With the local body elections coming up in October the release of guidance documents by Local Government NZ makes for some helpful reading when deciding on how the councils are performing.

The maturity index is a good 'ready reckoner' will quickly allow you to determine where your council sits in terms of climate policy maturity. The categories are:

• Starting out

• Making progress

• Developed

• Leading

While there is a list of questions that elected members need to consider the questions are a good to pitch at those seeking election.

If you have a bit more time on your hands have a read of their guidance document titled "Exposed: Climate change and infrastructure"