Summit to spark low emissions talks

Australian environmentalist and former environment minister Midnight Oil’s Peter Garrett is among high profile international speakers at the inaugural Just Transition Summit in Taranaki in May.

People can have their say on New Zealand’s pathway to a low emissions economy at the summit, energy and resources minister Dr Megan Woods and New Plymouth mayor Neil Holdom say.

Registrations are open for the summit at the TSB Stadium in New Plymouth on May 9-10.

“A successful and prosperous transition to a low emissions economy will take time and require a collaborative effort from all New Zealanders,” Woods says.

“Achieving a just transition – one that is fair, equitable and inclusive ­– is a government priority. It will be an ongoing and evolving process and we all have an important role to play in working towards it together,” she says.

“The summit will be an opportunity to progress the co-creation process and continue the conversation about what a just transition to a low emissions economy is and what it looks like for New Zealand. The government is already working with the Taranaki region on this and the summit is an opportunity to showcase this important work.”

Holdom says a level of planning, investment and collaboration will be needed between central government and industry not seen since the Think Big era.

“When we talk about a Just Transition, we’re talking about a fundamental change in the way we power our economy. Taranaki is the perfect region to lead from the front, given our decades of history with the energy sector and the knowledge, skills and expertise we’ve developed.”

The summit programme includes local and international speakers. It has been designed to provide practical information and inspiration that attendees can use to start making their own changes towards a low carbon future.

It will be highly interactive with panel discussions and workshops, and opportunities for all parties to contribute.

Confirmed speakers also include Doughnut Economics author Kate Raworth, sustainability, business and innovation expert Peter Bryant and director of the Brussels-based Just Transition Centre Samantha Smith.

Visit justtransitionsummit.nz for more information.