The Nelson Tasman Climate Forum
Our Leadership Group news
Find here the discussions and reflections of our Leadership group
The purpose of the Leadership group (LG) is to coordinate and guide the functioning of the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum, taking a big-picture approach, guided by the Mission and Goals of the Forum as stated in its Charter.
In order to carry out this mission, the LG meets monthly.
In the interests of transparency and openness, the group decided to make the content of its discussions and the decisions taken by its members public. Please find them below (from October 2025).
And if you want to join our Leadership group meetings directly, please note that they are open to everyone! Non-members can join as observers. Meeting dates are shared in our newsletter, but if you are interested, you can also send an email to coordinator@ntcf.nz.
November 2025 discussion
The Climate Action Festival (16–25 October) was a major highlight this season, with 41 events across the region, including activities in Tasman, Golden Bay, and atop Takaka Hill. Supported by 36 community partners and covered in local media and radio, the Festival drew over 1,100 participants. Despite a modest budget of a bit over $7000, the event delivered outstanding impact thanks to significant extra hours from staff and strong community collaboration.
A central discussion focused on the Forum’s future structure. Members weighed the benefits of remaining under TET’s umbrella against becoming an independent Incorporated Society. While incorporation could open more funding opportunities and reduce overheads, it would also bring new administrative responsibilities. The group expressed broad support with reservations, agreeing to consult members at the End-of-Year Hui on 29 November before making a final decision.
The Forum also endorsed (with abstention from TDC) the Tomorrow Together Charter, affirming its commitment to youth participation and collaboration across Te Tauihu.
Council updates noted new climate strategy work in Tasman and continued alignment with Nelson’s efforts.
Project reports celebrated ongoing progress: Swap One continues to grow, Take the Jump is entering a refreshed phase, Nature and Climate is engaging with policymakers, and the Nelson Repair Café is seeking new funding to continue. The Nelson Timebank will launch officially at the November Hui, and the Takaka–Collingwood Pathway had a successful soft opening.
October 2025 discussion
Preparations are well underway for the upcoming Climate Action Festival, featuring more than 30 events across Golden Bay, Motueka, and Nelson. Members are encouraged to act as Forum Ambassadors by attending and promoting events, particularly the opening on 16 October.
The group reviewed progress on the ongoing discussions about the Forum’s organisational structure. Consultations with stakeholders are nearly complete, and a recommendation will be presented at the next Leadership Group meeting before going to the full Forum for a final decision in late November.
Members also considered signing the Tomorrow Together Charter, noting strong alignment with the Forum’s values but agreeing to defer endorsement for a month to gather more background information. It was confirmed that Leadership Group minutes will now be published on the Forum’s website to enhance transparency. The group also endorsed the development of a Code of Conduct to reflect the Forum’s shared values and ensure it is included in any future constitution.
Discussions highlighted the need for additional volunteer support in key areas such as fundraising, communications, and adaptation. The group emphasised collaboration with councils and community organisations to strengthen climate resilience and ensure local actions complement wider initiatives. Council and project updates covered progress on adaptation planning, biodiversity, emission reduction initiatives, and community engagement activities, including the successful launch of Swap One, developments in the Repair Café network, and the ongoing 8.3% emissions reduction project.
The Climate Action Book
The Nelson Tasman Climate Forum offers this plan for every citizen of our region — for individuals, households, businesses, farmers, schools and colleges, religious organisations, councils and iwi. We also hope to help other parts of Aotearoa to develop their own Climate Action Plans and contribute to the development of Climate Action Plans around the world.
