How do you think Auckland’s natural environment should be protected?
The ‘Let’s Protect Our Environment’ consultation is open until December 8 and Auckland Council is inviting locals to provide their feedback.
People can have a say on how the region should protect its natural environment and primary production over the next decade from invasive species and new threats.
Councillor Richard Hills, chair of the policy and planning committee, highlights the importance of community involvement in shaping this 10-year plan and encourages everyone to give their feedback for this early consultation.
“Our regional parks, beaches, and open spaces are part of what makes Tāmaki Makaurau unique – there’s no place in the world like it,” Hills says.
“The ‘Let’s Protect Our Environment’ consultation will ask what we can do to continue to protect what Aucklanders’ value, like our native species and ecosystems, Māori cultural values, rural primary production, and the safety and wellbeing of our communities and natural habitats.
“We cannot do this work alone – we work alongside the community, volunteers and conservation groups.
“So, we’re asking that you let us know what’s important to you and how we can continue to protect our environment for future generations.”
The current plan, which runs until 2030, is still in effect.
However, with Auckland’s changing climate and the arrival of new exotic species, the council needs to start reviewing its current plan now, so the new plan is ready to take effect in 2030.
Before it begins drafting the new plan, it wants to know your views about:
- Achieving pest-free islands and peninsulasin the Auckland region and contributing to a predator-free Aotearoa by 2050
- Managing exotic caulerpaseaweed and other harmful marine species
- Reducing the spread and impact of harmful freshwater specieslike freshwater gold clam
- Options for cat managementto protect threatened native wildlife
- Addressing the impact of climate changeon our natural environment.
“We all have a part to play in protecting our natural environment,” says Dr Imogen Bassett, council’s head of natural environment specialist services.
“Our own unique species such as kiwi, tūī and pōhutukawa are central to our identity and a key part of what makes Tāmaki Makaurau special.
“It’s important that we continue to look after our natural environment to protect our native species and ecosystems, Māori cultural values and also maintain the economic wellbeing of our region by protecting our industries, like farming and tourism.
“Our current plan expires in 2030 and it’s important our updated plan reflects new threats to our natural environment, cultural values and industries – like myrtle rust and exotic caulerpa.”
The ‘Let’s Protect Our Environment’ consultation is open until December 8.
To have your say:
- Complete the online feedback form.
- Email protectourenvironment@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz with your completed feedback form.
- Take your completed form to a library with council services.
- Post your completed form to:
Let’s Protect Our Environment
Auckland Council
Free post 190198
Private Bag 92300
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142
Public feedback, along with input from mana whenua, stakeholders, and technical experts, will help shape the next 10-year plan.
When the draft plan is ready in 2027, Aucklanders will again have the chance to provide feedback.
