Embed climate and biodiversity considerations into governance, decisionmaking, and organisational development.
2.2 Embedding climate and biodiversity into Council decision-making
Action
Key Initaitives
- Enhance reporting frameworks: Implement updated Council reporting templates that require climate and biodiversity impact.
- Governance training: Provide climate action training for Elected Members to support informed, sustainable decision-making.
- Develop staff expertise: Deliver professional development opportunities to build internal capability in climate resilience and biodiversity protection.
- Align organisational roles: Update role responsibilities to reflect evolving climate and biodiversity priorities, embedding sustainability across all functions.
- Green Financing: Investigate green financing opportunities for council-led climate and biodiversity projects.
These initiatives will commence in year one of the plan and be reviewed annually as part of the continual improvement process.
2.2
Project Details
Investment
What is this?
Investment Value (Estimate)
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<$20k
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$20K - $100K
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$100K - $500K
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>$500K
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To be confirmed/still under review
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Key Partners
Internal staff.
Kāi Tahu Value Alignment
Rakatirataka - Leadership
Tikaka - Appropriate action
Haere whakamua - Future focused
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2.1Emission Reduction InvestmentsImplement targeted investments and initiatives to reduce Council greenhouse gas (GHG) scope 1 (direct) and scope 2 (indirect purchased electricity) emissions by transitioning to cleaner energy sources and aligning future investment priorities with long-term emissions reduction goals.
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2.3Protecting indigenous biodiversity through planning policyDevelop a programme of work to give effect to the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS-IB).
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2.4Sustainable procurementIntegrate best-practice sustainability standards into Council procurement processes. Ensure purchasing decisions are aligned with emissions reduction, sustainability, waste minimisation, and social development objectives of Council.
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2.5Organisational greenhouse gas emissions reportingUndertake organisational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting and achieve annual carbon reduction certification through independent third-party auditing, in accordance with ISO 14064-1:2018.
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2.6District greenhouse gas emissions reportingUndertake district-level GHG reporting to track emissions trends, measure progress toward reduction targets, and inform coordinated climate action planning across the district.
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2.7Climate scenario analysisUndertake a climate scenario analysis in line with recognised frameworks e.g. Aotearoa New Zealand Climate Standards (NZCS) to help Council evaluate a range of plausible climate futures, assess district-wide resilience, and plan for emerging risks and opportunities.
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2.8Climate risk assessmentDevelop a robust climate risk assessment and reporting framework that is aligned with national and international best practices. As climate change impacts intensify across Aotearoa, Council must understand and proactively manage climate-related risks to the district while identifying opportunities for adaptation and resilience.
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2.9Climate insurance strategyConduct a comprehensive review of Council’s insurance strategy to ensure adequate coverage for severe weather events and climate-related risks. A proactive, strategic approach to insurance will enhance Council’s ability to manage climate-related financial risks and build long-term resilience.