Sustaining the Auckland Region Together

1. Sustaining the Auckland Region Together Presentation to NZSSES on Governance and Sustainability – National, Regional and Local 15 September 2006

2. Background Who’s involved What we hope to achieve Why we’re doing this General approach What the framework does Relationship with other strategies Important process points A 100-year view Key messages Prototype framework Goals Principles Process Purpose of today’s START briefing

3. Background : How did START start? Long-term Framework project was identified in the NZ Sustainable Development Programme of Action (January 2003) All the workstrands were endorsed by the Council’s and had a strong connection to the CEO’s Forum

5. Background : How did START start? The Long-Term Framework development : presented to the Auckland region CEOs Forum for endorsement in 2005 but originated in the wider Sustainable Cities work concentrated effort commenced late 2005 recently renamed as START – Sustaining The Auckland Region Together

6. Who is involved in START? START is a collaborative approach involving: All eight Councils in the Auckland region CEOs Forum & Mayoral Forum mandated START Councillors’ Reference Group, under the Regional Growth Forum Regular reporting to all Councils

7. Who is involved in START? (con’t) Central Government – Deputy Secretaries associated with CEO Forum, GUEDO Office (MfE, MED, MSD, DIA) in particular Key experts and stakeholders identified across business and a range of academic & industry experts

8. What we hope to achieve A Framework of high-level sustainability principles and objectives A package of prioritised responses, including: a. Identification of long-term directions for the region b. How existing strategies contribute/relate c. Methods to adapt business-as-usual (e.g. LTCCPs) d. Catalyst projects A forum for continued regional engagement to advance responses, gain knowledge, and debate choices

9. Why are we doing this? • In taking a sustainable development approach, a local authority should take into account– • (i) the social, economic, and cultural well-being of people and communities; • (ii) the need to maintain and enhance the quality of the environment; and • (iii) the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations. Building on momentum of other programmes Local Government Act responsibilities • LGA 2002, s 14(1)(h)

10. And why now? We don’t know all the answers, but we need to start asking the questions. Major sustainability challenges on the horizon Establishing capability to deal with significant risks to the future of the Auckland region resource use energy supply climatechange population growth

11. What a long-term framework will do Set a shared direction for the region’s long term sustainable future Define the priorities for the Regional Growth Strategy review & other regional strategies Address the significant scale of investments in infrastructure across the region Better align national, regional & local agencies and their decisions

12. Relationship of START with other strategies Sustainable Auckland Framework Consisting of a vision, principles and end state goals National Strategies Regional/ Auckland Strategies Spatial (RGS) AREDS RLTS Other Strategies Implementation Tools LG(A)AA RPS/DP Metro Project Auckland Transport Plan Other Other Other Plans, Regional & District Other - e.g. A role in property Sustainable Transport Plan

13. Important process points Building on a range of initiatives/opportunities already underway Partnership between local, regional and central government to achieve better alignment across decisions Engaging experts and stakeholders in key processes and events Processes for iwi, business and wider public engagement are being developed

14. “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” Albert Einstein

15. A 100-year view • START is framed within a 100-year view • This does not mean we’re making plans for 2106 • Rather, it’s about framing our choices now, and in the immediate future, in terms of the 100-year consequences • Emphasis turns to what we value – for ourselves, and for future generations

16. High level of influence Backcasting 1906 2106 today Forecasting Low level of influence A 100-year view: looking back to look ahead Choices and consequences Patterns and trends

17. Key messages • “Over the past 50 years, humans have changed ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than in any comparable period of time in human history” • “The ability of the planet’s ecosystems to sustain future generations can no longer be taken for granted” • Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005 • Choices we make today have lasting consequences • If we want a resilient future, business as usual is not an option: ~ 30 years to turn things around

18. A Prototype Framework

19. START’s Sustainability Goals • Resilience – building systems to support our day-to-day living which can deal with uncertainty and cope with the shifts and shocks that we will face in the future • Prosperity – being rich in the things we need to be happy and content • Liveability – people find it easy and enjoyable to live here • Ecology (living with nature) – taking more care of the living systems which support us, and passing them on to future generations in better shape

20. Resilience adaptability robustness diversity Prosperity economic viability opportunity innovation Liveability equity amenity inclusion Ecology stewardship precaution renewal START’s Sustainability Principles Process - accountability/good governance, knowledge/ learning, leadership, connectivity and interdependence

21. Expert Groups and theme papers Integration Charrette 23-25 August 2006 Report back to RGF, Councils, agencies November 2006 Steps in the START process Scoping Forces of Change working papers Visioning Exploring Presentation Implementing