• Moving to a low-emissions economy — What role will local government have in New Zealand’s progress towards a low-emissions economy? In this article I reflect on some of the points raised in the Productivity Commission’s Low-emissions economy report and suggest some ways councils may contribute to this fantastic goal.
  
  
• Implementing the new climate change guidance — The MfE guidance on adapting to climate change  is very relevant to regional councils, but can also be used by unitary and district council staff to make plans related to stormwater, flood risk, land drainage and other issues.
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• How to prepare for climate change in 10 steps — Ten steps for councils to follow in establishing a plan for adapting to coastal hazards and climate change.
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• Natural hazards are on the national radar — The Government will soon provide more national direction on managing risks associated with natural hazards through a National Disaster Resilience Strategy. One of the outcomes of this strategy is likely to be a National Policy Statement on resilience.
  
  
• Planning for sea level rise — key points from the parliamentary commissioner's report — The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s latest report provides useful guidance for councils on how to break the news to home owners that they may be affected by sea level rise. Regional land elevation maps are available on the website.
  
  
• Managing the impacts and liability risks of climate change — Insurance companies are not prepared to consider increased flooding and coastal erosion to be a surprise. The effects of climate change are now considered a foreseeable risk.