Working together for biodiversity and the climate

The environmental future is in good hands in Hurunui for this triennium.

At the final Council meeting for 2025 this week, Councillor Tom Davies was appointed to the Canterbury Biodiversity Champions Councillor Group, and Councillor Dave Hislop was reappointed to the Canterbury Climate Champions Reference Group.

These two groups were formed by Canterbury Mayoral Forum in 2020, as a drive to better understand biodiversity management, and create advocacy for climate change, across Canterbury.

The Biodiversity group is made up of one elected councillor from each Canterbury council including Environment Canterbury (Ecan).

The Climate Change group is similar, but also includes chairing by a member of the Mayoral Forum, support by the regional forums’ secretariat, and membership including one representative of the Canterbury Chief Executives Forum and representation from local rūnanga.

Mayor Marie Black, who is also Deputy Chair of the Canterbury Mayoral Forum, said a coordinated approach to biodiversity and climate change will be the key to creating aligned thinking and change across Canterbury, and local government.

“Having the ability to identify and advocate for shared and aligned resources to deliver this, should stand us in good stead for the future as councils work towards a thriving, climate resilient, low-emission Canterbury.”