1. From the perspective of the communities or groups you represent or support, what do you see as the three most important issues facing our communities over the next ten years?

Over the next decade, Palmerston North faces a set of challenges that will shape the city’s
economic stability, liveability, and long-term cost burdens. Climate impacts, biodiversity
decline, and weaknesses in our local food system are not abstract environmental concerns,
they are practical risks that will drive future rates, insurance affordability, infrastructure
pressures, and community wellbeing.

 

Climate change and resilience
Extreme weather events are already increasing the cost of maintaining infrastructure and
protecting households. Without steady investment now, the city will face escalating repair
costs and greater exposure to insurance retreat. Embedding climate resilience into all longterm
planning, particularly transport, water, stormwater, and land-use decisions, will reduce
future liabilities and protect vulnerable households. Communities expect decisive leadership
that cuts emissions while making everyday life more affordable through low-carbon transport
and energy-efficient homes.

Biodiversity protection and freshwater health
The health of our awa and green spaces underpins flood protection, water quality,
recreation, cultural values, and urban heat mitigation. When ecosystems fail, ratepayer costs
rise. Protecting and restoring native habitat, strengthening pest control, and working in
partnership with Rangitāne are essential for keeping Palmerston North resilient, attractive,
and healthy. Investment now is cheaper than repairing the environmental and economic
consequences of degraded waterways and stressed ecosystems.

Food security and local food systems
Food insecurity is rising across the city. Strengthening local food production and access is a
practical resilience measure that reduces household costs, increases self-sufficiency, and
protects us from supply-chain shocks. Communities want the city to identify land for food
growing, support community-based initiatives, and encourage regenerative practices that
keep the system strong long term. A resilient food system is a core piece of our future
economic stability.

Housing, safe neighbourhoods, and accessible green spaces remain deeply connected to
these challenges. Our communities understand that environmental security, social wellbeing,
and economic strength are inseparable.

 

2. What changes (small or large) would make the biggest positive difference in people’s dayto- day lives in our communities?

A consistent message from communities is this: the most useful changes are those that
reduce pressure on household budgets while strengthening neighbourhood resilience.

Strong partnership with mana whenua
Rangitāne’s leadership in the city’s cultural and environmental wellbeing is a unique strength
for Palmerston North. Continued co-governance and co-design will deliver decisions that
reflect deep local knowledge, improve social licence, and continue the legacy of peaceful
cooperation in our city. This is good stewardship and good risk management.

Strengthening local food systems
Community gardens, teaching sites, food-rescue coordination, and land set aside for growing
food are high-impact, low-cost initiatives. They reduce food insecurity, build neighbourhood
cohesion, and support healthier lives. For many households, this is one of the most tangible
ways the city can improve day-to-day wellbeing.

Supporting low-income households and reducing vulnerability
Infrastructure for clean water, reliable stormwater networks, safe active transport, and
access to renewable power reduces downstream strain on social services and emergency
responders. A city that prioritises its most vulnerable residents becomes safer and more
resilient for everyone.

More effective waste and resource systems
Minimising waste through composting food-scraps, recycling soft-plastics and bottle-tops,
and supporting circular-economy initiatives are practical steps that reduce landfill costs and
emissions. These improvements are simple, visible, and widely supported.

A citywide Environmental Centre
ENM has been advocating for over 10 years for an environmental centre within the central
city precinct. An Environment Centre would serve as a practical, accessible resilience hub to
play a key role in facilitating all the above. It could bring together education, community
support, emergency preparedness, volunteering, and hands-on learning, from a teaching
garden to repair workshops and a tool library. During emergencies, it could become a focal
point for civil defence support, as demonstrated by Sustainable Hawkes Bay during Cyclone
Gabrielle. In everyday life, it could help residents lower household costs through skills,
knowledge, and community action. This investment would yield broad, long-term value.

 

3. When the Council is considering where to invest its resources, what do you think are the
top three priorities?

ENM’s view is that Council investment should focus on areas that reduce long-term costs,
lower risk, and strengthen the city’s resilience.

1. Climate action, infrastructure resilience, and risk reduction
Flood protection, stormwater upgrades, water quality improvements, and sustainable
transport infrastructure are not optional extras—they are the foundations of a functioning,
future-proof city. Investment in clean energy, efficient transport options, and safe cycling
routes for children reduces household costs and pressure on roads while limiting future
emergency expenditure.

 

2. Community wellbeing and equity
Communities with strong social infrastructure recover faster from shocks and experience
fewer long-term costs to health, welfare, and emergency services. Investment in education,
food security, housing initiatives, arts, culture, and neighbourhood-building creates safer,
more connected communities. These priorities reduce downstream demand on council
services.

3. Environmental leadership and coordination
A dedicated Environment Hub will position Palmerston North as a leader in practical,
community-driven resilience. Coordinated action on climate, biodiversity, circular economy,
and food sovereignty amplifies Council investment by unlocking community capacity. ENM
member groups contribute tens of thousands of volunteer hours annually, potentially
upwards of 67,000 hours, valued at nearly $1.9 million1. Continued partnership with the
environmental sector is one of the most cost-effective strategies available to Council,
delivering high-impact outcomes at a fraction of the cost of direct provision.

 

4. What are the things that the Council has achieved in the past ten years that have improved life in our communities?

The city has made strong progress over the past decade, and the benefits are visible in
everyday life. These gains are worth protecting.

Sector lead partnerships
The Council’s partnership model has allowed community groups—including ENM and its
members—to scale up their work, collaborate more effectively, and deliver a wide range of
initiatives that Council would otherwise need to resource directly. This is a cost-effective
model that multiplies community capability and delivers broad public value.

Environmental and community initiatives
ENM and partner groups have expanded climate action events, community gardens, the
Manawatū Food Action Network, the Environmental Initiatives Fund, the Repair Café, and multiple volunteer-driven projects. These initiatives strengthen social connections, reduce waste, build local resilience, and support a circular economy.

Transport and connectivity improvements
Investments in bike lanes, public transport (in partnership with Horizons), and He Ara Kotahi
have shifted the city towards safer, cleaner, more affordable transport options. These
improvements reduce congestion, emissions, and long-term transport costs.

Forward-thinking planning and policy
The adoption of the Food Resilience and Security Policy, the development of a Community
Gardens Guide, and the inclusion of a natural burial site in the Ashhurst Domain plan
demonstrate a willingness to think ahead and invest in future resilience. These policies reflect
strong community input and help protect long-term wellbeing.

Urban greening and ecological restoration
Urban planting, native corridors, and reserve enhancements have increased biodiversity,
reduced heat stress, and improved the city’s aesthetic and recreational appeal. These
investments protect environmental assets that would be far more expensive to restore if lost.

Cultural and community accessibility
Sustained investment in cultural events and community facilities has strengthened social
cohesion and made the city more inclusive. These services underpin a thriving, vibrant urban
environment.

 

5. When we look back from 2037, what will we identify as the biggest improvement that we
could make today?

By 2037, the most significant improvement we could make today will be choosing to build a
city that is resilient, future-ready, and economically stable. This means taking decisive action
now rather than facing higher costs later.

A future Palmerston North that is thriving in 2037 will be one that:

• has reduced its exposure to flooding and infrastructure failure.
• has strong local food systems that protect households from cost shocks.
• has thriving waterways and expanded green spaces that reduce heat and improve health.
• has reliable, low-cost transport options that reduce congestion and household expenses.
• has invested early in clean energy, circular systems, and waste minimisation.
• and has a strong community infrastructure where neighbourhoods look after each 0ther during emergencies.

Central to that future is an Environmental Centre: a visible, practical hub for education,
action, and community leadership. It represents the kind of proactive, cost-effective
investment that will define whether this council is remembered for strengthening the city or
allowing resilience gaps to widen.

If we act now, we hand future residents a city that is safer, more affordable, more connected,
and better prepared. If we hesitate, the economic, social, and environmental costs will only
grow.