With severe storms, coastline erosion, landslides, droughts and other extreme weather events on the rise over the past decade, NPDC is looking at ways to manage the impacts of climate change.

We’re asking residents for their thoughts on how we should tackle these challenges so we can develop a Climate Change Adaptation Plan.

The plan will help us to prepare for and manage the changes so we can protect people, property and ecosystems.

NPDC Climate Change Response Lead Greg Stephens says a changing climate can also provide opportunities to act and build a future where people can thrive in a changing environment.

“It’s seven years since Cyclone Gita smashed a pipe that took drinking water to about 10,000 homes in New Plymouth and north of the district, triggering a mammoth emergency response to keep our residents supplied.”

“New Zealand now sees unpredictable weather year-round, with the likes of Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 and the Auckland flooding events causing extensive damage and costs that we need to consider when planning for the district,” says Mr Stephens.

“It’s important to have our residents’ input to help determine the priorities of this plan and how NPDC can manage key issues.”

Go to npdc.govt.nz/haveyoursay to find out more and have your say. Feedback closes 5pm 15 May.

Fast Facts:

• NPDC’s 10-Year Plan for 2024-34 includes
  • Budget for climate change planning of $490,000 in year one and $640,000 per annum in year two onwards.
  • We also agreed to continue our Planting our Place program to have 10 percent of our urban area planted with native vegetation.
  • $200,000 a year to boost a high-frequency bus trial budget in years one, two and three.
  • Boosting our Disaster Recovery Reserve by $100,000 in year one increasing by $100,000 each year up to maximum of $1m in year 10.
• Ministry for the Environment data shows that by 2050 New Plymouth could:
  • Have almost 17 extra days above 25 degrees each year
  • The hottest day each year could be 2 degrees hotter
  • Have almost 7 per cent more winter rainfall each year, but with around 3 per cent less rainfall in spring and autumn
  • Heavy rainfall events could be 7.5 per cent heavier
  • Have 9 fewer windy days
• New Plymouth District’s coastline is over 100km, with some coastal communities in Ōakura, New Plymouth, Bell Block, Waitara, Onaero, Urenui and Tongapōrutu all exposed

© Scoop Media