The state of Tauranga's environment is under review by the Tauranga City Council.

Environment Committee chairman Steve Morris says residents' input and views are essential for the project.

The Environment Committee is asking for the community to share its views on the city environment as it is today, and its aspirations for Tauranga's environmental future, via an online survey.

The intent is to create a city-wide environment strategy in collaboration with partners and the community.

'We live in a fantastic place, surrounded by environmental treasures. We need to maintain and improve the quality of our natural environment,” says Steve.

'It plays such an important role in our quality of life, and in our attractiveness as a city to visitors, future residents and even investors. And most of all we need to preserve a healthy, beautiful and sustainable environment for our children, while supporting the growth of our city.”

The environment strategy will explore atmosphere and climate, air quality, freshwater, marine and coast, and land – including natural environments and resource management. The environment strategy will also consider the linkages with other council functions, like the role of transport and urban form.

'What do you think are the most pressing environmental issues we are facing? What are our opportunities? This is our chance to define our environmental aspirations for the city and understand what we need to change to achieve them. Please take the survey and tell us what you think”, says Steve.

The survey will be open until Friday September 1, and the community's feedback will contribute to shaping the environment strategy.

Steve wants the strategy to ensure Tauranga grows in a way that protects and enhances the natural resources, demonstrating kaitiakitanga (guardianship) over the environment.

Tauranga is experiencing unprecedented growth and change.

Nationally and locally there is an increasing focus on preserving the quality of the natural environment, which is vulnerable to degradation as the city's population grows.

Tauranga City Council has set an aspirational goal for Tauranga to be an internationally competitive city with a higher standard of living for all.

The city environment is a foundation of the city, the pride of the community and a key asset that attracts people to Tauranga to live, do business and play, says Steve.