Councils need funding tools to address climate challenges

LGNZ is welcoming the Government’s new National Adaptation Framework, while cautioning that councils will struggle to meet its new expectations without additional funding tools.

LGNZ Vice President and Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz says the framework goes some way to ensuring people know the climate risks they face. However, she says that without additional funding and financing tools being made available to councils, ratepayers will end up footing the bill.

“The greater clarity is welcome, but communities alone cannot afford the huge cost that comes with addressing our climate risks. I've witnessed firsthand the massive impact that floods, storms and other natural hazards can have on a community, and the need for people and the economy to be resilient and well-prepared,” says Rehette Stoltz.

“Our concern is that further regulation of councils will add to their costs without meeting the current funding challenges. At a time when people are grappling with the high cost of living, it can’t be ratepayers alone that pay for this.

“Councils need access to more funding tools, such as value capture tools and a civil defence levy, to reduce their reliance on rates to fund climate adaptation.

“We also support the commitment to further investment in adaptation through the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF). We’re already seeing the success of investment through RIF in flood infrastructure throughout New Zealand.”

Rehette Stoltz says LGNZ welcomes clearer frameworks to support the Government’s post-event decisions, but these need to be developed in partnership with councils’ input.

“We are conscious that the framework does not address the risks of legal challenge, which will limit councils’ ability to proactively build resilience and support economic growth.”