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SUBMISSIONS / PETITIONS

We regularly screen the submission opportunities published on national and local government websites to identify those of potential interest to the Forum.

Hereafter is a list of the current submissions that we have identified.

Feel free to answer them as an individual or, better, share them within your group, or at the whole Forum level, so it could give them more weight.

If you plan to draft a group or forum-level submission please advise the Forum coordinator (coordinator@ntcf.nz) so that we can share it and get prepared for a larger endorsement, following the procedure described below.

Whatever the way, remember that individual submissions are an excellent complement to group and forum-level submission, and that draft group and forum-level submissions are an important resource for individual submission writers.

Hereafter is a list of the current submissions that we have identified.

Feel free to answer them as an individual or, better, share them within your group, or at the whole Forum level, so it could give them more weight.

If you plan to draft a group or forum-level submission please advise the Forum coordinator (coordinator@ntcf.nz) so that we can share it and get prepared for a larger endorsement, following the procedure described below.

Whatever the way, remember that individual submissions are an excellent complement to group and forum-level submission, and that draft group and forum-level submissions are an important resource for individual submission writers.

The following tips for preparing effective submissions are offered to us by NCC and TDC representatives who have presented and read many submissions.

  1. Group submissions are looked at more closely than individual submissions
  2. Aggressive submissions are more likely to be ignored, as are simple statements that you don’t like something and made without any backup. EXAMPLE: “We don’t want a rates rise”.
  3. Please Investigate: use suggestions like “please investigate this further” and “consider these alternatives.” These are much more useful than agressive submissions.
  4. Large numbers of submissions: When there are many submissions (e.g., submissions to central government) they are mainly looked at by a method called scanning. This involves looking at the headings, and then looking at the detail if the heading introduces a different perspective compared to submissions that have already been read. To take advantage of this write good headings.
  5. Keep submissions short and stick with the format required by the submission. If the submission is based on a series of questions, then stick to those question while working in any missing key points (e.g., questions you consider are missing and should be addressed). Then work those points into the most appropriate submission question. Some councils only count points related to the questions so make sure you at least have an answer to those.
  6. Key point highlighted by bolding and or bullet points, followed by reasons or evidence for that key point, followed up by suitable references (preferably from academic peer reviewed publications).
  7. If bold text doesn’t work in the answer boxes then consider using bold facing (and other fonts) from dozens of font conversion websites such as https://bigbangram.com/content/facebook-fonts-generator/
  8. Positive feedback is very helpful: It’s important to praise good statements made in the submission background documents. The more innovative councils and government departments often make good points in relation to climate change but they experience considerable push-back from people who don’t want to see those changes. You need to anticipate pushbacks because after the submission has closed there is no point then saying that you really supported that scenario.
  9. All submissions are valuable no matter how brief, even if only to counter a submitter who does not believe in or support action to minimise climate change.

To obtain forum endorsement for a submission, please follow these steps:

  1. People leading the writing of a submission finish a first draft at least 3 weeks before the submission date, allowing at least a week for collaborators to provide input.
  2. Send an email to inform our forum coordinator (coordinator@ntcf.nz) that your draft is ready. The coordinator will invite charter signatories to propose additions and/or revisions to the lead writers within 5 days.
  3. Lead writers incorporate additions/revisions proposed by charter signatories within 3 days.
  4. Lead writers make the final draft available to charter signatories through the Coordinator.
  5. Charter signatories with objections contact the lead writers within 5 days.
  6. If no objections are received the final version can be presented as a Forum-endorsed submission. If the final draft does not receive consensus approval, the submission can be made by the drafting group or individual.

If you would like to share with us an opportunity for submission on a text that you feel is important for its climate implications, and possibly have the support of the Forum as a whole, please let us know by sharing it with us here.

Current and Past

Plan Change 79

This Plan Change proposes to introduce a new deferred zone framework to replace the existing method in the Tasman Resource Management Plan. The new framework relies on a trigger rule…

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Treaty Principles Bill (closes 11.59pm Tuesday 7th January 2025)

The Treaty Principles Bill clearly seeks to abolish the idea of partnership which is fundamental to the Forum, and to many other social processes at all levels of society in Aotearoa.

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Opportunity to provide feedback to help shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s 2035 international climate change target

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are at the heart of the Paris Agreement. NDCs are how countries contribute to the global temperature goal of the Paris Agreement. The Government will set its second NDC (NDC2) in early 2025.

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Reserve Classification: Richmond Ward and Lakes-Murchison Ward – November 2024

Classifying reserves is about securing the future of these treasured spaces. It defines the purpose of each reserve – whether it’s for recreation, scenic beauty, or local purposes such as…

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Waimea River Park Management Plan review – August 2024

The Waimea River Park comprises Council-controlled river berm land located alongside the Waimea River and the lower reaches of the Wairoa and Wai-iti Rivers. The council owns and manages the…

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Regional Pest Management Plan – March 2024

In 2023, a regional pest management joint committee of Nelson City and Tasman District Councils carried out a partial review of the Plan. The partial review considered specific changes relating…

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Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024 – July 2024

The Ministry of Transport organised a public consultation on the draft "Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024". Information about this submission opportunity are available HERE. The answer of…

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Letter to Nelson City and Tasman District Councillors on East-West Cycleway

Tēnā koutou, Mayor and Councillors. I’m writing on behalf of the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum on the importance of  the proposed East-West Cycleway. We realise the implementation of this cycleway…

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Crown Minerals Amendment Bill – Urgent Submission

The govt. has given just 4 days for the public/organisations to make a submission! This bill goes against our international climate obligations and discourages the needed swift transition to renewable…

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Statement from NTCF to public meeting on Sam’s Creek gold-mining project in Golden Bay

Statement from Nelson Tasman Climate Forum to public meeting on Sam’s Creek gold-mining proposal - July 2024 Greetings to the caring and committed people in this gathering. Nelson Tasman Climate…

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Letter to CEO of Cawthron Institute about oil exploration

The letter of our Co-Chair to the CEO of Cawthron Institute about oil and gas exploration – December 2023 "Volker Kuntzsch, CEO, Cawthron Institute. Dear Mr. Kuntszch, I’m writing to…

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Signature of the Open letter to Christopher Luxon: Stop the Treaty Principles Bill

Signature of the Open letter to Christopher Luxon: Stop the Treaty Principles Bill by the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum - July 2024 "Dear Prime Minister Luxon, It is the responsibility…

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Letter – Offshore oil and gas exploration to Prime Minister

The letter of our Co-Chair to the Prime Minister about offshore oil and gas exploration – December 2023 "The Prime Minister, Right Honorable Christopher Luxon Dear Mr. Luxon, The announcement…

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Letter – Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024

The letter of our Co-Chair to the Government about the GPS on Land Transport - September 2024 "Dear Sir or Madam, I’m writing on behalf of the Nelson Tasman Climate…

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Submission – Proposed regulatory regime for Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS)

The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment are inviting feedback on their Draft CCUS plan. CCUS involves the extraction and capture of CO2 from industrial activity or directly from the air. Submissions close 6th August 5 pm.

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Submission – Aotearoa/NZ’s 2nd Emissions Reduction Plan

The Ministry for the Environment is inviting submissions on the Government’s draft Second Emissions Reduction Plan. Have your say on the actions that New Zealand should take in the second half of the decade to help navigate towards a low-emissions future. Consultation is open until 11.59 pm August 21, 2024.

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Protect Te Waikoropupū

Te Waikoropupū Springs faces an unprecedented threat! These sacred waters, revered by Māori and cherished by all New Zealanders, are renowned for being among some of the purest waters on…

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Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2024

The proposals in the bill are: Excluding the hierarchy of obligations within the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 from resource consent applications and resource consent decision-making processes Removing…

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Agricultural Emissions Obligations Amendment Bill Submission Opportunity

Aotearoa’s agricultural sector accounts for 49% of our emissions. This amendment to the Climate Change Response Act will remove intended obligations over the next few years under the Emissions Trading Scheme to monitor, reduce and pay for these emissions. An alternative system would not be in place until 2030.

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Tasman District Council’s Climate Strategy and Climate Action Plan – April 2024

"The Tasman region, like many other parts of the world, is facing the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, and more frequent extreme weather events are just…

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Tasman’s Long Term Plan

With the new govt dismantling multiple environmental protection measures, it is more important than ever to have our say on the long term plan for our region. This submission opportunity closes on April 28th

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Nelson’s Long Term Plan

With the current govt. dismantling many environmental protective measures, it is more important than ever that there are plentiful submissions promoting environmental protection. This submission opportunity closes on April 28th.

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Inquiry into the 2023 General Election

NZ Parliament's Justice Committee is holding a wide ranging inquiry into the 2023 General Election. It has a particular focus on Election operations, Electoral law, and long-term trends in elections…

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Fast-track Approvals Bill

Parliament advises that “the chairperson of the Environment Committee is now calling for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill. The Fast-track Approvals Bill is an omnibus bill. It would enable…

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Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024

This submission opportunity has now closed and an answer by the Transport Group of the NTCF has been given (NTCF Transport group on GPS Submission - April 2024). The Minister…

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Stop Environmental Protection Law bypass – urgent!

The government’s proposed “fast-track consenting bill” is being rushed through Parliament with almost no consultation from the public, despite its far-reaching implications.

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Connecting Te Tauihu (Top of the South)

Tasman District Council are seeking submissions on the Draft Nelson-Tasman Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) 2024-2034 and the Nelson-Tasman joint Regional Public Transport Plan 2024-34 (RPTP) concurrently.

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Housing and Hazards Plan Change

Further submissions are open until 5PM on Friday 8 March 2024 on this NCC consultation. Submissions close 5pm Friday 8th March

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Mountains to the Sea – Engagement on Freshwater

What do you want freshwater in the Tasman region to look like? Tasman District Council is working on the development of a Land and Freshwater Plan Change, and they want…

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Nelson Plan Change – Housing and Hazards Plan change

Council is changing parts of the Nelson Resource Management Plan (NRMP) to introduce more flexibility around housing policies and rules. The changes are being made in response to population growth…

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Richmond on the Rise

We need to provide a strong voice supporting up not out, especially as an opposition group has arisen who will no doubt also be submitting.  Richmond on the Rise is…

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Helping nature and people thrive – Exploring a biodiversity credit system for Aotearoa New Zealand

The Government is exploring whether a biodiversity credit system could help to incentivise the protection and restoration of native wildlife in Aotearoa New Zealand. Make a submission before Nov 3rd.

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Nelson Freshwater Draft Plan

As a part of the Essential Freshwater package Nelson City Council are required to develop a new freshwater plan for the region by December 2024, and they are consulting now with the public. Submissions due by 25th August.

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Exploring a biodiversity credit system for Aotearoa New Zealand

The Government is exploring whether a biodiversity credit system could help to incentivise the protection and restoration of native wildlife in Aotearoa New Zealand. Have your say before 5pm Nov 3rd.

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Tasman’s 10-Year Plan 2024 – 2034

Setting our priorities for the next 10 years

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A redesigned NZ ETS Permanent Forest Category

Which forests should be allowed into the permanent forest category? How should transition forests be managed to ensure they transition and reduce the financial risks to participants? How should permanent forests be managed? The Govt. wants your views. Due 11 August

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Rethink Waste

Nelson City and Tasman District Councils are asking for input into how we can help mitigate climate change through waste minimisation

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ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme) Review

This Ministry for the Environment review is in response to the Climate Change Commission's recommendation that the NZ ETS provide more robust support for gross emissions reductions and manage the amount of exotic forest planting driven by the scheme.

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Consultation on a biodiversity credit system

Ecosystems and the biodiversity they contain are natural carbon sinks. MOE and DOC are consulting on whether a biodiversity credit system should be introduced for New Zealand

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Annual updates to the NZ ETS

The NZ ETS is a key tool in the government’s climate change response toolbox. It supports Aotearoa New Zealand to meet its emissions reduction goals by putting a price on greenhouse gas emissions. Deadline is 5pm Friday 16th June

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Taxation Bill

A fair and just transition to carbon neutral includes a fair taxation system

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Inquiry into seabed mining in New Zealand

This NZ Parliament will examine the potential benefits and risks of seabed mining in New Zealand, and whether changes to New Zealand’s domestic regulatory framework are required. Climate change links: seabed mining produces high levels of carbon emissions, also creates risk of sediment disturbance releasing stored carbon.

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Land Transport Management (Regulation of Public Transport) Amendment Bill

DEADLINE IS 28.4.2023 Description: The chairperson of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee is calling for submissions on the Land Transport Management (Regulation of Public Transport) Amendment Bill. This bill proposes…

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Forestry in the ETS: Second set of proposed cost recovery fees and charges

DEADLINE IS 3.5.2023 This submission opportunity is relevant to NTCF as it involves the NZ carbon emission trading scheme Description: The Ministry for Primary Industries is seeking feedback on changes…

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Consenting improvements for renewable electricity generation and transmission

DEADLINE IS 1.6.2023 Description: The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment along with the Ministry for the Environment is asking for feedback on proposals to strengthen government direction for consenting…

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Call for information on aquatic herbicides

DEADLINE IS 28.6.2023 This submission opportunity is relevant to NTCF because we need healthy waterways to help mitigate climate change Description: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are seeking information on how…

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Tasman Climate Response Strategy and Action Plan

- See below for endorsed submissions presented by the Forum - Tasman District Council has prepared a draft Tasman Climate Response Strategy and Action Plan, which outlines the Council’s proposed…

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Let’s rethink waste

Nelson and Tasman are reviewing their shared waste plan. The councils have set a goal of reducing waste to landfill by 10% per person by 2030, and they are looking…

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Support Sustainable Transport: The NZ E-bike Rebate

Sign this petition here. "We are calling for the New Zealand Government to provide a rebate for the purchase of an electric bike. The Clean Car rebate has most benefited…

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Whakatū Nelson Annual Plan 2023-2024

DEADLINE IS 30.4.2023 The NCC Annual plan includes planning around taxation funding for repairing existing and future Climate Change related damage in Whakatū Nelson. Description: In 2021 NCC asked for…

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Tasman Coastal Group – Mapping of Structures and Activities

LOCAL INPUT NEEDED Council is working on mapping all the structures and activities in the coastal environment.  As you are all well aware, there is a lot happening in Tasman’s…

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Māpua Streets for People project survey

SURVEY Roads which cater to pedestrians and cyclists instead of just cars and trucks will help cut carbon emissions thereby helping mitigate climate change. Description: Safe, healthy, and vibrant spaces…

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Enabling investment in offshore renewable energy

DEADLINE IS 14.4.2023 Description:MBIE is consulting on options for enabling activities to see what is achievable in New Zealand waters. The Government has committed to developing regulatory settings by 2024…

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Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill

DEADLINE IS 29.3.2023 at 5pmDescription:The Chairperson of the Governance and Administration Committee is calling for submissions on the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation BillThe Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill…

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Joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA)

DEADLINE IS 30.3.2023Description:Submissions are invited on the examination of an agreement which would enable New Zealand to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The ISA is an inter-governmental organisation which…

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Climate Change Response Amendment Bill

DEADLINE is 6.4.2023 Description: The Environment Committee is calling for submissions on the Climate Change Response (Late Payment Penalties and Industrial Allocation) Amendment Bill. This bill seeks to amend provisions…

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Ecological impact assessment guideline for Waka Kotahi projects

PAST SUBMISSION (Deadline was 6.3.2023) Waka Kotahi is responsible for development and maintenance of our transport network across the country. Construction of new infrastructure and the maintenance, improvement and use…

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Improving market governance of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme

PAST SUBMISSION (Deadline was 27.2.23) Description: The Ministry for the Environment is extending the deadline for submissions on market governance proposals for the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS)…

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NZ Emissions trading scheme oversight Bill

PAST SUBMISSION (Deadline was 24.12.2022) The Government is engaging with stakeholders about its proposals to improve governance of the market for New Zealand Units (NZU). This engagement seeks feedback on…

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Right to Repair – Petition

Are you frustrated that products aren’t made to last and when they break, they are not repairable? You are not alone! Repair Cafe Aotearoa New Zealand invites you to express…

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Tasman Environment Plan

Description: The creation of the Tasman Environment Plan is a once-in-a-generation chance to shape our future development and protect our natural environment. Now is the time to have your say…

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