Independent climate adaptation report released

The Ministry for the Environment has released the final report of the Independent Reference Group on climate adaptation.

The group was established to hear insights from members' experience of making decisions on adaptation challenges

The group's report contains independent recommendations for developing a new adaptation system. It is not Government policy, but adds to the range of evidence and insights being considered as the national adaptation framework is developed.

The group makes recommendations across three broad areas:

• Firstly, it suggests that New Zealanders need easy access to information about the way natural hazards could impact them, so they can make informed decisions.

• Secondly, it suggests that those who benefit most from investments to reduce the risks from climate change should generally contribute more. However, the group recommends that the Government should invest where there are wider national benefits. It suggests support may be appropriate for particularly vulnerable areas with less ability to pay.

• Thirdly, the group says New Zealanders should be responsible for knowing their risks and making their own decisions, unless there is risk to life. As part of this, the group suggests property values and the cost of ownership such as insurance premiums or mortgages should reflect the changing level of risk, and any financial support after a disaster should not be tied to the value of affected properties. It also says Iwi/hapū/Māori should be empowered and resourced to make local adaptation decisions for whenua Māori and Māori assets.