Tae’s main project focused on climate mapping across ENM’s member groups. He worked to gather information on how these groups are taking action to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Using ENM’s four pou as a framework, Tae explored these initiatives by gathering data from websites and social media, although many groups lacked a formal online presence or consistent data. Despite these challenges, Tae was inspired by the local-level impact: communities engaging, shifting behaviours, and amplifying local voices.

Before joining ENM, Tae felt overwhelmed by the state of the world and worried about the future for his daughter. But his experience here brought hope. He now believes that real change comes from the bottom up—not just from policy, but from communities taking action. “Big companies won’t change unless we do. We all have a role to play.”

One of the most rewarding parts of Tae’s experience was seeing people come together to make change. Coming from an academic background, he had grown frustrated with the lack of progress on global targets like the Sustainable Development Goals. But through ENM’s work—connecting people, sharing knowledge, and influencing local decision-makers—he saw how collective action can make a real difference. Attending the recent election candidate meeting was a turning point: “As individuals, we can feel powerless. But as a group, we can influence politicians and shape our future.”

Tae’s time at ENM also sparked personal changes. He now sorts bottle tops at home with his whānau and has a new appreciation for sustainable living. His favourite project was the Repair Café, which challenged his mindset around consumption. “I used to think it was easier and cheaper to throw things away and buy new. But now I see the value in repairing—especially items that hold meaning. It’s inspired me to live more simply and choose quality over quantity.”

Thank you, Tae, for your energy, insight, and heart. You’ve made a lasting impact, and we’re excited to see where your journey takes you next.

The post Volunteer Spotlight: Tae’s Journey with ENM first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

Sajani continues to inspire us with her energy and initiative. Even in a busy year balancing her school leadership responsibilities, she remains committed to what she calls a good community “side‑quest.” She brings a rich cultural perspective to her work, having been born in Sri Lanka and growing up between there and Aotearoa — a background that fuels her passion for celebrating the diversity of our city.

One of her favourite projects this year is helping to plan the Climate Clarity Youth Forum, “Climate Clarity in a Changing World.” She’s excited to help bring together students from across the region and support a lineup of inspiring youth speakers when the event comes to life this April.

Sajani’s past ventures are just as impressive. She has served as Chairperson of the Communities Council for the Palmerston North Youth Council, advocating for young people across the city. She has also been a Model United Nations delegate, a competitive debater, a former St John Cadet, and a creative soul who loves painting and has even taken on the challenge of Wearable Arts.

Her commitment to service runs deep — she volunteers with the Red Cross, SVA, and the Manawatū Multicultural Council, staying connected to the community she loves.

We’re incredibly grateful for everything Sajani contributes to ENM — from supporting the upcoming Climate Clarity event, to organising a team for Explore Esplanade Day, and bringing her leadership, passion, and heart to so many of our initiatives.

Ka rawe, Sajani — we’re lucky to have you on the team!

The post Volunteer Spotlight Sajani Dissanayake first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

Labour is committed to transforming Zealand’s energy sector to one based on clean energy. This will mean transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy, with 100% renewable electricity generation, and decarbonisation of transport and industrial heat.

For example, we’ve established the $100 million Green Investment Fund to help shift private investment towards the zero carbon economy. We’re investing in green hydrogen refuelling stations across the country. We’re trialling innovative renewable energy technology, such as solar panels and batteries, across public and Māori housing – testing new ways of generating power at a local level, and integrating into local electricity networks. And, we’ve also invested through the Low Emissions Vehicle Contestable Fund, which is delivering more infrastructure for low emissions transport. Labour will continue to build on our progress in this area.

When all our energy comes from the sun, the wind, and the flow of rivers, there will be no need to burn coal or import oil. In Government, the Green Party achieved a historic ban on new offshore oil and gas exploration. We’ve put solar panels on school roofs, and started swapping old coal boilers in schools and hospitals for clean alternatives. Our Government has funded the development of a nationwide hydrogen fuelling network for heavy vehicles and started to swap the government’s car fleet to EVs. But there is more to be done. The Green Party will:

The post Q7. Supporting the move towards clean energy first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

We need to develop new novel solutions to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Things under development include low emissions feeds and low emissions breeding.

The previous National Government recognised this challenge and worked with over 50 other countries to establish the global research alliance on greenhouse gas emissions. We also supported this with a dedicated New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre in Palmerston North.

Its important to recognise that while New Zealand emissions are a tiny portion of global emissions (around 0.16%); livestock emissions are around 4% of global emissions. So we can in many ways have the biggest impact on global emissions by leading this technology development and delivering it to the rest of the world.

Earlier this year, we launched Fit for a Better World: Accelerating our economic potential. Its vision includes moving rapidly to a low carbon emissions society, restoring the health of our water, reversing the decline in biodiversity, and at the same time feeding our people.

Fit for a Better World recognises that within a generation modern regenerative production systems will be the foundation of our prosperity and primary production. There is an expectation that regenerative farming systems will improve the profitability of farming while leaving behind a smaller environmental footprint.

We passed the landmark Zero Carbon Act, which set out a set a new domestic greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for New Zealand to reduce emissions of biogenic methane to 24–47 per cent below 2017 levels by 2050, including to 10 per cent below 2017 levels by 2030.

We’ve also reached a world-first plan, alongside farming leaders, to develop practical and cost-effective ways to measure and price emissions at the farm level by 2025. Including improving tools for estimating and benchmarking emissions on farms, increasing farm advisory capacity and capability, and providing recognition for on-farm mitigation.

And, we’re supporting farmer-led solutions through our Productive and Sustainable Land Use package, with a focus on promoting farm land-use practices that deliver more value and improve environmental outcomes.

Labour will continue to back our farmers, and support the transition to a more sustainable economy.

Aotearoa can have a thriving and sustainable agricultural sector that responds to the challenge of climate change while protecting food security, producing high value exports, preserving and enhancing the natural environment, and contributing to flourishing rural communities. The Green Party will:

We plan to announce more detailed policy to support the shift to sustainable agriculture in coming weeks.

The post Q2. Reducing carbon emissions from agriculture, encouraging regenerative agriculture first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

Labour is making sure every New Zealander has a warm, dry, safe place to call home – whether they rent or own. While there’s no silver bullet to solve the long-term challenge that is the housing crisis, we’re making good progress and will continue roll out our plan.

We’ve delivered the biggest increase to public housing in nearly 20 years, and more and more homes are being designed and built to modern standards including double glazing, insulation, and affordable heating such as heat pumps. Under our Government, Kāinga Ora has committed that all of its new homes will be built to a 6 Homestar standard. And, through our Retrofit programme, we’re investing significantly to upgrade and renew older state homes; making them warmer, drier and healthier for tenants.

Everyone has the right to a warm, dry home. Instead, housing in Aotearoa often makes us sick from damp and cold. Cold, draughty houses with high heating costs can and should be a thing of the past. The Green Party has been committed to warming up our homes for decades, working with both Labour and National governments to deliver subsidies for home insulation. This term, with the Green Party in Government, we’ve introduced Healthy Home Standards for rental properties, requiring insulation and reliable heating. We’ve made sure all new Kāinga Ora public homes are energy efficient and we’ve launched the Building for Climate Change programme to improve how we build while reducing carbon emissions. It’s now time to go further and create a green building revolution, for the health of people and planet. The Green Party will:

The post Q11. Sustainable Housing first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

What better way to celebrate International Youth Day on 12 August than a Climate Clarity Youth Forum!

About 40 youth representing 8 schools had a great day last week at the Palmerston North Leisure Centre. The 8 schools from the Manawatū region included Rangitikei College, Feilding High, Tararua College, Horowhenua College, St Peter’s College, Freyberg High, Palmerston North Girls High and Manukura as well as one homeschool student.

The purpose was not just to give good scientific information but to inspire hope that young people can learn to work together to build communities of resilience. The youth engaged in lively group discussion answering questions the speakers themselves provided. The students and their teachers had the privilege of learning from four of the best scholars and activists in the country about what the climate crisis is all about.

The all star panel of speakers included Emeritus Professor Ralph Sims from Massey University who gave a rather stark analysis of the science of climate change, but also suggested 12 ways that citizens can help to mitigate the effects of global warming, Dr Alex Macmillan from Otago University shared her research about the effects of global warming on the health and wellbeing of people. She pointed out that anxiety and depression among young people have increased, but she also suggested ways that youth can be empowered to overcome these trends. We’re all in this together. The very process of coming together for conferences and discussion is a powerful way that young people can alleviate the very real presence of eco-anxiety for some.

Presentations from Professor David Tombs from Otago’s Centre of Theology and Public Issues and Kāpiti Coast District Councillor Sophie Handford shifted the tone to positive community efforts taking place right now to raise awareness about climate change and catalyse commitment to action. David Tombs talked about the powerful effect of various faith groups who were putting into practice their own beliefs about the stewardship of the planet. From KCD Councillor Sophie Handford came the utterly inspirational message of gratitude even for the smallest steps taken for climate justice especially when those steps lead to greater understanding and assistance to others. She stressed that taking care of the environment was the same thing as taking care of humanity. In other words, climate action leads to climate justice.

PN City Councillor Kaydee Zabelin was also on hand to talk about how youth can let their local government know what kind of changes they want to see. Andrew Watts from Horizons Regional Council shared information about how youth can apply for funds for local environmental projects.

The post Climate Clarity first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

Transport is a key area for emissions reductions focus. National will invest significantly in public transport. This includes:

Public transport policies for other parts of the country will be released in due course.

Transitioning to low emissions and electric vehicles is a crucial part of working towards our zero carbon goal, and our action on tackling the long-term challenge of climate change. Labour has backed the transition towards low emission vehicles in New Zealand with a number of initiatives over the past three years.

We’ve made an unprecedented investment in public transport and walking and cycling improvements. Compared to the previous government, public transport investment is up 163 percent and investment in walking and cycling is up 227 percent.

We’ve invested through the Low Emissions Vehicle Contestable Fund, which is delivering more infrastructure for low emissions transport. As of February 2020, the Fund had contributed $23.8 million in government funding to 139 projects which will accelerate the uptake of electric and other low emissions vehicles. In total as of February 2020, we had committed co-funding for over 1,000 EV chargers nationwide.

We’re also supporting government agencies to transition their light vehicle fleets to zero-emission alternatives. We’re tracking the average carbon emissions for each government agency’s fleet of light vehicles, and by 2025/26, virtually all new light vehicles entering the Government’s fleet should be emissions free, with the exception of specialised vehicles where there are limited emissions-free alternatives.

The Green Party is the only political party that will stop building unnecessary motorways which create urban sprawl and confine people to polluting cars. In Government, we’ve reprioritised low carbon options in transport planning. In the recent New Zealand Upgrade Programme, we negotiated $1.6 billion for sustainable transport, cycling, and walking infrastructure. We’ve secured funding for iconic projects like the SkyPath over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, discounted e-bikes for
those working in the public service, and $220 million for “shovel-ready” cycleways nationwide. Next, the Green Party will:

The post Q1. Increasing public and active transport, reducing carbon-emitting transport first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

Even with meaningful climate mitigation action, there are still unavoidable consequences of climate change that New Zealand needs to adapt to, such as flooding and impacts on agriculture. Labour believes that good information and careful planning can lessen these impacts.

That’s why we passed the Zero Carbon Act, to provide a framework by which New Zealand can develop and implement clear and stable climate policies that allow New Zealand to prepare for, and adapt to, the effects of a changing climate. And, using information from the recently released National Climate Change Risk Assessment, we’re developing a national adaptation plan.

We’ll also continue to take a green approach to planning our future by strengthening the resource management system to deliver better outcomes for natural and urban environments.

With the Green Party in Government, Aotearoa now has its first ever National Climate Change Risk Assessment, Heat Health Plan, and official government report into Climate Change and Environmental Health. We have begun work on regulatory and funding settings to support adaptation.

With the National Climate Change Risk Assessment now delivered, Government will respond with a National Adaptation Plan. This will set out what needs to be done, who needs to do it, and how it will be financed. The Plan will be a first for New Zealand and will give Government, households, councils, business and iwi the knowledge and tools they need to protect communities for the effects of a warming world.

The post Q8. Mitigating the effects of rising sea levels and changing weather patterns first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

We will be looking closely at what the Commission comes up with.

The previous National Government implemented the emissions trading scheme. This saw New Zealand’s share of renewable electricity increase from 65% to 85% over the nine year period we were in office.

Labour has worked hard to tackle the climate crisis and provide New Zealanders with clean energy. Labour will continue to:

The Green Party wants future generations to know we did everything we could to prevent the climate crisis. Unfortunately, previous governments left polluters free to profit at the cost of our kids’ and grandkids’ futures. We need to do more. To reach our Paris Agreement commitment to stay within 1.5˚C of global warming above pre-industrial levels, we must halve our carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. This means Aotearoa must stop burning fossil fuels urgently. A stable climate for future generations means homes heated by clean energy, real transport choices to cut the need to drive, and producing food that nourishes the environment, and people. Our three priority actions would be:

The post Q5. Moving Towards Zero Carbon first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.

The vision behind the City to Sea Rail Trail is to create an off-road cycling and walking trail stretching from Longburn to Himatangi and Foxton. Designed for commuters, recreational cyclists, and visitors alike, the trail aims to provide a safe, accessible, and scenic route that supports both local wellbeing and regional tourism.

Meanwhile, the Greasy Chain Trust was originally established to support on-road cycle racing. Over time, its focus has expanded to include advocacy for active transport and support for off-road trail development across the wider region. The goal is to create a network of trails that not only promote healthier lifestyles but also contribute to the local economy.

Alice believes deeply in the power of community engagement. “When you get involved in your community,” she says, “you meet more people, expand your understanding of local issues, and develop empathy. Whether your contribution is big or small, you leave a legacy — a positive footprint that makes your community stronger, often in ways that are also economically beneficial.”

But the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles for both the City to Sea Rail Trail and the Greasy Chain has been public perception. While many people support cycling for recreation, fewer are willing to actively engage in making these projects a reality. Like many volunteer-led organisations, sustaining long-term commitment from supporters remains a key challenge.

Alice often draws strength from a quote shared by Brent Barrot -PNCC Councillor  : “Persistent positive pressure.” It’s a reminder that even when progress feels slow — like taking two steps forward and one step back — steady, determined effort will eventually lead to change.

Looking ahead, Alice sees young people as the key to shifting the culture around cycling in the Manawatū. “We want to see people out on bikes — not just in lycra, but in whatever makes them feel confident and cool. Whether it’s chic, nerdy, or just practical, it all counts. If we can get tamariki and rangatahi, from toddlers to teens, riding regularly, they’ll be the ones to lead the change. For them, having a cool bike should feel just as exciting as having a cool car.”

Alice’s vision is clear: a future where cycling is normalised, celebrated, and supported — not just for recreation, but as a vital part of a sustainable, connected region.

The post Cycling in the Manawatū with Alice Williamson first appeared on Environment Network Manawatu Incorporated.