Enriching our Environment
In 2024, Horowhenua District Council identified 12 priorities to guide its work, with the eighth priority focusing on enriching our environment. This means dedicated efforts towards initiatives that preserve and enhance Horowhenua’s natural surroundings.
By promoting sustainability, improving waste management, and increasing resilience to climate change, Council aims to foster a healthier environment for current and future generations.
This reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship of natural resources and sustainable development.
Climate Action Plan
This Climate Action Plan marks an important step towards implementing Council’s commitment to a thriving environment. By enhancing resilience, mitigating the effects of climate change, and promoting sustainability, we can work together to prepare for the challenges ahead.
We recognise that climate change can feel overwhelming. However, by having a clear plan, we can leverage the information available to address its impacts effectively. This is a priority for our community, as evidenced by the increasing frequency of weather events that have affected lives across New Zealand. In Horowhenua, we have experienced floods, droughts, tornadoes, and other extreme events that have necessitated emergency responses.
Council adopted the Climate Action Plan 2024 at the 27 November Council Meeting.
Climate Action Plan 2024 - He Mahere Mahi Mō te Āhuarangi(PDF, 8MB)
This action plan aims to unify local knowledge, science, and mātauranga Māori to empower the Horowhenua community and future generations. It draws on local insights and partnerships to effectively address the challenges posed by a changing climate.
The plan is a guide for Horowhenua District Council (Council), to work together with our communities to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. Our objective is to inform climate actions to enable durable solutions to environmental change.
We look to engage in bold conversations with our partners, Tangata Whenua and Mana Whenua and community to guide the decision-making process, and act on the contents of this plan.
Embracing partnerships and perspectives, the plan will work to respond to climate risk and protect the environment. A thriving Horowhenua relies on a balanced relationship between Te Taiao (the environment) and its people. The plan outlines approach to safeguard our natural environment while preparing for the impacts of climate change on our community, infrastructure, and economy.
By adopting a kaitiakitanga (guardianship) approach, this plan supports the sustainability of our district for current and future generations, promoting collaboration that respects and values all voices in our community.
Ko au te taiao, ko the taiao ko au.
I am the environment, the environment is me.
Regional Partnerships
Iwi and Hapū Partners
Council as Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi partners recognises our role in upholding the principles of Te Tiriti/The Treaty, through protecting Te Taiao and Taonga, especially from the heightened impact of climate change for Māori. In developing climate action in Horowhenua, we will work in partnership with Tangata Whenua and Mana Whenua to learn and understand local impact. This understanding will be developed both within and embedded through the Climate Action Plan, and also alongside the plan as whanaungatanga (working together) occurs.
Manawatū-Whanganui Climate Change Action Plan / Mahere Hurihanga Āhuarangi Manawatū-Whanganui
The Climate Action Joint Committee has developed the Manawatū-Whanganui Climate Change Action Plan / Mahere Hurihanga Āhuarangi Manawatū-Whanganui. The plan is about understanding how we best work together in response to climate change. It recommends actions councils should be taking individually, and identifies initiatives best progressed jointly.
Wellington Regional Leadership Committee - Regional Emissions Reduction Plan 2024
On Tuesday 19 March 2024 the Wellington Regional Leadership Committee formally approved Te Mahere ā-Rohe Whakaheke Tukunga 2024-2030 | The Regional Emissions Reduction Plan 2024-2030, and endorsed the Plan for action.
The focus of the Regional Emissions Reduction Plan is on sectors and areas that provide significant opportunities for regional approaches.
Community Preparedness
Council as part to the Top 12 priorities are focusing on strengthened Council and community preparedness and resilience to enable our ability to plan for, respond to, adapt and recover from emergencies and district changes. The Climate Action Plan delivers a pathway for this alongside Council infrastructure projects, resilience initiatives and emergency management and planning and preparation.
Every Little Change
This plan focuses on actions that ensure our community and district are prepared for both short-term and long-term changes. What can we do to ensure Horowhenua continues to thrive as a great place to live, work, and raise a family? We look forward to collaborating with our community to prioritise the wellbeing of our people while enhancing our environment.
Small actions make a difference - whether it’s recycling more, driving less, or using reusable coffee cups and containers. We invite you all to reflect on this question - what can we each do to protect the Horowhenua we know and love?