Today EDS launched the final report of Phase 1 of its Climate Adaptation Project. Titled Design Recommendations for a Climate Adaptation Act the report sets out a package of statutory and institutional reforms to enable the country to successfully adapt to
climate risks.
“The need for new legislation has taken on increased urgency given recent climate-related disasters across the country,”
said report author and EDS Policy Director Raewyn Peart.
“It is particularly pleasing that government has adopted a cross-party approach to developing policy in this area
through the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee’s public inquiry into climate adaptation.
“Our three earlier working papers drew on a series of national and international case studies as well as in-depth
interviews with adaptation practitioners on the ground. We also specifically explored adaptation approaches for Māori.
“They highlighted a number of significant gaps in the legal and policy settings for climate adaptation and managed
retreat. These are becoming increasingly concerning as climate change starts to bite.
“What we have done in this report is provide concrete recommendations on how to fill these gaps. These include:A clear purpose for climate adaptationMandatory regional climate change risk assessmentsA National Policy Statement for Natural Hazard Decision-making (with strengthened provisions)A National Environment Standard that requires that subdivision and land use consents are not granted for new
hazard-sensitive development where there is high natural hazard riskAmending existing use rights (with compensation) so residential use can be excluded from areas undergoing managed
retreatRequiring councils to collect information on the number, type and total value of buildings located in areas subject to
high natural hazard riskA statutory framework for local adaptation planning setting out the purpose of plans, when they are to be initiated,
their content and the process to prepare themGiving local adaptation plans legal weight in other decision-making processes (including generating an ‘Adaptation
Overlay’ in district plans)A National Adaptation Fund to help finance the preparation and implementation of local adaptation plans as well as the
acquisition of property for managed retreatNo government funding for adaptation works (such as seawalls and stopbanks) unless a compliant local adaptation plan
identifies the works as part of the preferred adaptation pathwayTailored property acquisition powers for managed retreatA managed retreat compensation scheme enshrined in lawIncentivising risk reduction actions through offering insurance premium discountsA National Adaptation Agency to oversee managed retreatRelocation programmes which set out details of how managed retreat will be undertaken in specific areasClimate Adaptation Reserves for vacated land
“We are hoping our recommendations will inform government consideration of what to include in a new Climate Adaptation
Act. We will be presenting our findings next week to the public inquiry into climate adaptation.
“EDS acknowledges funding support for the project from ASB Bank, Beca, IAG New Zealand, Wellington City Council and
Auckland Council.
“We are currently scoping a second phase of the EDS Climate Adaptation Project and are actively seeking partners and
funding support for our work.
“Adaptation in the face of growing climate hazards is one of the greatest future challenges facing this country. It is
important we get the policy settings right,” concluded Ms Peart.
A copy of the final report can be accessed below