Wellington Suburbs to be first Carbon-Neutral Communities

Two suburbs in Wellington, New Zealand, have set an ambitious goal: to become the world’s first carbon-neutral communities.

The Ngaio and Crofton Downs Residents’ Association is leading the effort, with support from Wellington City Council, which recently granted them nearly $30,000 to help engage local residents in the project.

Mayor Tory Whanau praised the initiative, calling it both ambitious and admirable. She highlighted the growing concerns about climate change, pointing to extreme weather events in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, and even Los Angeles. Whanau hopes other suburbs will be inspired by this grassroots movement and take similar steps toward reducing carbon emissions.

The grant comes from the council’s Climate and Sustainability Fund, which has provided $700,000 for environmental projects since 2022. Previous funding has supported bike repair programs, waste reduction efforts, and community gardens, all working toward a more sustainable city.

Ian Turk, chair of the Residents’ Association, believes the community-driven nature of the project will be key to its success. He noted that many residents are already involved in sustainable activities, and even the local Ngaio Union Church is helping people measure their carbon footprints.

The first step in the project is to gather data. Organisers aim to have 50 households use the Future Fit carbon calculator within three months. This will help establish a baseline for the community’s emissions and track progress. With a combined population of about 35,000, these initial participants will be an important starting point.