Climate Policy Crash Course

Session Outline:

This two-hour interactive workshop equips local government candidates with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to develop effective climate action policies for their campaigns. Featuring expert speakers with extensive local government experience, participants will gain practical insights into climate change fundamentals, local government powers, effective communication strategies, and successful case studies.

These were your speakers:

Alec Tang

Alec Tang is a Partner at KPMG New Zealand, co-leading its Climate, Sustainability and ESG practice, and Nature and Biodiversity Initiative. He has held senior sustainability roles across government, academia and business, including as Chief Sustainability Officer at Auckland Council and Director of Sustainability at Kāinga Ora. Alec is a Chartered Environmentalist, a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, and Member of the Institute of Directors. He also lectures on sustainable business at AUT.

Aaron Hawkins

Aaron Hawkins served for nine years on the Dunedin City Council, the last three as Mayor. He had a particular focus on using the tools of local government to support better environmental, social and cultural wellbeing. Aaron is currently the Director of Inspiring Communities; the strategic lead for the Otago Housing Alliance; and a co-founder of ecotourism business Floruit.

Aleisha Rutherford

Aleisha spent 9 years in local government, retiring in October 2022 as the Deputy Mayor of Palmerston North. First elected when she was 24 years old, Aleisha was a founding member of the LGNZ Young Elected Members network. During her time as an elected member Aleisha championed the introduction of Maori Wards, promoted investment in staff and their wellbeing, and attempted to remove barriers for people to participate in local government across all levels.

Watch the webinar recording here: