Have a say on emissions strategy

JO RICHARDS

Golden Bay is getting the chance to have its say on a key aspect of national climate change policy.

Next week in Tākaka, a facilitated workshop will explore the road to low emissions. Members of the community are invited to participate – but anyone interested in attending needs to register in advance.

The workshop, one of dozens being held around the country, will contribute to the development of the Government’s Equitable Transitions Strategy, an initiative designed to ensure that NZ’s transition to a low emissions future is fair and inclusive.

The work is being led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Ministry of Social Development.

MBIE’s general manager economic strategy Kirsty Flannagan explains the importance of public participation. “We want to bring everyone on this journey and leave no one behind. This means making sure opportunities work for everyone, supporting people through this period of change, and upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”

Kirsty says that participants don’t need to know anything about, or be experts on, the topic of climate change. The key thing is for people to share their thoughts and insights. “The workshops are a chance to discuss how the transition to a low emissions future will affect you, and to give your views on how the challenges should be managed.”

The Equitable Transitions Strategy workshop is on Monday 20 March, 9.30am at the Golden Bay Community Centre, 88 Commercial Street, Tākaka. Everyone is welcome to attend. Register at www.equitabletransition.nz