This is the first page — all 9 pages are on a special page we’ve created (link at top)

The council is calling for submissions/feedback on their draft Emissions Reduction Strategy Plan — but there’s a major problem — the climate assumptions underpinning many of these policies are rapidly changing.

The IPCC and international climate science are increasingly moving away from the extreme high-emissions scenarios like RCP8.5 that many councils have relied on for years.

So why is Kapiti Coast District Council still pushing ahead with long-term climate strategies built around worst-case modelling assumptions?

Kapiti CALM are formally objecting to the draft Emissions Reduction Strategy Plan (ERSP) being included in the Long Term Plan in its current form.

Our concerns include:

  • Heavy reliance on uncertain long-term modelling
  • Poor transparency around financial risk and future costs
  • Little evidence of measurable local benefit
  • Expanding climate programmes beyond core Council responsibilities
  • More long-term spending commitments while households face soaring rates and rising living costs

Meanwhile many local families are already struggling with:

–   Rising rates

–   Higher insurance costs

–   Increasing household bills

–   Growing affordability pressure

We support practical environmental initiatives that deliver REAL local benefits:

✔ Stormwater resilience

✔ Infrastructure reliability

✔ Clean waterways

✔ Waste minimisation

✔ Emergency preparedness

But ratepayers deserve transparency, evidence, affordability and honest debate before Council locks the district into costly long-term climate commitments.

KCDC needs to re-evaluate its entire climate strategy in light of changing scientific assumptions and growing financial pressures on residents.

 Submissions close MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 24TH MAY .

If you agree — have your say before it’s too late — we strongly encourage writing an e-mail rather than using the survey form.  It doesn’t need to be long — just some key points in your own words.

Information on the draft plan and how to make a submission can be found on the Council website https://haveyoursay.kapiticoast.govt.nz/emissionsreductionplan

Read the full CALM submission