The draft National Adaptation Plan, the government’s first formal plan for adapting to the climate crisis, proposes actions for the next six years to tackle effects including floods, fire, drought and sea-level rise. It prioritises reforming resource management, reviewing emergency management, and bringing in laws to support managed retreat.

However Tim Grafton, Insurance Council chief executive, would like to see adaptation legislation introduced sooner than proposed in the plan.

“They are hoping to introduce the Climate Change Adaptation Act before the end of 2023 and it might not be passed until 2024. Does that mean we’ll actually be doing something about it in 2025?”

He says climate adaptation has long been “the poor cousin” in the response to climate change, compared to emissions reduction. “There has been insufficient urgency and focus on reducing risks from the impacts of climate change. It needs to be addressed.”

Grafton says it is good to see a foundational plan in place now. “Climate change impacts will become more frequent and more impactful. We need to be prepared.”

He also welcomed the plan’s focus on managed retreat. “Managed retreat is subject to a special targeted consultation, which is very helpful.”

The Insurance Council will be consulting with members to develop a submission to the plan. “One of the key issues we need to think about is building back better.”

He says current insurance requirements to restore a house to pre-flood condition may no longer be appropriate as extreme weather events become more common. “We need to think about elevating floor levels and looking at smarter thinking around flood defences. There are a range of things around now we can do better to reduce risk in the future. We need to have a long view.”

IPCC author welcomes plan

Professor Bronwyn Hayward, Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Canterbury, welcomed the National Adaptation Plan but says the government has an enormous and urgent task ahead after years of inaction.

“The recent horrendous floods in Durban, South Africa, which devastated an entire city, have sparked calls for criminal charges to be laid against leaders in government and the private sector who failed to plan to protect customers and citizens. This is a stark reminder that planning for climate change isn’t a long-term concern any more, it has become an urgent priority for all of us: governments, businesses and every community.”

She says the national climate plan will bring New Zealand in line with 170 other countries and major cities that have adaptation plans. “We will then share a global challenge: putting these plans into action in an increasingly dangerous climate.”

Hayward says it’s encouraging that the draft plan acknowledges the importance of integrated actions, in line with the IPCC’s goal of combining adaptation with reducing emissions.

“Best adaptation planning practice also tells us decision-making is most effective when it is inclusive, transparent, and focused on protecting the most vulnerable first. And so it is also encouraging that the principle of protecting vulnerable people is front and centre of the draft discussion plan.”

She says it is important the government works with communities from the start. “This climate plan sets out a specific process for planning by and with Mâori, and also notes the importance of planning for action with rural communities, disabled and the elderly, children, and Pacific neighbours.”

Nature needs to be at heart of adaptation: Forest & Bird

Nicola Toki, Forest and Bird Chief Executive, says nature needs to be at the heart of the adaptation plan. “Nature will help New Zealanders, and our homes and businesses, cope with the unavoidable impacts of climate change but only if we protect nature first.”

She says native forests, wetlands, sand dunes, and mangroves can play a key role in protecting New Zealanders from some of the impacts of climate change.

“When we look after the homes of our native wildlife, we’re also looking after our own communities.”

Toki is pleased the draft plan recognises the importance of nature-based solutions. “Climate change is our biggest challenge as a nation. It is also a unique opportunity to build a more resilient society and improve wellbeing by restoring nature in ways that will help us all thrive well into the future.”

Strategic plan "overdue"

Professor Anita Wreford, AERU, Lincoln University, and Impacts and Implications Programme Lead, Deep South National Science Challenge, says the plan is “highly overdue” in terms of providing strategic direction for adapting to climate change.

She was pleased to see the plan’s fundamental high-level goals: To reduce vulnerability to the impacts of climate change; to enhance adaptive capacity and consider climate change in decisions at all levels; and to strengthen resilience to climate change. “While these are essentially variations on the same goal, they are undoubtedly essential for living with climate change.”

The plan identifies goals in six outcome areas with critical actions to achieve these but Wreford says this part of the plan needs more detail. “I suspect groups waiting in anticipation for this NAP may have hoped for more concrete direction in implementing adaptation to achieve these goals. Principles for implementing adaptation are identified briefly but these are areas that will require much more guidance for decision-makers.”

However, she says the plan is an improvement from New Zealand’s current approach to hazards, “Which has been very reactive and focused on recovery after an event.”

She says the plan is right to emphasise that central government cannot bear all the risks and costs of climate change.

“What is lacking is a clear identification of how the government will manage potential unintended consequences of private sector adaptation and conflicts between groups. I would have liked to have seen more direction on this and a clear identification of the role for central government alongside other groups.”

Overall, she says the plan is a positive step. “Despite some of the gaps and concerns, this NAP may enable New Zealand to make significant developments in planning for and implementing adaptation to climate change.”

Climate Change minister James Shaw is urging all New Zealanders to read the plan and make a submission. “Together, we can help create resilient communities, where our homes and the places we love are protected for generations to come.”