Southland District Council

Waiau Aparima Ward
The Southland District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of 12 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). Three councillors will be elected from the Waiau Aparima ward. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Southland District Council election.

Climate change and resilience

Climate change poses a huge challenge for communities as more frequent extreme weather events require us to rethink how we live and where. Local authorities are at the forefront of efforts to respond, with responsibilities for environmental planning and regulation, as well as civil defence. Many councils have plans to reduce emissions in their area and are working to help their communities adapt to a warming world.

Climate change and resilience

Climate change poses a huge challenge for communities as more frequent extreme weather events require us to rethink how we live and where. Local authorities are at the forefront of efforts to respond, with responsibilities for environmental planning and regulation, as well as civil defence. Many councils have plans to reduce emissions in their area and are working to help their communities adapt to a warming world.

  • Deliver effective communication regarding climate change legislation. This could be adaption management or helping mitigate future effects.

    Be proactive in civil defence matters. Understanding natural disaster management is key to communities' resilience, especially post-event.

    Offer support to local business owners to help understand the earthquake code of compliance used to identify buildings, if work is needed.

  • Ensure local boards review the 'community response plans' annually and update as needed.

    Enable robust debate of climate change risks and mitigation plans with stakeholders at all levels to ensure sensible spending.

  • Establish a framework where climate change is considered at every level of decision making and integrates Mātauranga Māori.

    Put nature-based solutions at the heart of adapting to climate change.

    Commit to working with communities to decarbonise our economy in a just transition model focusing on our agriculture and energy sectors.

  • Move away from the ecological expense of mowing grass 18 times a year over hundreds of acres towards perennial plantings on community land.

    Reduce pollution by eliminating poisons on and around community land. Accept nature's solutions and allow wild plants to grow.

    Encourage and enable the local food movement. Food grown locally is healthier for everyone.

  • Develop a coherent policy outlining the role of people in relationship with the creation/environment around them.

    Promote educational material and spaces to help understand our role in creating sustainable goods and services for future generations.

    Commit to designing infrastructure and policy towards sustainable production of goods and services to serve future generations.

  • Deliver effective communication regarding climate change legislation. This could be adaption management or helping mitigate future effects.

    Be proactive in civil defence matters. Understanding natural disaster management is key to communities' resilience, especially post-event.

    Offer support to local business owners to help understand the earthquake code of compliance used to identify buildings, if work is needed.

  • Ensure local boards review the 'community response plans' annually and update as needed.

    Enable robust debate of climate change risks and mitigation plans with stakeholders at all levels to ensure sensible spending.

  • Establish a framework where climate change is considered at every level of decision making and integrates Mātauranga Māori.

    Put nature-based solutions at the heart of adapting to climate change.

    Commit to working with communities to decarbonise our economy in a just transition model focusing on our agriculture and energy sectors.

  • Move away from the ecological expense of mowing grass 18 times a year over hundreds of acres towards perennial plantings on community land.

    Reduce pollution by eliminating poisons on and around community land. Accept nature's solutions and allow wild plants to grow.

    Encourage and enable the local food movement. Food grown locally is healthier for everyone.

  • Develop a coherent policy outlining the role of people in relationship with the creation/environment around them.

    Promote educational material and spaces to help understand our role in creating sustainable goods and services for future generations.

    Commit to designing infrastructure and policy towards sustainable production of goods and services to serve future generations.