The national adaptation plan looks at the impacts of climate change with us now and in the future and sets out how New Zealand can adapt.
This story gives us an idea of what the adaptation plan looks like in real life. It gives us a glimpse of how we can change how we do things to thrive in a different climate to the one we’ve had.
Because it’s situated on an island wedged between the Buller and Orowaiti rivers, the Westport community is facing significant challenges in adapting to the effects of climate change.
Severe floods in July 2021 and February 2022 caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, and the Buller District Council required central government funding to help with the recovery.
The July 2021 event was the largest direct measurement of river flow ever recorded in Aotearoa. It flooded over 400 houses, incurred insurance costs of around $56 million, and people had to be temporarily housed elsewhere.
Modelling suggests the Westport community is at high risk of more floods, with climate change expected to increase their frequency and severity. Repeated flooding is obviously worrying for the community who want to reduce the risk and protect the places where they live and work.
An important and effective adaptation action is investing more in flood risk reduction. Every $1 invested in flood protection schemes results in a $6 return on investment.
A number of risk reduction initiatives are underway locally:
Adaptation is complex and can be expensive. Many Westport locals are on low incomes so this will be a challenge for them and councils.
The Department of Internal Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency, local iwi and councils are exploring new funding and financing models for co-investing in flood risk reduction and climate adaptation for Westport.
This includes looking at how costs could be more equitably shared between central and local government, and between the community, private sector and other asset owners.
Image: Nomad Audio & Video
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