The Nelson Tasman Climate Forum and Tasman Environmental Trust hosted a series of zoom sessions where both mayoral and council candidates were invited to answer questions about the role they intend to play in elevating the climate conversation and advocating for climate conscious policies.

The recent weather events brought home how important it is to have representatives at the local government level who understand the causes of climate change, and its effects.

Drawing on a set of prepared questions elicited from The Forum, our candidates were challenged on their climate credentials and aspirations.

Our hope is that these sessions will give voters a useful overview of their options while highlighting to the candidates that there is a public expectation that climate change should be at the forefront of their thinking and their actions.

If you are interested in climate change mitigation at the local governance level, and want to hear from the candidates on this subject, these videos are for you.

Candidates in attendance: Stuart Gordon Bryant, Richard Osmaston, Dean McNamara, and Sharon Rogers.