ENM provided a response to the Manawatu District Council District Strategic Goals consultation in April 2026. Our feedback focussed on each of the five goals referencing relevant findings from the Environment Hubs Aotearoa 2026 report ‘Community is Climate Resilience: Lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary Floods’.

A summary of our response against each of the five goals is provided below, and our full response can be accessed through our website here.

Strengthen Manawatū – a strong district is one that prioritises community connection and resilience. ENM already connects and coordinates individuals and groups within the community and are therefore part of the local resilience system.  

Thrive Manawatū – smart growth should prioritise our most productive land and natural environment, not just consider it. A future proofed, resilient community is also one that can adapt to climate change therefore we support the inclusion of Climate adaption and resilience planning but suggested a reordering of the five actions.

Empower Manawatū - we felt that this goal needed the most work, with consideration of what the outcomes of an empowered Manawatū might be. For example, though supporting local events is important, what is the intended, long-term impact? A well-connected, inclusive and safe community? Engaged citizens?

We also suggested the inclusion of partnership development with iwi and marae, and the review and integration of PNCC’s sector lead partnership model to further develop thinking around this goal’s outputs.  

Showcase Manawatū – the opening statement of this goal should also include environmental stewardship and care as an additional point of pride. We also suggested a reordering of the actions so that Marae and Hapū communities is listed earlier.

Lead Manawatū – we also felt that this needed some further work around the actions to reflect the leadership skills and innovation required to fulfil each of the five goals. A stronger, thriving and resilient community needs innovation of thought as well as practice. This was a prevalent theme within the Environment Hubs Aotearoa 2026 report and our response provided specific examples of how key findings should be integrated within the each of the strategic goals.