Dear Far North District Council,

In light of the recent impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, I am reaching out to understand how the Council is approaching long-term infrastructure planning to enhance climate resilience across the district.

I have reviewed the Te Pae Tata - Three Year Long Term Plan and the Climate Change Roadmap 2020, and I appreciate the initiatives undertaken so far. However, I have a few specific questions:

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1. Given the significant damage to roads and stormwater systems during Cyclone Gabrielle and Cyclone Tam, how is the Council prioritising infrastructure upgrades to withstand future extreme weather events? Are there specific projects or timelines outlined for these enhancements?

2. What mechanisms are in place to involve local communities, especially those in high-risk areas, in the planning and decision-making processes related to climate adaptation and infrastructure development?

3. With the recent changes to stormwater rating based on land use, how will this affect funding allocation for stormwater infrastructure improvements in both urban and rural areas?

4. Considering the vulnerabilities exposed in water infrastructure during Cyclone Gabrielle and Cyclone Tam, what steps are being taken to ensure the security and resilience of water supply systems, particularly in remote communities?

5. How does the Council's planning align with the Te Tai Tokerau Climate Adaptation Strategy and the National Adaptation Plan? Are there collaborative efforts with neighboring councils or regional bodies to address shared climate risks?

Thank you for your time and dedication to the wellbeing of our district.

Yours faithfully,

Steve S