Climate Change
Last updated: 06 Mar, 2026 09:30am
Welcome to our Climate Change hub…
Here’s where you can find out about the action we’re taking as a Council, and a community, around our changing climate.
Our Climate Change Strategy
The Carterton District Council Climate Change Strategy 2025-30 was approved in April 2025. This work is the basis for Council’s climate action in the medium term – thank you to everyone who contributed to its development.
We know that climate change will have significant impacts on lives within the Carterton District – not just those who reside here, but also those who work in and visit our district.
Rising temperatures, more hot days, and changing rainfall patterns could impact primary production, water supply, and local businesses. Increased dry spells and extreme weather events may also put pressure on infrastructure, health services, and emergency management systems.
These challenges underscore the need for resilience to be embedded into the decisions we make as council to protect the district’s unique character and support community adaptation.
*NEW* Climate Change Community Forum
Our Climate Change Community Forum pilot is well underway and we’re pleased to present our fourth forum.
When: Wednesday 25 March, 7pm- 9pm
Where: Wairarapa Events Centre
Who: Everyone! All those in our community are invited to come along and take part in some themed discussions around local climate issues, listen to guest speakers and share ideas about how we as a community can tackle the challenges ahead.
Theme: Bruce Anderson (ex Reserve Bank) will present on Donut economics and the concepts of environmental limits and social foundations as a way of thinking. If you are curious about what Donut Economics is, come along.
For further information, please contact our Climate Change Coordinator, Ricky Utting via rickyu@cdc.govt.nz
Youth climate symposium
If you’re a secondary school student in Wairarapa, you’re very welcome to join us for our two-day climate change symposium for young people.
When: April 14 and 15, 9am to 4pm
Where: Wairarapa Events Centre
What is it: This is a fun and education two day workshop for any young people interested in our changing climate and our region. Presented include ‘School Strike for Climate’, a Victoria University representative and our CDC Waste Minimisation expert – all hosted by our Climate Change Coordinator, Ricky Utting.
For further information, please contact our Climate Change Coordinator, Ricky Utting via rickyu@cdc.govt.nz
Tickets are available here: Youth Climate Community Forum – Tuesday 14th & Wednesday 15th April 9am – 4pm | Wairarapa Events Centre – 06 379 4081
Climate Change Emissions information
Check out our recent emissions reports here:
Previous Strategies
The Ruamāhanga Strategy was adopted in 2020 and revised in 2021. It was superseded by the Climate Change Strategy in 2025.