A Word from the Mayor
The rapidly rising price of carbon and the New Zealand Emissions Trading scheme has added a new market driver for land use change and value. Carbon sequestration coupled with plantation forestry is at present yielding returns significantly greater that sheep and beef cattle farming can provide to farmers. The consequences that are flowing from these economic drivers could fundamentally change the makeup of rural communities in the medium to long term.
The potential to transform significant area of sheep, beef and wool producing farmland to production forestry and permanent carbon forestry has associated opportunity and risks.
The government policy to plant an additional billion trees over 10 years is designed to achieve a number of benefits, however it has also raised the questions in regard to environmental, fire risk, employment, rural community resilience and tourism. Hurunui District council is collaborating with other predominately rural councils to understand the impact of carbon only farming.
Achieving community resilience requires understanding both at a macro and micro level, and with the raft of reform there is a considerable effort going into the Future for Local Government – how can we strengthen local democracy, and bring citizenship culture to the fore. Should we have a strengthen funded focus on wellbeing, to overcome the complex challenge of social inequity, climate change, and bring authentic relationships with Iwi/Maori? Should there be strengthen and genuine partnership between central and local government and what might this look like ?? these are the very questions that are in the minds of local government as we reshape the future. The overwhelming desire to keep decision and place making is integral to all conversations woven through the raft of reform – RMA, Health, Emergency Management.
Mayors throughout Canterbury sit in on a weekly briefing with the Regional Leadership Group to be better informed of the rapid changes and the effect of Omicron across our region. The overwhelming message remains that there are a “Bundle of Protection” available for people:
1. Vaccinations/boosters,
2. Wearing a well fitted mask,
3. Hand Hygiene,
4. Physical distancing, and
5. Good ventilation.
As we cope with a seemingly increasing presence within our district we should consider finding a BUDDY who will act as your support if home isolation is necessary for you or your family. A BUDDY can deliver groceries or medication – having a simple plan will help you to shift your thinking from covid caution to COVID CONFIDENCE is the key.