Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash
There’s barely a day that goes by when I don’t have cause to speak to, or reflect on, our vision for all homes and buildings in Aotearoa to be green and sustainable, making healthier, happier New Zealanders.
It’s a vision we hold close, discuss regularly, and that guides everything we do. It’s a vision that when faced with the realities of a changing climate, helps provide hope and purpose. It was once again front of mind as we celebrated World Green Building Week earlier this month – a time that always brings out the best in our community and reinforces to me just how broadly our vision is shared. A highlight was the election panel discussion held at ASB in Auckland. A lively, enlightening discussion where it was clear that regardless of political leaning, everyone can agree on the need for warm, dry, healthy homes, and a productive, sustainable sector. However, while our panellists had a good crack at getting their ideas and vision across for how to make that happen, many of the challenges and solutions discussed are yet to hit national conversation. There are many words you could use to describe the mainstream 2023 election campaign, and visionary is unlikely to be one of them. Climate change, and the vision required to slash emissions and temper global temperature rise has been a fringe conversation. A passing shadow in a fog of negativity, short-termism, and contrarianism.
That may sound like a bleak appraisal, especially when this election is set against the backdrop of an impending El Niño-fueled summer promising scorching temperatures, risk of wildfires and drought. But I believe it’s important that we demand a clear vision of what our future could and should look like from our wannabe elected leaders. With heat to come this summer, off the back of a summer that brought with it record rainfall and flooding, whatever the result is come October 14 the next government will be tasked with weathering the storm of the years ahead, and supporting New Zealanders to curb emissions and mitigate further global temperature change.
Of course we’ll be there to advise, support, and advocate for the leadership and change we need central government to drive. With your support, we’ll continue to shift the dial on what is acceptable for new buildings, and how we can get the best from the spaces we already use every day. We’ll be working tirelessly on behalf of our now over 750 members, and guided by our board. We’ll shortly be sending out details for our AGM November – a chance for you as NZGBC members to help shape our direction and leadership. Main contacts at member organisations will receive full details in the coming weeks including how to nominate for this year’s board vacancies. A note also that this year’s AGM will be held online so everyone can join regardless of where you are in the country. We’re also busy planning next year’s Housing Summit. Our keystone biannual residential event is a chance to share ideas, celebrate leadership, and inspire action from those involved in delivering New Zealand’s homes. We have a call out for papers, so if you have research or deep-thinking to share please get in touch.
I believe everyone deserves to live, work, and thrive in healthy, sustainable spaces. It’s a vision we all share, and one I’m sure we can make happen together. Get out and vote, engage with our own board process, and let’s continue to deliver change.
Ngā mihi,
Andrew