It’s time for a national approach to sea-level rise

We welcome central government stepping up to support local government and our communities grapple with the issues around sea-level rise.

We need a national approach, both to achieve consistency and to manage the costs for ratepayers around the country.

The Ministry for the Environment is asking the public to have a say by 3 June on a draft national adaptation plan and proposed legislation for ‘managed retreat’. This is the careful and planned relocation of people, places and sites of significance away from areas at high risk from the impacts of climate change. The consultation is on their website at mfe.govt.nz. Councillors will consider Council’s draft submission at its full meeting on 26 May. You can read the draft submission in the Council agenda on our website from Friday.

► Read it at kapiticoast.govt.nz/meetings