Councils tackle climate change despite poor legal safeguards

Councils tackle climate change despite poor legal safeguards
Councils in Canterbury are taking steps against climate change. (Image: NiStoc)
Greg Hurrell
Local body authorities are finding the lack of national legislative and financial support for climate adaptation a challenge.Without that framework to manage legal risks, councils are worried they don’t have enough of a legislative basis to manage legal risks such as when carrying out managed retreat. It is also feared that the public might lack confidence that plans made now would be followed through by future councils.The findings were part of an investigation by the auditor general into how well four sample councils were respondin...

More Climate Policy

Energy reforms: Government waves the chequebook
Policy

Energy reforms: Government waves the chequebook

Crown backing for new generation, power company capital-raising and LNG outlined.

Pattrick Smellie 01 Oct 2025
New carbon scheme launched to help truckies go electric
Transport

New carbon scheme launched to help truckies go electric

The Low Emissions Freight Certificate is a book and claim system for road freight.

Greg Hurrell 12 Sep 2025
‘Addicted to offsetting’: Carbon farming a poisoned chalice
Climate Policy

‘Addicted to offsetting’: Carbon farming a poisoned chalice

The sector says it doesn't deserve the brickbats being thrown at it.

Greg Hurrell 11 Sep 2025
What will ministers tell electricity bosses?
Policy Analysis

What will ministers tell electricity bosses?

The urge for electricity market reform is strong, but needs to solve the right problems.

Pattrick Smellie 11 Sep 2025