Proposed framework for climate action reflects community voice
Shifting seasons, more extreme weather and impacts on plant and crop cycles are among a wide range of climate changes people are noticing in Murihiku Southland.
From January to May 2025, more than 350 people and organisations contributed their thoughts and opinions on how our region’s changing climate is affecting them, what actions they’re taking, and what more councils could do to support climate action.
These key insights have been used to help develop the proposed Regional Framework for Action on Climate for Murihiku Southland
The framework has been developed by the Regional Climate Change Working Group, which consists of representatives from the region’s four councils and Te Ao Mārama. The group has been working collaboratively to ensure climate issues are tackled at a regional level.
Last year, the group developed the Regional Climate Change Strategy, which was adopted by Southland’s four councils and Te Ao Mārama.
Regional Climate Change Working Group co-chair Phil Morrison said the purpose of the framework was to set the foundation for a Murihiku Southland Climate Action Plan, refreshed every three years, reflecting a 10-year outlook.
Engaging with Southlanders was crucial to capture a diverse range of perspectives on the region’s climate challenges, opportunities and priorities to ensure the framework reflected local values and experiences, he said.
“By working together – across councils, communities, mana whenua, and industry – we increase the likelihood of realising a fair, prosperous and resilient future for Murhiku Southland.”
Input was gathered through a series of questions at public events, meetings with key stakeholders representing iwi, industry, community groups, local government, and the social services sector, as well as a broader Regional Climate Collaboration Stakeholder Hui in April.
The feedback revealed widespread interest in taking meaningful climate action. While views varied regarding the best pathways forward, there was shared recognition of the need for urgent, collaborative, and locally tailored responses that balanced ambition with practicality, he said.
“In terms of what our community are experiencing, people identified shifting seasons, flooding, changing weather patterns and ecological changes they had observed, among other key themes.”
When it came to the question of what more Murihiku Southland councils could do in response to a changing climate, people touched on the need for balanced regulation, community empowerment and urgency vs. pragmatism, Phil Morrison said.
Five shared outcomes were developed and agreed – these are: strengthening regional climate leadership, enabling a fair and equitable transition, enhancing economic resilience while reducing emissions, restoring and protecting the natural environment, and equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to adapt and thrive.
Environment Southland’s Strategy and Policy Committee today (2 July) recommended the proposed framework for adoption at the next full Council meeting, and it will also be put forward for adoption at the three other councils and Te Ao Mārama during July.
Phil Morrison said it was anticipated that the regional climate change group’s work would continue after October’s local government elections, with consideration of how to prioritise regional climate actions.
The proposed framework and community engagement insights report can be read here.
