Aotearoa New Zealand will:
From today, 30 November, it becomes a legal requirement for local government to ‘have regard to’ the national adaptation plan and the emissions reduction plan when preparing or changing regional policy statements, regional plans and district plans. These changes aim to ensure RMA planning nationwide is in line with Aotearoa New Zealand’s long-term climate strategies and goals.
The guidance note also provides more information about the climate change scenarios in the national adaptation plan and how local government may consider them.
These scenarios are recommended to ensure local government is undertaking robust risk assessments and planning for the impact of climate change. These are consistent with guidance previously published.
The guidance note was developed in response to feedback from local government, and was tested with local government planners, and climate change staff.
Webinar
We are also holding a webinar for local government practitioners to give a further overview and provide the opportunity to ask questions on December 13 from 10.30am to 12pm.