Keeping Auckland's future bright

Our long-term plan for a sustainable Auckland city

Contents | Introduction | The context | Themes of sustainability | Sustainability goals for Auckland | Implementing the plan | Appendices

Introduction

The purpose of this document

This plan represents a renewal of the council's commitment to sustainability and aims to fast-track our progress towards becoming a sustainable city. It presents the council's approach to sustainability, the context and issues, and will be supported by a three-year programme of action. The goals and targets in this plan go beyond business as usual with a focus on tangible and achievable outcomes for the organisation and the city.

What is sustainability?

While there are many definitions of sustainability, the most widely used and accepted definition is from the 1987 Bruntland Report to the United Nations. In that report, sustainable development is defined as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". In an urban context and in dealing with a growing city it means reducing or eliminating the usual effects of urban growth such as increased strain on the natural environment, poor air quality and congestion. It also means doing more with less and making best use of the resources available to us, many of which are in increasing global demand.

Local government functions are guided by the Local Government Act 2002 and the Resource Management Act 1991. Both of these statutes require councils to address economic, environmental, social and cultural sustainability in their decision making and activities.

Auckland City Council has and will continue to work toward a sustainable future and this document represents a renewed commitment. It is about Keeping Auckland's future bright - ensuring that the things that we value in Auckland now, are able to be enjoyed by future generations of Aucklanders.

The following principles have helped in the shaping of this plan and support a deliberately action-based approach.

Balanced decision making

Council decisions will consider both their short and long-term impact on communities, the environment and the economy. Decisions should not have an undue adverse impact on other locations or communities.

Design and innovation

The council will practice and promote sustainable design and innovation to create a more sustainable economy and environment

Wise use of resources

The council will practice and promote the wise use of, and seek to reduce the city's dependence on increasingly scarce resources

Reducing waste and contamination

The council will work to reduce waste and eliminate contamination of the environment caused by human activity.

Avoiding degradation of the natural environment

The council will take action to prevent physical degradation of the natural environment

Being proactive

The council will act now in collaboration with the community and stakeholders to address issues and identify opportunities for delivering a sustainable future for Auckland city.

Published May 2008