More than 10,000 have their say on our draft advice

Consultation closed on our first package of advice to the Government last night, with more than 10,000 individuals and organisations making a submission. 

More than 10,000 have their say on our draft advice

Submissions closed on our first package of advice to the Government last night, with more than 10,000 individuals and organisations taking the opportunity to make a submission. 

New Zealanders were invited over the past eight weeks to have their say on Aotearoa’s transition to a climate-resilient and low emissions future – either by telling us their ‘one big thing’ or by giving detailed feedback on our draft package of advice

Our CE Jo Hendy is really pleased with the response to the consultation.

“We have more than 10,000 submissions from individuals and organisations letting us know what actions they think Aotearoa should take. That number is likely to grow as we collate written submissions and do a final count.  Thank you to everyone that took the time to engage with our work and send us your thoughts and feedback.

“This is the first time Aotearoa or the Commission has done anything like this and at the end of this process, we will have our first comprehensive strategy for addressing climate change. That’s a real milestone.

“We are hearing a very wide range of views. A lot of people want to know that what we are proposing is not going to impact the ability for Aotearoa to earn its way in the world. At the same time, people want assurance that what we are proposing is responsible, fair and sustainable – and that everyone will be asked to do their bit.

“We are really pleased to have had this level of response, and to see the diversity in the feedback. We have received some very considered submissions that will add to the quality of our work. 

We will spend the next two months analysing the submissions to determine what changes to incorporate into our final advice due to be presented to Government by 31 May.

“We have been reviewing submissions as they have been coming in. Processing feedback will include re-running our models, updating our recommendations and advice, and updating the supporting information in our reports,” Jo says.

In addition to changes to our first package of advice, submissions will help to shape our future work programme, research and advice.

Jo says the Commission is grateful to everyone who has made a submission and that every view will be considered. 

“We have had some really great feedback throughout consultation that people have appreciated the open and engaged process. It has been a really productive time for our team as we have continually tested the work so far and the draft advice.”

Key dates:

  • 31 May: Final package of advice due to Government, as per the Act. Within 10 working days, the Minister is responsible for releasing the advice.  
  • 28 June: Final advice published on Commission’s website, as per the Act
  • 31 December: The Government (and implementing agencies) have until the end of the year to decide, and let Aotearoa know, which parts of our advice they will act on. This may include running their own consultations. 
  • From 2022: The Commission will begin a new work programme to monitor how its advice is implemented, including how well Aotearoa is tracking to meet the 2050 net zero target.

Download the press release