The Government's National Adaptation Framework, released this morning, has a way to go when it comes to clarity for communities, support, and meaningful engagement with te Tiriti.
"Climate change is here now. Government's job is to reduce emissions at the source to prevent the worst, and ensure our communities are protected, prepared and resilient," Chlöe Swarbrick.
"Today the Government has announced a basic framework for data and information sharing, which the Greens have supported since Hon. James Shaw began this Climate Adaptation work.
"What we're concerned about is the hints of what's to come. Luxon's Government remains explicitly fixated on lowering costs and liabilities for the Crown, instead of outlining support and clarity for New Zealanders.
"Under their plan, iwi and hapū continue to be sidelined as mere stakeholders to be consulted, instead of Te Tiriti partners. This is extra astounding given the clear, numerous submissions detailing how marae have been among - if not the - go-to responder in climate-change-charged weather events.
"We raised these issues last year throughout and after the Finance and Expenditure Committee inquiry into Climate Adaptation. Unfortunately, there's still a lot of work to do.
"A Green approach would enable and resource communities to work together to manage and mitigate risk.
"We will continue to reach out and engage constructively with the Climate Minister on this adaptation work and remind him that among the most effective adaptation is rapidly reducing climate changing emissions at the source," says Chlöe Swarbrick.
