The Hibiscus Coast community, alongside the wider Auckland region, continues to make strides in addressing climate disruption.

Over the past year, Auckland Council’s efforts have involved more than 74,000 residents in programmes designed to empower community-led climate initiatives.

Through grants, education, and advocacy, 61 community groups have been supported to tackle climate challenges head-on.

Together, these initiatives have reduced 6,600 tonnes of carbon emissions—the equivalent of removing 3,400 cars from Auckland’s roads for a year.

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts.

“By harnessing the collective wisdom and ingenuity of iwi and communities, we are supporting and enabling bold, community-led climate action,” he said.

The council’s approach has included:

• Distributing over $360,000 through the Auckland Climate Grant to fund local projects.
• Dedicating 20% of grant funding to Māori, Pasifika, Asian, and youth-led initiatives.
• Generating more than $700,000 in non-rates revenue to scale pilot projects.
• Implementing eight Māori-led initiatives focused on energy resilience, infrastructure, and employment.

One standout programme, Spongy Schools, Spongy Cities, offers hands-on education at the Auckland Botanic Gardens Experience Centre.

It teaches students about nature-based solutions to flooding and equips them to bring these concepts back to their schools.

To date, over 520 students from five schools have participated, learning how to manage water flow, improve biodiversity, and prevent flood damage.

Senior Sustainable Schools Advisor Susie Bettany emphasised the programme’s importance, noting, “As we experience more extreme weather events, communities are facing repeated flooding and damage to cherished places. Supporting schools to absorb excess water is empowering students to make a meaningful difference.”