OraTaiao's submission on Government’s consultation on setting New Zealand’s post-2020 climate change target.  3 June 2015. 

Appendix here.

OraTaiao submission states 'the Council’s priority must be creating the infrastructure to support the just transition to a low emissions economy, with particular attention to the most vulnerable households in Wellington. We consider better understanding the implications of climate changes – not just sea level rises and extreme weather events – for our Wellington economy and communities as critical.'

Read full submission here.

OraTaiao 'welcomes Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Climate Change Strategy. We are concerned that the strategy under-emphasises mitigation – reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. There are many sound reasons why rapidly reducing the region’s greenhouse gas emissions is the best course for the region’s economic and social wellbeing – including future-proofing our region and securing real health gains in the short and longer term'.

Read full submission here.

OraTaiao points out that:'To be resilient, modern cities must address man-made climate change and its causes. Our Council has major concerns that the climate and health implications of the RLT Plan have not been addressed. We call on GW to perform an updated Health Impact Assessment of any of its major transport plans, taking into account Climate Change and the wide health effects of transport policies on the community.'

Read full submission here.

OraTaiao submission states: 'there is great potential for easy win-wins for the economy, addressing climate change and improving the livelihoods of New Zealanders. However, this would involve a significant shift in thinking from what is expressed in the draft GPS, as well as a much more profound re-balancing of the investment portfolio towards public and active transport'.

Read full submission here.

OraTaiao states: 'We are supportive of Greater Wellington Regional Council’s (The Council) plans and achievements thus far to enhance public transport...We suggest however, that the balance has changed as we rapidly learn more about Climate Change, adverse health effects of motorised transport..'

Read full submission here.

OraTaiao submission emphasises: 'Climate change has far-reaching effects on human health. Well-planned climate change mitigation strategies can also generate significant co-benefits for health. As health professionals, we see this plan as an opportunity to create a healthier future for Auckland. It is also an opportunity to reduce inequities and help combat the non-communicable disease epidemic.'

Read full submission here.

OraTaiao submission on Safer Speeds Wellington CBD. 4 February 2014.

The OraTaiao submission on the Mangatawhiri coal mine resource consent application states:

OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council oppose the entire application. Our opposition to the application is on the basis of:

1. Direct effects of coal on health and wellbeing of miners, mining communities, and communities in proximity to sites of coal combustion.
2. Indirect effects of coal on health and wellbeing via climate change.

OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council, together with other international health bodies, recognise the adverse health impacts of the coal industry. Close to home, a recent roundtable discussion held in Australia (February 2013) involving five national health authorities highlighted the adverse health impacts associated with mineral energy - particularly coal. http://www.phaa.net.au/documents/130213Media%20Release_Health%20and%20Energy%20Roundtable%20Statement_Final_130213.pdf

Read full submission here.