Meetings planned to discuss rising sea levels with Christchurch residents

Photo: Newsline
Photo: Newsline
People living in Christchurch's south-east will soon be consulted over the impact of rising sea levels.

Christchurch City Council has agreed to start adaptation planning with low-lying coastal and inland communities likely to be impacted by rising sea levels.

A meeting will be held on December 2, 6-7.30pm, Metropolitan Lounge, The Tannery, 3 Garlands Rd, Woolston.

Said urban development and transport committee chairman Mike Davidson: “We have a big coastline and a lot of low-lying land, so one of the most significant challenges facing us is how do we respond to the coastal hazards caused by climate change and sea level rise.

“First up, it’s important we have a city-wide conversation about the adaptation planning process as there are implications for all residents, not just people living in coastal and low-lying communities. We have some big decisions ahead of us that will likely have an impact not just on this generation, but on generations to come.

“We then need to work closely with our first tranche of communities, to develop an adaptation plan together.

“The adaptation planning programme that we have formally endorsed today is based on the Ministry for the Environment’s guidance and puts community engagement at the centre of our decision-making.”

The city council sessions will give interested residents across the district an opportunity to learn more about the coastal hazards adaptation planning programme.

  • Other meetings will be held on Monday, 6-7.30pm, Allandale Hall, Governors Bay and December 3, 6-7.30pm, North Beach Memorial Hall.