Warnings from mayor K Gurunathan about the sleeping giant of climate change have been backed by Waikanae conservationist Russell Bell.
He said the mayor, in his weekly column on February 28, was "right on the money" and recognised the extreme local weather events of the past two years and international weather events.
"The mayor connected climate change, wetlands, stormwater systems, rates and long-term plans.
"Council must plan for a climate change future to keep our infrastructure functioning and property protected, but those in power also need to slow down and stop climate change itself."
Mr Bell is advocating wetland restoration as one of the weapons against climate change.
He has asked Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) to stop farming and re-wet Queen Elizabeth Park's extensive peat lands.