Abstract: New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (NZETS) was introduced with much fanfare in 2008. This mechanism centralizes control of greenhouse gas emissions in the hands of central government, enabling implementation of a ‘least cost to the economy’ policy. However, evidence shows the NZETS on its own is unlikely to ensure emission reduction targets are met. Meanwhile, centralisation coupled with legislative change is making it more difficult for local authorities, such as Auckland Council, to contribute to meeting these targets. This may make New Zealand’s approach to mitigation moribund. This paper critically assesses New Zealand’s legislative and policy framework for climate change mitigation, using New Zealand's largest city Auckland as a case study. It summarizes Auckland’s current emissions profile before examining Auckland Council’s response to climate change, as expressed in the Auckland Plan. The paper then assesses whether the mitigation aspirations contained in the Auckland Plan have been translated into concrete planning mechanisms within Auckland’s first Unitary Plan. Finally, the paper will comment on how Auckland Council may pursue an effective climate change mitigation programme in an unsupportive legislative environment.