Myrtle rust on a leaf. Photo: Supplied / Manaaki Whenua / Landcare Research
Auckland Council is inviting residents to give feedback on how the city should protect its environment for the next decade.
Dr Imogen Bassett, head of natural environment specialist services at Auckland Council, said it was the first step in consultation for the plan for 2030 to 2040.
"We're in the early stages of planning what the updated approach will cover, which includes formal public consultation in 2027. As part of our preparation, we are going out early to ask Aucklanders for their views on select topics to inform and update our approach."
She said a lot had changed since the current plan was drafted in 2020, with new introduced species wreaking havoc and the impacts of climate change.
"Many new species have arrived from overseas, such as myrtle rust, exotic caulerpa seaweed, and freshwater gold clam. We need to consider how - and if - we should address these new risks in the future."
Councillor Richard Hills said all Aucklanders should have their say.
"We also know that there's an economic impact to this work. Together, we need to work out where the balance lies to manage different species in different contexts."
The consultation will be open from 25 October until 8 December.
