AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

25 October 2006

First national forum for climate protection

Auckland City is hosting the first national forum for the Communities for Climate Protection (CCP) programme at the Auckland Town Hall today.

The purpose of the forum is for councils that are signed-up to the programme to learn from each other and international experts about initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases.

The conference will include a video presentation from the deputy mayor of London, Nicky Gavron, on that city’s actions to address climate change.

Councillor Christine Caughey, chairperson of the Environment, Heritage and Urban Form Committee, says the forum is all about reducing our environmental footprint.

She says it provides an important opportunity to develop robust and practical partnerships between central and local government, business and community stakeholders.

“The aim is to work collaboratively, learn from the actions of others and develop realistic measures to achieve our commitments for reducing greenhouse gases.”

The forum is for government representatives and programme participants only and will address:

- the practical actions that governments have implemented

- the new sustainability skills and competencies needed for the 21st Century

- strategic thinking on issues shaping local governments today

- meeting with, and developing, networks that are focused on local action.

She says Auckland City is already actively facing-up to the problem of climate change.

“Climate protection is the biggest environmental challenge of our century. Auckland City is already encouraging the use of renewable energy technologies and endorsing sustainable development through projects such as the Ecowise energy efficiency advice programme and the SNUG Homes project.”

Note to editors

Communities for Climate Protection - New Zealand (CCP-NZ) is a voluntary programme which aims to empower local government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from councils' operations and from communities through a strategic framework designed for both territorial authorities and regional councils.

The programme is administered by the International Council of Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and provides a five-milestone framework to reduce green house gas emissions.

Auckland City signed up to the Communities for Climate Protection programme in 2005.

Along with Auckland City, there are currently 18 local governments in New Zealand participating in the Communities for Climate Protection campaign including North Shore, Waitakere, Hamilton and Wellington cities.

ENDS

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