A Wairarapa council’s climate-change adaptation programme is showing early signs of success.
From no-mow trials in public parks, to soft plastic recycling and addressing water processing issues, Carterton council is adopting sustainable practices across its business units.
The council’s policy and projects subcommittee was updated on the programme’s progress at its meeting on Wednesday.
“We are doing really well,” a spokesperson said.
“There is some great stuff happening. Things like the composting trials, waste-minimisation and progress on our district plan. There are good things in there from a climate perspective.”
A report presented to the committee described climate-adaptation successes in the council’s parks and reserves, water, waste, planning, community development and facilities.
“Climate change, natural hazard risk, and resilience are central themes woven throughout the proposed district plan,” the report said.
“The strategic direction chapter outlines the key matters to guide decision-making and introduces objectives that focus on: climate change mitigation, adapting to climate change, resilience to natural hazards, water resilience and renewable energy.”
A no-mow trial had started in selected parks from September.
This is a land management initiative where areas such as parks, road verges, or reserves are left unmown for a time to study the benefits of reduced mowing.
The current trial is at Sparks Park, Carrington Park, Feist Street Reserve, Bird Reserve, Howard Booth Park, and South End Park.
“It’s not the entire park, it’s just a strip of the area – encouraging the wild flowers to grow,” a spokesperson said.
The first two climate community forums, on afforestation and freshwater happened in October and November, with more planned.
Soft plastic recycling was now available through a local supermarket, and community engagement had been encouraged through ‘plastic free July’, ‘clean-up’ week in September, and similar projects.
The council had switched domestic rubbish bags to ones with higher recycled content, and provided support for Carterton’s community gardens, foodbank and composting initiatives.
“The Waignawa process water project (first stage) was opened in September providing low-cost, non-potable water to businesses within the Waingawa industrial area.
“This will reduce the use of chemicals and power by not using potable water for process water,” the report said.
The council’s climate change strategy – adopted in April – aimed to enhance knowledge and understanding and build a culture of change so that, as an organisation, the council would lead by example.
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
