I've lost track of the number of States of Emergency in 2026, thanks to wind and rain, mainly.

Weather 'Evacuate now: River breaches banks as 200mm of rain slams Kaikoura A state of emergency has been declared, parts of SH1 are closed, abandoned cars are lining the side of a highway and areas have lost power.

Isn't it well past time for our government, and in fact everyone, to start acting urgently on climate change — to deflect it, not just to remediate after events?