Transtion Network and Local Government

Transition Communities are community-led initiatives focused on building local resilience and creating low-carbon, sustainable communities. we often involve engaging with local government to implement changes and address issues like energy transport and waste.. Transition Communities aim to shift away from reliance on fossil fuels and towards a more self-sufficient and sustainable future. Transition Communities have always had a focus on community resilience.

Our early work was based on Climate Mitigation.Since the Auckland floods in January 2023, we are working on projects for Climate Adaptation

How does Grey Lynn 2030 Transition Community engage with Auckland Council and Waitemata Local Board – our branches of  local government:

Collaboration and Engagement:

• Transition Communities often actively engage with local councils and local boards to work towards shared goals.
   
• We may collaborate on projects related to waste reduction, energy efficiency, or community development.
   
• Local government can provide resources, support, and funding for Transition Communities initiatives.
   
• Transition Communities Totnes serves as an example of a local council actively working with a Transition Communities.
   

Advocacy and Policy Change:

• Transition Communities can advocate for policies and regulations that support sustainable practices and local resilience.
   
• we may work to influence local planning decisions and promote sustainable development initiatives.
   
• Transition Network provides a platform for these initiatives to connect and share ideas.
  

Community Building:

• Transition Communities emphasise community participation and local action.
   
• We organise events, workshops, and community projects that bring people together and foster a sense of shared purpose.
   
• Local governments can support these efforts by providing venues, resources, or funding for community initiatives.
   

• Inspiring Communities highlights how Transition Communities can create change within a city. 
• https://transitionnetwork.org/ provides a platform for sharing ideas and initiatives from groups all over the world
• www.greylynn2030.co.nz  is aTransition Communities working within Auckland Council and Waitemata Local Board.
   

An essential part of the Transition model is visioning: belief in a positive vision of the future and the work to make it real. Local government candidates who have a similar vision to us, we support.

We are motivated to ‘do Transition’ for all sorts of reasons: to get to know new people; to make a difference in our community; because climate change feel more manageable if addressed at a local scale; to catalyse new community led projects, learn new skills; and simply becaise it is ‘the right thing to do’.

In practice, Grey Lynn 2030 works by inviting people to take ownership of a process; by not claiming to have all the answers but encouraging action, and by building networks with other organisations. The movement is based on ‘project support’: the role of Transition is to catalyse and support, rather than to hold and manage a wide range of projects.

In essence, Transition Communities are not just about individual actions, but about creating a collective movement that engages with local government and works towards a more sustainable and resilient future.