Wanted: Locals with passion for think tank
Community input sought for climate change battle
Kāpiti Coast District Council is setting up a think tank to help develop a climate change and resilience strategy for the district and is looking for applicants from the community.
Climate and environment subcommittee chairwoman Jocelyn Prvanov said councillors felt a think tank was a good way of getting early community input.
The think tank’s advice would inform the draft strategy that would go out for wider feedback early next year.
“We want to hear ideas from our community on where we need to focus our attention to drive the biggest shifts to a low-carbon, low-waste, climate-resilient Kāpiti, and how we mobilise our community.”
The council is calling for expressions of interest from anyone interested in joining the think tank.
“You don’t need to be a climate expert — just a passionate local with loads of good ideas.
“We want to hear about where we should be focusing our efforts so that council, business, the community, government and other stakeholders can contribute to reducing Kāpiti’s carbon footprint and build community resilience to a changing climate.
“We’re looking for a diverse group of people with different ideas and approaches.
“We want to hear how you would engage and motivate people in your local communities to take positive climate action.”
The think tank positions are all voluntary.
Successful applicants are likely to be asked to attend two half-day meetings before Christmas and another two early next year, and may be asked to support a discussion on climate change and resilience at a council meeting.
The community representatives would join councillors and mana whenua representatives and community groups already delivering action on climate change, Prvanov said.