Rotorua locals have their say on Zero Carbon Bill at Te Ao Marama in Ohinemutu

Ministry for the Environment director of climate change Janine Smith speaks about the Zero Carbon Bill in Rotorua. Photo / Andrew Warner

Locals had their say on the Zero Carbon Bill at a public hui with the director for climate change saying the information they gained was "invaluable".

About 30 people gathered this evening at Te Ao Marama in Ohinemutu to learn more about the bill and to have their say on what they'd like to see included.

They were given the opportunity to vote on the three options for the bill, Net Zero Carbon Dioxide, Net Zero Long-Lived Gases and Stabilised Short-Lived Gases or Net Zero Emissions, have their say on a wall mural and ask any questions about the bill.

The Rotorua meeting was particularly special because it is the only one of the 15 held around the country to be hosted by local iwi.

Ministry for the Environment director of climate change Janine Smith said they had an interesting discussion earlier in the day with Te Arawa Lakes Trust.

"Tonight is for us to hear from the community, their issues and their ideas, then take that and use it to help to inform good laws that will serve the next generation."

She said after 13 sessions they were still hearing something new at every stop of the tour.

"It has been a very valuable experience.

"The richness of the information we have learned through this experience we can't replicate or supplicate through other methods."

The bill itself has not been drafted yet and Smith said that was to get as much community feedback first as they could.

So far the bill has received about 4000 submissions, she said.

She said the Te Arawa perspective had been particularly important.

"We can't do our job well as public servants without having that perspective.

"We really want to thank Te Arawa for giving us the opportunity."

Heather Sayer, a member of Forest & Bird, said she wanted to become better informed and educated about the bill.

"I've looked at the website and it's something Forest & Bird strongly support.

"As a 75-year-old I'm very concerned about the legacy we're going to leave."

Geoff Ogilvie said he had come along because he's a "greenie".

"I'm invested in what my grandkids may or may not have in the future."

He said he was feeling pessimistic about the impact he could have on the bill but was optimistic that we would become extinct.

"Everything that breathes oxygen will be extinct in the near term because of what we're doing to the environment."