A Labour MP is frustrated the Dunedin City Council has not engaged with the Government to design an ambitious response to climate challenges in South Dunedin.
Taieri MP Ingrid Leary urged the council to take bold and timely action.
She also took issue with reported councillor commentary that she perceived was aimed at the Government.
"South Dunedin has the potential to be an ideal pilot partnership project for climate change adaptation, which could become the poster-child for New Zealand or even the world," Ms Leary said.
"This is not about retrofitting discrete projects into existing budget lines, but co-designing an ambitious, comprehensive plan as a geographical pilot in its own right that would inspire Government to get on board."
Her comments followed city council discussions this week about a draft national adaptation plan.
Councillors argued there should be greater urgency in delivery of action and costs needed to be borne equitably.
Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins highlighted inaction from successive governments and generations.
Low-lying South Dunedin was cited in the council’s submission as an example of an area that presented challenges, although councillors also referred to other parts of Dunedin.
Ms Leary said a lot of work had happened at a local level, including sophisticated planning.
However, she said, opportunities could be lost if the council did not soon put up a climate change adaptation proposal for the Government to consider.
"I’ve suggested several times that the council request ministerial meetings alongside meetings between local and government officials, so that we can at least kick-start a process," Ms Leary said.
"I have repeatedly urged the council to come up with a comprehensive partnership proposal where central and local government could work together to front-foot the issue in South Dunedin."
Mr Hawkins said everybody had a responsibility to tackle the effects of climate change together.
Anyone who watched the council meeting would have seen clear support for the Government’s draft national adaptation plan, along with "a greater sense of urgency to provide for local action sooner and a desire to make sure that it is equitable", he said.
Mr Hawkins drew attention to council investment and programmes, including a coastal plan that presented a range of management options to protect South Dunedin, "and they are certainly ambitious".
"Our latest 10-year plan also includes $138 million on wastewater renewal and upgrade projects, including at Green Island and Tahuna treatment plants," Mr Hawkins said.
"We will also spend an additional $36.7 million over the next decade on South Dunedin flood alleviation, and $12 million building the long overdue South Dunedin library and community complex."
Reducing emissions was the best approach in the long term to support communities most affected by climate change, he said.
Ms Leary said urban development legislation passed in 2020 was designed to help communities such as South Dunedin by promoting a partnership approach.
"It has always been my view that an appropriate response will require co-ordinated efforts and funding well beyond what can be expected of ratepayers - hence the need for Government involvement."
