MEDIA RELEASE

Focus on adaptation positive step for councils & communities

For immediate release on 6 October 2006

Local Government New Zealand is hailing the Government’s announcement to step up its efforts to prepare for the effects of climate change as a positive move for councils and their communities.

“I’m pleased to see the New Zealand Government is now focusing on the impacts of climate change and putting plans in place to adapt to its effects. We now know that it is not a matter of if our climate will change but when and it’s important that our communities are prepared for the inevitable,” says Local Government New Zealand’s President, Basil Morrison.

“Many New Zealand councils are already considering the effects of climate change in planning for the future, particularly in regard to upgrading infrastructure, such as stormwater drains, to cope with the predicted increase in extreme weather events throughout the country.”

Although Local Government New Zealand is yet to see the detail of the announcement, the organisation is welcoming the proposed increase in coordination across sectors and looks forward to building on, and strengthening, relationships with both private and public sector organisations involved in planning for climate change.

“We look forward to playing a lead role in this work and assisting our communities to prepare for and adapt to climate change,” said Mr Morrison.

ENDS

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