Napier City Council welcomes first ever Climate Change Specialist
Napier City Council has welcomed its first Climate Change Specialist, in a move it hopes will steer the city towards readiness for the effects of climate change.
Heather Bosselmann has a legal background, having spent several years as a family lawyer in Napier. The new role will be responsible for leading discussion and Council direction on matters related to climate resilience and change, and will ensure that Napier’s best interests are represented in regional and national climate change matters.
Napier City Council Chief Executive Dr Steph Rotarangi says there are many challenges for Napier associated with a changing climate.
“Climate change is an increasingly important issue for us all. Local authorities and communities must plan for the effects of climate change. We need adaptation strategies and actions, and we also have a role to play in reducing our emissions.”
Heather says she is excited to take her legal and relationship-building skills and use them to make a difference for Napier.
“I want to make climate change a clear focus for our city by bringing innovative solutions for Napier’s climate resilience. Working across all councils, as well as with local iwi and the public will be one of my key focuses.
“I am passionate about being part of a positive and sustainable future for Napier.”
Heather’s role will champion NCC’s ownership of specific United Nations Sustainable Development goals. These are Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable; and Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Heather will also have a climate change focus on the Resource Management Act legislative changes, as well as the introduction of several new pieces of legislation, including the yet to be drafted Climate Change Adaptation Act.
