Climate Change Minister Tim Groser denies the Government is passing the buck on dealing with climate change.
A Christchurch City council official has warned whole communities will have to move as global warming takes effect and the Government will need to step in to help local councils cope.
Tim Groser. Photo: AFP
Helen Beaumont of the council's natural environment and heritage unit said coastal areas are already seeing changes caused by encroaching seas, as a result of climate change, and the recent quakes.
She told Radio New Zealand's Sunday Morning programme said councils are working to mitigate those effects, but the Government too will eventually have to act, as was seen post-quake when it set up designated land zones.
"I think the Government does need to look at what the policy will be long term for retreat. I don't think we need to retreat from large areas tomorrow but certainly over the next fifty to one hundred years we will need to consider how we manage that."
Climate Change Minister Tim Groser told the programme the Government is already assisting councils by providing scientific and technical advice.
"I think we're providing leadership but it's also up to people in local communities to step up to the mark and not try and evade their own responsibilities. But we're open to discussion with local government authorities on this - this is very much a work in progress."
Listen to full interviews on Sunday Morning