Storm damage along the Esplanade, Owhiro Bay, Wellington, 2013. Photo: NIWA / Dave Allen
Wellington's regional council has unanimously backed a proposal to set a binding emissions target and, if passed, will become the first regional council to do so.
It's new Regional Policy Statement was voted on yesterday and is out for consultation now.
On Monday, Auckland Council released an ambitious proposal to reduce the city's transport emissions by two thirds over the next eight years.
If the Wellington region plan is passed, it will see more so-called 15 minute suburbs, where everything you need is a 15 minute walk away, with more dedicated space for walking and biking.
Developers seeking to build large greenfield subdivisions will have to show no increase to emissions, and councils in the region will need to align their district plans with the new RPS.
Thomas Nash is the chair of the Greater Wellington Regional Council Climate Committee.
