The climate is changing and so are we. Read on for the latest updates, initiatives, and ways to get involved!
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QLDC's third Climate and Biodiversity Plan now adopted
Kia ora
We’re pleased to let you know that Queenstown Lakes District Council has now officially adopted the Climate and Biodiversity Plan 2025–2028.
Thank you to everyone who contributed their thoughts and feedback during the consultation process. Your input has played an important role in shaping the final version of the plan.
The plan sets out the key priorities and actions we’ll take as a district over the next three years to reduce emissions, build climate resilience, and protect the unique ecosystems that make our home so special.
Since declaring a climate and ecological emergency on 27 June 2019, Queenstown Lakes District Council has collaborated with our community, Kāi Tahu, and key partner organisations to take meaningful, integrated action on climate change and biodiversity loss across the district. Now in its third iteration, the Climate & Biodiversity Plan continues to guide our collective efforts to reduce emissions, strengthen resilience, and protect and restore the unique ecosystems that make our home so special.
This mahi will build on the strong foundation of the original 2019–2022 Climate Action Plan and the 2022–2025 Plan that followed.
We’ll continue to keep you updated as implementation begins.
Curious what the 2022–25 Plan delivered?
When QLDC adopted its 2022–2025 Climate & Biodiversity Plan, it recognised that effective climate action must go hand-in-hand with restoring biodiversity and ecosystem health. That meant a shift from isolated climate interventions towards a holistic, nature-based approach, deeply rooted in collaboration with mana whenua, local communities, and partner organisations.
Now, as this plan comes to a close, and we adopt the new plan, it’s a great time to explore the Close‑Out Report for a full picture of what’s been achieved over the past three years.
Click on the "Read more" button to access the close-out report and see how collective efforts have shaped our district’s sustainability story.
Update on the Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP)
With the Climate and Biodiversity Plan now adopted, the Waste Management Minimisation Plan (WMMP) is next to take centre-stage at Council chambers.
Last Thursday, a hearing was held on the Draft WMMP, with Council receiving a total of 67 submissions. Six submitters spoke in person to their submissions. After careful consideration of the submissions, verbal presentations, and deliberations, the hearing panel, comprising of Councillors Tucker, Bartlett, and Whitehead, has recommended some changes to the draft plan. The revised WMMP is scheduled to be considered by Council for adoption in September.
We'll be sending a full Climate Action & Biodiversity update this Spring.
It'll be packed with the latest progress on our new 2025–28 Climate & Biodiversity Plan, along with climate & biodiversity action‑oriented highlights from across Council, updates from our Climate Action Group, stories from our community partners and mana whenua collaborations, and ideas for how you can get involved, share your views, and be part of the impact.
Stay tuned, this update will land in your inbox soon.
If you know of anyone else who'd enjoy hearing about the work QLDC and our partners do in the Climate Action & Biodiversity space, please let them know about us. They can subscribe to our updates by visiting the Climate Action site.
Got questions or ideas to share?
We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with the Resilience and Climate Action Team by emailing climateaction@qldc.govt.nz.
