Te Ao Tūroa –  The Natural WorldDunedin’s Draft Environment Strategy for Consultation

2

Kia ora koutou

It is with great pleasure that Manawhenua stand as a Treaty partner to support the introduction of Te Ao Tūroa, the Dunedin Environment Strategy. Dunedin’s natural environment and resources – our landscapes, wildlife, mahika kai and coastline – are a source of pride and prestige for Kāi Tahu, as they are for all the city’s residents, and are a statement of our identity.

Kāi Tahu people see their existence as an integral part of Te Ao Tūroa (the natural world), and it is our inherited role as kaitiaki to ensure that its life supporting capacity is healthy and functioning. For Kāi Tahu, all natural resources – air, land, water, and indigenous biodiversity – are taoka, or treasures, derived from the atua (gods) and left by the tipuna (ancestors) to provide and sustain life.

As kaitiaki of Dunedin’s natural environment we have two responsibilities: protecting life supporting capacity and passing the environment to future generations in a state which is as good as, or better than, the current state.

The relationship Kāi Tahu has with the Dunedin City Council is in good heart, reflected by the robust consultation and input of Manawhenua within the development of this strategy. A relationship that reflects genuine partnership is emerging. This strategy sets out how together we will leave Te Ao Tūroa healthy for those who come after us.

Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri, ā muri ake nei – for us and our children after us.

Signed Donna Matahaere-Atariki Chairperson Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou

Signed Matapura Ellison Chairperson Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki

3

Image: Neville Peat

4

Table of contents

03Kāi Tahu – Introduction

06Mayor’s

Introduction

07Background – the Dunedin

context

10 Environment strategy

framework

12 Theme 1:

Treasuring the environment

14 Theme 2:

Healthy natural environment

16Theme 3:

Environment for the future

18 Implementation, monitoring

and review

19 Appendix 1

Glossary

20 Have your say

5

Introduction

Dunedin is one of the world’s great small cities and our natural environment is one of our greatest assets. We all engage with nature at some point in our daily lives and we’re all part of the Dunedin ecosystem. We’re reliant on a healthy natural environment to provide food, shelter, water and clean air. Our natural spaces and unique wildlife are also a large part of Dunedin’s appeal to residents, visitors and migrants and the city’s economic wellbeing. We need to safeguard what we have, and strive to improve the health of our environment where it has become degraded. Our wellbeing depends on this, and as guardians of the environment, we have a responsibility to leave it in a better condition for future generations.

We will treasure our healthy natural environments and unique ecosystems through active guardianship for current and future generations.

Our climate is changing and the impacts are increasingly evident globally and locally, and are expected to increase. Although climate change poses risks and uncertainties for Dunedin, it also offers opportunities. We will do our part to reduce our impact on the global environment, and we will prepare for the effects of environmental change.

The Strategy builds on the stewardship and guardianship by many Dunedin people and organisations over many decades, and will help guide our efforts into the future.

Mayor Dave Cull

6

Background – the Dunedin context

Environmental strengthsOur unique and beautiful natural environment is part of Dunedin’s identity and sense of place in New Zealand and in the world.

Dunedin’s ecosystemsDunedin’s natural environments are unique: the Rock and Pillar Range, productive soils, the harbour, coast, islands and streams provide a magnificent setting for the diversity that is Dunedin. Dunedin is home to distinctive wildlife in marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Within the city boundary the diverse range of natural habitats provide homes to numerous native plants and animals, thirty of which are found nowhere else on earth. These habitats and their constituents provide a wide range of important ecosystem services that sustain us and our health and wellbeing through providing food, clean air and water, healthy soil and the disposal of biological waste products.

Some of Dunedin’s ecosystems provide other services such as containing storm water cleaning swales, regenerating woody vegetation absorbing carbon dioxide and water-producing tussock grasslands. Human interaction with nature has direct positive effects on health and wellbeing.1

Community involvement in conservationDunedin is fortunate to have a diverse range of community-led initiatives, organisations and government agencies already doing great work to care for our natural environment. The Dunedin City Council (DCC) along with many dedicated landholders, organisations, community groups and volunteers are involved in protecting and enhancing Dunedin’s natural environment. The DCC has

a strong relationship with the two Kāi Tahu Rūnaka in Dunedin and partners to protect places of particular importance to Kāi Tahu. Many in our community value our environment and want to support it. In 2014, Otago people donated over $10 million and volunteered thousands of hours to support the environmental and conservation sector.2

Special places and spacesDunedin has an abundance of natural spaces and places. The Otago Peninsula’s wildlife is the basis for Dunedin’s claim to be the Wildlife Capital of New Zealand. It is the home of some magnificent and world famous species, including colonies of hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins), little blue penguins, sea lions and the only royal albatross colony located on a mainland. In 2010, the Lonely Planet named Otago Peninsula one of the top ten destinations in the world for “twitchers” (birdwatchers).

The Town Belt provides a cool, green, enclosed and peaceful environment in the centre of urban Dunedin, and provides habitats for twenty species of bird and a multitude of invertebrates. The Town Belt is varied with some parts predominantly native forest while others are predominantly exotic forest.

Dunedin has over 11,300 hectares of public and private land recognised as areas with significant conservation value or as having special natural and cultural features that are protected by the District Plan or a Queen Elizabeth II covenant. In addition, the Department of Conservation protects a further 24,700 hectares of conservation reserves and the DCC protects another 1,500 hectares of reserve land that has biodiversity value. This collectively accounts for around 37,500 hectares

of protected ecological land, or 11% of Dunedin’s land area.

The Orokonui Ecosanctuary, between Port Chalmers and Waitati, is a predator-fenced forested valley where “lost” species are being reintroduced, including kiwi, saddleback, robin, tuatara and other threatened species.

The entire Dunedin city area is a wāhi tupuna (ancestral landscape) as it was used and valued by takata whenua. Wāhi tupuna sites include settlements, battle sites, burial places, wāhi tapu and wāhi taoka sites, mahika kai areas and resources, trails, significant landscape features such as peaks and ridgelines, and views.

Eco-tourismThere is an abundance of diverse places and spaces which attract local, national and international visitors, from the Otago Central Rail Trail high country experience, to the tranquil setting of the Orokonui Ecosanctuary. The Otago Peninsula has become Dunedin’s iconic destination for nature tourism. The presence of wildlife on the Otago Peninsula attracts travellers to the Dunedin region who would otherwise not visit and entices some who would have visited anyway to stay longer. The gross annual turnover of enterprises directly involved in the viewing of wildlife on the Otago Peninsula is in the order of $6.5 million per year and they employ the equivalent of 70 full-time staff.3 The New Zealand Tourism Strategy recognises that a sustainable tourism sector cannot be achieved in isolation, and that we need to develop a whole of New Zealand environmental management plan that demonstrates our commitment as a nation to a clear, coordinated response to environmental issues.4

1 Blaschke, P (2013) Health and wellbeing benefits of conservation in New Zealand2 Charities Services website, www.charities.govt.nz/view-data3 Tisdell, C (2007) The Economic Importance of Wildlife Conservation on the Otago Peninsula –20 Years on 4 New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015

7

Environmental challengesDunedin is not without its challenges when it comes to maintaining and caring for our natural environment. Some of these challenges are a result of past decisions or inaction, while others are a result of global environmental change.

Human connection with the environmentHumans have changed and are changing the natural environment through development, pollution and unsustainable resource use. Daily decisions and actions by people have an impact on the environment, on vegetation, animals, soil, water, landform and climate. Some of these decisions are a result of a lack of understanding of our impact on the environment, or a lack of connection to nature. For example, some children in Dunedin have never been to one of Dunedin’s many beaches, despite living just ten minutes from the coast.5 If people are disconnected from nature, it is harder for them to value it and be good stewards for the environment.6

Loss of biodiversity7

Over a period of 750 years, New Zealand’s vertebrate fauna has nearly halved, and there have been uncounted losses of populations and species of invertebrates. Prior to European arrival, Dunedin was covered in diverse vegetation types, from coastal scrub and wet forest to inland dry forest and tussockland, and alpine and sub-alpine vegetation at higher altitudes. As these areas were converted for agriculture and urban Dunedin, habitats were lost and indigenous flora and fauna disappeared. The loss increased with competition and

predation from introduced pest species. Today, approximately three-quarters of Dunedin is covered in exotic vegetation and artificial or impervious surfaces. Dunedin’s biodiversity continues to face risk as a result of: • Changing land use resulting in

clearance and modification (e.g. development for subdivision).

• Introduction and spread of pest animals and plants.

• Remaining vegetation and animal populations becoming fragmented.

Unsustainable resource useThe environment supports and sustains us; however, the natural resources provided by our environment have limits, and must be protected and restored to ensure our future wellbeing. Dunedin is among the driest areas in New Zealand, with an average annual rainfall of 785mm in central Dunedin to 310mm in inland areas, compared to the national average of 1,850mm. The effects of climate change will increase the seasonality of rainfall, with longer, drier periods and water supply will need to be managed accordingly.

In 2011, the average waste produced per person in Dunedin was 716kg, higher than the national average of 575kg per person. An audit of the Green Island Landfill facility in 2012 identified that just over one quarter of the waste collected was organic waste.8

While New Zealand enjoys a very high level of electricity generated from renewable sources, we also import a significant amount of non-renewable energy, with oil making up just under half of total consumer energy. The biggest consumers of energy are the transport and industrial sectors, which

consumed 70% of all energy in 2011.9 Dunedin has a high rate of car ownership and dependence, which correlates with an increasing amount of vehicle travel, oil usage and carbon emissions.10

Climate change11

As a result of climate change, rising sea levels and changing weather patterns are expected to lead to some irreversible impacts on natural ecosystems. In 2010, an investigation by Professor Blair Fitzharris identified that climate change is likely to lead to higher rainfall and more frequent and severe storm events in Dunedin. This change will have adverse implications for Dunedin’s diverse ecosystems as while most species are well-adapted to short-term climate variability, many are not be able to adapt to longer term changes in the climate and increased frequency or intensity of extreme weather events. Major changes and loss of biodiversity are expected across the Dunedin area, native forests, alpine vertebrates, freshwater habitats, marine ecosystems and coastal wetlands.

The DCC’s roleEvery activity the DCC is involved in has some impact on the environment. The DCC endeavours to promote positive environmental outcomes through the following activities:• By managing parks, gardens and

reserves, including the Town Belt.• Through spatial and land use

planning for the future development of Dunedin and to protect the natural environment.

• Working with others to protect and enhance native plants, wildlife and coastal environments.

5 Day, S (2014) Life’s a beach – but not for everyone6 Freeman, C & Tranter, P (2011) Children and their urban environment: changing worlds7 Biodiversity Strategy for Dunedin City 20078 Waste Management and Minimisation Plan9 An Energy Plan for Dunedin Discussion Document 10 Dunedin City Integrated Transport Strategy11 Fitzharris, B. (2010) Climate Change Impacts for Dunedin

8

• Disposing of solid waste and water discharges in an environmentally responsible manner.

• Facilitating and encouraging behaviour which lessens environmental impacts such as using active modes of transport (e.g. cycling, walking) and minimising waste.

• More recently, leading by example to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in DCC operations and by divesting equity investments in fossil fuels.

Strategic fitNational contextA range of national legislation, strategies and policy documents set the broader strategic context for protecting and enhancing Dunedin’s natural environment, including the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy, the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme and the Resource Management Act 1991.

Regional contextThe Kāi Tahu ki Otago Natural Resources Management Plan 2005 outlines the natural resource values, concerns and issues of Kāi Tahu in Otago. The Otago Regional Council’s Regional Policy Statement provides a high level policy framework for sustainable management of Otago’s resources and identifies regionally significant issues.

Local contextThe DCC, along with the community and stakeholders, has been developing a strategic framework with key priorities for investment, effort and development, giving effect to the city’s overarching vision. The Environment Strategy forms part of this strategic framework.

In delivering on the strategic framework, the DCC has developed two core principles of sustainability and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Sustainability – the DCC will take a sustainable development approach.

This includes taking into account the social, economic and cultural interests of Dunedin’s people and communities, maintaining and enhancing the quality of the natural environment and the needs of future generations.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi – the DCC values its relationship with the two local Rūnaka, Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou and Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki and acknowledges that the partnership with Kāi Tahu and inclusion of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles are essential to the successful implementation of the Environment Strategy.

Strategy developmentThis Strategy is based on an assessment of the community’s environmental priorities. The DCC reviewed the feedback received through various consultation processes over the last five years, including the Spatial Plan, Integrated Transport Strategy, Energy Plan, Residents’ Opinion Surveys and ‘Your City Our Future’. Over 11,000 individual submissions were reviewed and analysed. The key themes identified were:• People appreciate the intrinsic and

aesthetic values of the flora and fauna around them.

• Protecting, restoring and enhancing native bush and indigenous ecosystems including the control of invasive weeds and predators are considered high priorities for the city.

• The city’s beaches should be clean and erosion should be managed.

• Significant cultural and visual landscapes should be protected from inappropriate development.

• The city’s dependence on fossil fuels should be reduced by improving energy efficiency, increasing the use of public transport and providing for active modes of travel.

• Concern about pollution, rubbish being dumped within the natural environment and the ecologically responsible management and treatment of water discharges into the natural environment.

As well as reviewing the community-wide consultation and feedback, the DCC has worked with Kāi Tahu to develop this Strategy. Stakeholder meetings were also convened with the Otago Regional Council, the Department of Conservation and Federated Farmers; some of the key players in ensuring the sustainable wellbeing of our natural environment.

This Strategy also builds on earlier DCC policies and strategies in this area, particularly the Biodiversity Strategy 2007 and the Spatial Plan. The environmental priorities and aspirations articulated in these and other existing DCC policies and strategies have been incorporated in this Strategy. These policies and strategies will also form part of the implementation of this Strategy.

SPATIAL PLAN

PARKS &

RECREATION

STRATEGY*

ARTS

&

CULT

URE

STRA

TEGY

*

3 WATERS

STRATEGY

SOCI

AL

WEL

LBEI

NG

ST

RATE

GY

INTEGRATED

TRANSPORT

STRATEGYENVIRONMENT STRATEGY*

ECON

OM

IC

DEVELOPM

ENT

STRATEGY

COMMUNITYOUTCOMES

9

Environment strategy framework

Dunedin’s community enjoys and is connected to the natural environment

Dunedin’s community actively works together to understand, enhance and celebrate the natural environment

Dunedin leads in environmental practices and in addressing global challenges that face the city

OBJECTIVES

• People are connected to the natural environment

• Dunedin’s community is aware of the ecological and cultural values of the environment and the impacts of human activity

• Dunedin’s community is actively involved and takes responsibility for caring for the natural environment

• Kāi Tahu are supported to carry out their kaitiaki role

• Dunedin advocates and collaborates for better environmental outcomes

• Dunedin monitors environmental changes and environmental health

PRIORITIES

Dunedin is one of the world’s great small cities. We treasure our healthy natural environments and unique ecosystems

through active guardianship for

current and future generations.

VISION FOR ALL

Treasuring the environmentKaitiakitaka

THEME

10

Dunedin protects its natural heritage, biodiversity, landscapes and ecosystems

Dunedin restores its natural heritage, biodiversity, landscapes and ecosystems

Dunedin enhances its natural heritage, biodiversity, landscapes and ecosystems

Dunedin limits its impact on the global environment, including on climate change

Dunedin prepares for and adapts to environmental challenges, such as climate change

Dunedin uses natural resources sustainably

OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVES

• The life supporting capacity (mauri) of the habitats of indigenous and taoka species is protected and enhanced

• The environment is protected from inappropriate use and development, and other threats

• Ecosystems are restored and enhanced

• Dunedin’s diverse ecosystems are connected by networks of green and blue corridors

• Polluting discharges and waste disposal are improved in accordance with environmental best practice and Kāi Tahu values

• Land management practices are improved in accordance with environmental best practice

• Dunedin is energy efficient and renewable energy opportunities are encouraged

• Dunedin has a low-carbon transport system

• Dunedin’s infrastructure and systems are designed to support positive environmental outcomes

• Dunedin has productive environments

• Climate change adaptation and mitigation is an integral part of planning and decision-making

• Dunedin uses resources efficiently and minimises waste

• Opportunities to offset greenhouse gas emissions are sought

PRIORITIES PRIORITIES

Healthy natural environmentHe ao tūroa, he ao hauora

Environment for the futureMō tātou, ā, mō kā uri, ā muri ake nei

THEME THEME

11

We are the guardians of our environment and we are responsible for protecting and caring for it, both for our generation and future generations. Dunedin as a city fosters understanding and connections between people and the natural environment, and is a place where we work together to care for our environment.

Dunedin’s community is aware of the ecological and cultural values of the environment and the impacts of human activityWe will increase our understanding and awareness about the impacts we have on the environment (including pollution and waste) and the impacts of environmental changes, such as climate change. We will also increase our respect and awareness of the ecological, cultural and intrinsic values of the city’s natural environment, its biodiversity and its ecosystem services. We will tell the stories of our city’s natural environment, celebrate and promote the role of our natural surroundings in creating a distinctive identity and sense of place for Dunedin, in New Zealand and in the world.

Dunedin’s community is actively involved and takes responsibility for caring for the natural environmentWe will share the responsibility for environmental stewardship through direct actions, such as not using plastic bags and participating in coordinated and structured activities such as native tree planting; and indirect actions, such as lobbying the Central Government to adopt positive environmental policies. Such collective responsibility is the most effective way of to protect our environment for future generations. We will also support and encourage more volunteering in conservation.

THEME 1: Treasuring the environmentKaitiakitaka

PrioritiesPeople are connected to the natural environmentWe will foster the connections and sense of belonging between people and the natural environment by providing access to our natural spaces and places. We all engage with nature at some point in our daily lives and we will acknowledge and build on these experiences, recognising the positive contribution connecting with nature makes to our health and wellbeing.

Objectives

Dunedin’s community enjoys and is connected to the natural

environment

Dunedin’s community actively works together to understand,

enhance and celebrate the natural environment

Dunedin leads in environmental practices and in

addressing global challenges that face the city

12

Kāi Tahu are supported to carry out their kaitiaki roleWe will recognise and support the role of Kāi Tahu to exercise kaitiakitaka of Dunedin’s natural environment in accordance with tikaka Māori. Matauraka Māori and the wealth of traditional knowledge in conservation, and the management and use of our natural environment will be recognised and valued.

Dunedin advocates and collaborates for better environmental outcomesWe will work together across organisations, agencies, communities and sectors to achieve good environmental outcomes for Dunedin. When issues or matters arise beyond or across our local boundary, we will advocate for environmental wellbeing, and where opportunities arise, we will do our part to ensure better global environmental outcomes.

Dunedin monitors environmental changes and environmental healthWe will actively monitor local and global environmental changes, such as climate change and improve our understanding as new knowledge and research are gained. We will also monitor the state of biodiversity in Dunedin, cultural impacts on the environment and the health of our natural environment.

DCC’S CURRENT ROLES

Role: Provider

Examples of DCC activities Providing Dunedin’s residents with access to parks and reserves

across the city.

Role: Funder

Examples of DCC activities Providing community grants and funding incentives

(e.g. Biodiversity Fund).

Role: Promoter/Facilitator

Examples of DCC activities Supporting community environmental initiatives

(e.g. Keep Dunedin Beautiful and Task Force Green).

Role: Advocate

Examples of DCC activities Submitting on other territorial, regional and Central Government

policies, strategies and plans, when they may impact on Dunedin’s environment

(e.g. Otago Regional Council Long Term Plan).

13

Dunedin has a diverse range of flora and fauna, found on both public and private land, and in urban, rural, freshwater and coastal areas. To maintain and improve biodiversity values, ecosystem services and the overall quality of our environment, there is a range of activities that can be undertaken in a holistic manner.

Dunedin protects its natural heritage, biodiversity,

landscapes and ecosystems

Dunedin restores its natural heritage, biodiversity,

landscapes and ecosystems

Dunedin enhances its natural heritage, biodiversity,

landscapes and ecosystems

THEME 2: Healthy natural environment

significance for Kāi Tahu. We will also continue to control pest plants and animals, and reduce human-related pollution, including light pollution.

Ecosystem services are restored and enhancedWe encourage opportunities for restoring and enhancing biodiversity across the city, as we recognise the importance of the whole range of ecosystem services that they provide in Dunedin. While some introduced species pose a threat to native ecosystems, many do not and have become integral to providing ecosystem services in Dunedin, including maintaining soil health, water quality and clean air.

Dunedin’s diverse ecosystems are connected by networks of green and blue corridors Our network of blue and green corridors provide connectivity for the movement of species and energy through the landscape in rural and urban environments. This connectivity is a key part of the natural network’s function and we will investigate and identify opportunities to expand existing ecological corridors and establish more ecological corridors.

Polluting discharges and waste disposal are improved in accordance with environmental best practice and Kāi Tahu values

He ao tūroa, he ao hauora

Objectives

PrioritiesThe life supporting capacity (mauri) of the habitats of indigenous and taoka species is protected and enhancedWe will ensure that taoka are available for future generations by focusing on the sustainable management of indigenous and taoka species. We will protect the full range of indigenous vegetation and fauna across all environments.

Important ecological areas are protected from inappropriate use and development, and other threats We will address the decline of our indigenous biodiversity by proactively managing development on public and private land so that development does not adversely affect areas of significant conservation value, and areas of

14

We will adopt good environmental management practices to minimise adverse effects on the ecological, Kāi Tahu, cultural and social values on our natural environment. We will improve our wastewater network to reduce overflows and investigate new technologies that reduce the impact of discharges to our waterways, land and air.

Land management practices are improved in accordance with environmental best practiceWe will adopt land management practices which achieve good environmental outcomes and we will work with private landowners to encourage and provide opportunities for good land management practices that maintain and enhance biodiversity, including limiting the use of pesticides and fertilisers.

DCC’S CURRENT ROLES

Role: ProviderExamples of DCC Activities

• Managing 3 waters infrastructure, including water supply, waste water and stormwater.

• Managing waste facilities and services, including kerbside recycling and landfills.

• Managing parks and reserves infrastructure, including planting and pest control.

Role: FunderExamples of DCC Activities

• Providing community grants and funding incentives (e.g. Biodiversity Fund).

• Supporting community environmental initiatives (e.g. Keep Dunedin Beautiful and Task Force Green).

Role: Regulator/PlannerExamples of DCC Activities

• Spatial and land use planning, including biodiversity and landscape protection (e.g. District Plan).

• Monitoring of resource consents.• Developing and enforcing bylaws (e.g. Dog Control Bylaw).

Role: Promoter/FacilitatorExamples of DCC Activities

• Involving and working with stakeholders, interest groups and agencies.

Role: AdvocateExamples of DCC Activities

• Submitting on other territorial, regional and Central Government policies, strategies and plans, when they may impact on Dunedin’s environment (e.g. Otago Regional Council Regional Policy Statement).

15

Dunedin people have always faced environmental changes and extreme weather events, such as droughts and storms. We need to help the global community tackle climate change by reducing our local emissions to reduce the causes and severity of climate change (mitigation). We must also develop ways to increase our resilience to withstand and recover from the adverse effects of a changing climate and environment (adaptation). We need to consider the environment for future generations in everything we do, and use our natural resources sustainably for the long-term health, wellbeing and prosperity of Dunedin.

THEME 3: Environment for the futureMō tātou, ā, mō kā uri, ā muri ake nei

Dunedin limits its impact on the global environment,

including on climate change

Dunedin prepares for and adapts to environmental

challenges, such as climate change

Dunedin uses natural resources sustainably

will be supported by a resilient and integrated transport network. We will reduce our dependence on motor vehicles. Public transport and active travel modes, such as walking and cycling will be widely used. We will investigate more efficient or alternative transport fuels, and opportunities to improve transport efficiency.

Dunedin’s infrastructure and systems are designed to support positive environmental outcomes We will ensure Dunedin’s transport systems, water infrastructure and food supply chains are resilient and support positive environmental outcomes, such as minimising carbon emissions. We will reduce reliance on non-renewable products and reduce the carbon footprint from our infrastructure and systems.

Dunedin has productive environmentsWe will support Dunedin’s agricultural, forestry and green infrastructure to provide a range of benefits, from locally and sustainably produced food to offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. We will protect our productive land and soil.

Climate change adaptation and mitigation is an integral part of planning and decision-making We need to consider and respond to climate change and its implications and implement appropriate adaptation

PrioritiesDunedin is energy efficient and renewable energy opportunities are encouraged We will continue to be dependent on our energy needs being met by a reliable and secure supply of energy. More efficient energy uses and a greater diversity of energy sources will increase our community’s resilience, while increasing our ability to sustain economic development. We will support and encourage developing and adopting renewable energy opportunities.

Dunedin has a low-carbon transport systemDunedin’s vibrant, compact, well-designed and accessible urban form

Objectives

16

and mitigation responses. Our actions will be evidence-based and informed by research where this exists. The costs of measures to adapt to, or mitigate, climate change will be balanced against the risks and benefits.

Dunedin uses natural resources efficiently and minimises waste We will commit to using natural resources more efficiently by using them wisely and recovering as much as we can. We will be a zero waste city, where resources are valued by the community. We will minimise waste to landfill and proactively conserve natural resources, such as water.

Opportunities to offset greenhouse gas emissions are soughtOur forests and planting programmes, whether on public or private land, will continue to play an important role in mitigating climate change through removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Other opportunities for carbon sequestration will be investigated.

DCC’S CURRENT ROLES

Role: ProviderExamples of DCC Activities

• Providing sustainable transport infrastructure, including cycleways.• Managing 3 waters infrastructure, including water supply, waste water and

stormwater.• Managing waste facilities and services, including kerbside recycling and

landfills.• Managing parks and reserves infrastructure.

Role: FunderExamples of DCC Activities

• Supporting home insulation schemes to improve energy efficiency (e.g. Warm Dunedin).

Role: Regulator/PlannerExamples of DCC Activities

• Integrating spatial, land use and transport planning (e.g. Integrated Transport Strategy and Spatial Plan).

Role: Promoter/FacilitatorExamples of DCC Activities

• Supporting education and awareness programmes (e.g. Enviroschools, Sustainable Living Courses)

• Working with stakeholders (e.g. Dunedin Energy Leaders Accord).• Leading by example in corporate DCC operations (e.g. installing energy

efficient lighting in the Dunedin Public Libraries).• Supporting the establishment of community gardens.

Role: AdvocateExamples of DCC Activities

• Advocating for improved public transport to the Otago Regional Council.• Submitting on other territorial, regional and Central Government policies,

strategies and plans (e.g. submissions on Central Government Block Offer).

17

Implementation

Whilst the DCC already has a number of action plans and projects in place to protect and care for the natural environment, the vision, objectives and priorities of this Strategy will only be achieved through the DCC working closely with a wide range of groups and organisations across Dunedin. There are limits to the scope of the DCC’s influence and that is why we need strong and effective partnerships with all of the organisations in Dunedin that have a key role to play in protecting the natural environment. This includes other levels of government, non-profit organisations, businesses and community initiatives, and every citizen. This Strategy sets the strategic direction and is not an implementation plan. Some of the objectives and priorities will be implemented through existing DCC projects and plans. New projects and plans may be implemented, subject to DCC funding and prioritisation through the Long Term Plan process. Some of those DCC projects and plans are identified below.

ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY

Existing DCC projects

and plans

New DCC projects

and plans

Actions and activities undertaken

by partners and stakeholders

Biodiversity Fund

Dog Control Bylaw / Policy

Integrated Transport Strategy

Reserve Management Plans

Spatial Plan

3 Waters Strategic Direction

Waste Management and Minimisation

Plan

Water Conservation Management Plan

2GP – second generation District

PlanClimate Change Adaptation Plan

Energy PlanParks and

Recreation Strategyand others to be

determined

To be determined

Monitoring and reviewThis Strategy has identified some strategic goals which will be used to monitor success and change in the city’s environmental wellbeing. We propose to establish a governance group with Kāi Tahu and key stakeholders to review and monitor the city-wide progress and implementation of the Strategy. The wider community will be involved in the delivery of this Strategy through:• A community event each year, where the annual progress report is presented,

celebrated and discussed.• A triennial hui to examine progress and review the direction the Strategy is

taking so that it remains fresh and relevant.

The triennial hui will offer an opportunity to evaluate the success of this Strategy and highlight any areas where the objectives or priorities are no longer fit for purpose. This will feed into a formal evaluation of the Strategy by the governance group and any revisions needed to keep the Strategy relevant. A full review of the strategy will take place every ten years.

With regard to monitoring the DCC’s involvement, annual reporting will be provided to the DCC’s Community and Environment Committee on the DCC’s contribution towards implementing the Strategy. In addition, each DCC project and plan will provide reports to the relevant DCC governance and reporting structures on progress and performance.

18

Appendix 1 – Glossary

Advocate: when the DCC appeals to other agencies such as central government and the Otago Regional Council to promote and achieve environmental wellbeing outcomes (e.g. submissions on Block Offer proposals).

Areas of special conservation value (ASCV): recognised areas of indigenous vegetation and fauna on public or private land that are protected by the District Plan.

Biodiversity: the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.

Carbon sequestration: a natural or artificial process by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and held in solid or liquid form.

Ecosystem: a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Ecosystem services: the benefits provided by ecosystems that contribute to making human life possible (e.g. clean air and water).

Funder: when the DCC provides funding to another organisation or community group towards providing a service or facility (e.g. Biodiversity Fund).

He ao tūroa, he ao hauora: a natural world, a healthy world.

Invertebrate: an animal lacking a backbone, such as an insect, mollusc, worm, coelenterate.

Kaitiaki: guardian.

Kaitiakitaka: the exercise of customary custodianship in a manner that incorporates spiritual matters, by takata whenua who hold manawhenua status for a particular area or resource.

Mahika kai: the customary gathering of food or natural materials and the places where those resources are gathered.

Matauraka Māori: Māori knowledge or wisdom.

Manawhenua: those who exercise customary authority or rakatirataka (chieftainship or decision-making rights).

Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri, ā muri ake nei: for us and for our children after us.

Promoter/Facilitator: when the DCC undertakes promotional activity and educational programmes, or brings together other organisations of community groups to work towards environmental outcomes (e.g. Enviroschools and Keep Dunedin Beautiful).

Provider: when the DCC provides a service, facility or infrastructure (e.g. Green Island landfill).

Queen Elizabeth II covenant: a legally binding protection agreement which is registered on the title of land to protect the special natural and cultural features on land.

Regulator/Planner: when the DCC enforces government legislation and develops its own bylaws and plans (e.g. District Plan).

Takata whenua: the iwi (tribe) or hapū (sub-tribe) that holds manawhenua in a particular area.

Taoka: treasure.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Treaty of Waitangi.

Tikaka: customary values and practices.

Vertebrate: an animal of a large group distinguished by the possession of a backbone or spinal column, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes.

Wāhi taoka: resources, places and sites treasured by manawhenua.

Wāhi tapu: places sacred to takata whenua.

Wāhi tupuna: the landscapes that embody the ancestral, spiritual and religious traditions of all the generations prior to European settlement.

19

Te Ao Tūroa: The Natural World is intended to be Dunedin’s Environment Strategy – one of eight key city strategies. The approach we have taken focusses on Dunedin’s natural environment, with other aspects covered in strategies such as the Spatial Plan, Three Waters Strategy and Integrated Transport Strategy.  

The draft Environment Strategy is based on extensive feedback from the community and stakeholders – we want to know what you think about it. What do you think about the draft Strategy? • Does the draft Strategy cover the things you think should be covered by a Dunedin Environment Strategy? What would you

change or add? • Do you support the Vision and Themes?  What would you change or add?• Do you agree with the Objectives and Priorities? What would you change or add?• How should we measure success in achieving the Strategy’s Objectives?

How should the Strategy be put into action?• What are the most important actions you think need to be taken to help achieve the Strategy’s Vision? Who needs to be

involved?• What are you or your organisation doing or planning to do that will help achieve the Strategy’s Objectives?• What do you think the Dunedin City Council’s role should be in achieving the Strategy’s Objectives? 

What else would you like to say?

How to have your sayMake a submissionMake a submission online by going to www.TeAoTuroa.co.nz, or send the included submission form (please cut the form out of this booklet and fold on the dotted lines, secure the open end and return to us).

Attend a pop up eventCheck out the website for details www.TeAoTuroa.co.nz.

Attend a workshopA workshop for stakeholders, interest groups and members of the public to discuss the Strategy will be held from 5:30pm Monday 10 August 2015, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Octagon, Dunedin.  To register your interest in attending the workshop, please email policy@dcc.govt.nz by Thursday 6 August 2015.

Have your say

20

Your submission

Plea

se c

ut a

nd d

etac

h yo

ur su

bmis

sion

her

e

Please see overleaf

On Dunedin’s draft Environment Strategy

PLEASE FOLD ON DOTTED LINES, SECURE OPEN END BY STAPLE OR TAPE AND RETURNFreepost Authority Number 247608YX10102

Dunedin City CouncilPO Box 5045Moray PlaceDunedin 9058

PLEASE FOLD ON DOTTED LINES, SECURE OPEN END BY STAPLE OR TAPE AND RETURN

Please note your feedback is public. Your feedback will be included in papers that will be available to the media and the public.

About you

First Name: Last Name:

Organisation (if applicable):

Email or postal address:

Phone:

PLEASE FOLD ON DOTTED LINES, SECURE OPEN END BY STAPLE OR TAPE AND RETURN